Six Months Later: Still Unruly, Still Reinventing

Six months ago, just eight days before my 40th birthday, I sat down and wrote the post you’re about to read. I poured my heart into it. I was feeling all the feels. Deep reflection. A little fear. A lot of excitement. I had every intention of hitting publish, but… life.

So here we are. It’s July 18th—my half-birthday. And I’m rereading what I wrote with fresh eyes and a very different perspective.

Before I say more, I want to honor that moment in time. The words were valid then, and they’re still true now. So here’s what I wrote:

Your Girl Is Turning 40: My Year of Unruly Reinvention

As I stand at the doorstep of a new decade, I find myself reflecting on a powerful journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Turning 40 isn’t just a milestone. It’s a moment to celebrate the woman I’ve become and embrace the woman I’m still evolving into. This year, I’m calling it my Year of Unruly Reinvention.

Five years ago, I launched I Am Candice Elizabeth, a platform to share my story, uplift others, and spark change. But the truth is, my journey was just beginning. I was still learning to peel back the layers of societal expectations, self-imposed limitations, and the fear of standing out. Now, as I step boldly into my 40s, I’m breaking the rules that no longer serve me, embracing my individuality, and daring to be unruly.

Unbecoming: Lessons from Shelah Marie’s

Unruly

One of the books that’s been instrumental in my journey is Shelah Marie’s Unruly. Shelah’s words challenged me to confront the box I’ve lived in for far too long. A box built by cultural norms, past trauma, and the pressure to conform. Her insights about unapologetically owning your truth resonated deeply.

Here’s a quote that hit me hard:

“You can’t truly know yourself while being everything for everybody else.”

This year, I’m putting that wisdom into practice. I’m prioritizing myself. My needs. My voice. My dreams. Without guilt. I’ve realized that being unruly doesn’t mean being reckless. It means redefining my boundaries, rejecting what no longer fits, and creating a life that feels authentic to me.

One of my goals is to meet Shelah Marie in person. She lives here in Atlanta, and I dream of attending one of her Unruly retreats. To learn from her directly, to immerse myself in a space where unapologetic self-expression is celebrated, feels like the perfect way to honor this season of my life.

The Art of Reinvention: Insights from Pamela Mitchell

In addition to Unruly, I’ve been inspired by Pamela Mitchell’s book, Mastering the Skill of Reinvention. As a fellow Thunderbird School of Global Management alumna, her strategies for navigating change feel both practical and empowering.

Pamela emphasizes the importance of embracing reinvention as a skill, not just a one-time event. One of her key principles is:

“Start where you are, with what you have, and take one small step every day.”

This approach has been transformative for me. Instead of overwhelming myself with the idea of complete reinvention, I’ve broken it down into manageable steps. Whether it’s setting new boundaries, pursuing creative passions, or even planning for my business ventures, I’m taking intentional, unrushed actions toward my goals.

Unruly + Reinvention = My Best Self

Combining the lessons from Unruly and Mastering the Skill of Reinvention, I’m crafting a blueprint for my 40s that’s bold, authentic, and fearless. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Unbecoming: Shedding beliefs, habits, and roles that no longer serve me

2. Redefining Rules: Writing my own playbook for what success, happiness, and fulfillment look like

3. Daily Evolution: Embracing small, meaningful steps toward my goals

4. Connection: Seeking out spaces and communities that align with my values and energy

This isn’t just a personal journey. It’s a shared one. Through I Am Candice Elizabeth, I hope to inspire other women to embrace their own unruly reinvention. It’s never too late to unbecome who the world told you to be and step into the person you were always meant to be.

As I step into my 40s, I’m more excited than ever to live authentically, unapologetically, and intentionally. Here’s to breaking boxes, breaking rules, and becoming our best selves together.

And now here we are. Six months later.

Whew. So much has changed.

This year really has been a masterclass in unruly reinvention. The very organization I thought I’d be building with in the long term told me I'd need to relocate to keep my position. And just like that, everything shifted.

I’ve been navigating a mix of emotions. Gratitude. Frustration. Freedom. Fear. And possibility. I’m being stretched and called to trust myself on a whole new level.

So what’s next?

Right now, I’m sitting in the unknown. I’m exploring new opportunities. I’m honoring what I’ve built and giving myself permission to evolve. I don’t have all the answers. But I know this is sacred ground.

This is the messy middle of reinvention. The part where you don’t have a title or a plan or a clear path. Just a whole lot of faith, a commitment to your purpose, and a sprinkle of Delulu to keep going.

I’m learning to embrace the moment. To be bold in the waiting. To believe bigger.

This is what 40 looks like for me.

Unruly. Unboxed. And becoming.

Thanks for still being here.

Love,

Candice Elizabeth