Why I Ditched Society's Rulebook at 30 (And Created My Own Pinterest Revolution)

I remember sitting in my favorite coffee shop, staring at my reflection in the window, wondering why I felt so... different. Have you ever had that moment where your emotions feel like a tangled ball of yarn, and you can't quite find the beginning? That was me trying to understand what triggered these feelings - was it that phone call? That social media post? That random text that sent my mind spinning?

Let me take you on a journey - my journey of becoming. I'm Shay and like many women navigating their thirties, I found myself at a crossroads. This isn't just my story; it's about transformation that might feel familiar to you, too.

Picture this: society's checklist for your thirties. Marriage? Check. Children? Check. Dream house? Check. Thriving career? Check. Retirement planning? Check. Oh, and don't forget to maintain that perfect work-life balance while you're at it! Sound exhausting? That's because it is. No wonder we're all feeling overwhelmed.

But here's where my story takes an unexpected turn. Instead of letting these expectations weigh me down, I had what I call my "Pinterest Epiphany." Yes, you read that right! While most people use Pinterest for recipe ideas, I turned it into my life's vision board. Every board became a chapter of the woman I wanted to become—from her morning routine to her reading habits, from her style choices to her wellness journey.

The real game-changer? Realizing that change doesn't have to be something that happens to us - we can be the architects of our own transformation. Think about it: how often do we resist change because it feels forced upon us? Whether it's a friendship drifting apart, a relationship ending, or a sudden move to a new city - change often feels like an unwelcome guest.

But what if we flipped the script? What if, instead of waiting for life to change us, we took the reins? That's exactly what I did. I started making intentional choices about who I wanted to become. When I walk into a store now, I'm not just shopping - I'm curating pieces for the next version of myself. When I plan my day, I'm not just scheduling - I'm creating habits that align with my vision.

One mantra that's become my North Star is simple but powerful: "If it was meant for me, it would be for me." It's amazing how these words can transform your perspective on missed opportunities and unexpected detours. Instead of seeing closed doors as failures, I began to see them as redirections to better paths.

Through weekly (sometimes daily) self-reflection, I've learned to understand myself better than ever before. It's like becoming fluent in your own emotional language—you start to recognize patterns, understand triggers, and, most importantly, learn how to communicate your needs to others.

Here's what I want you to take away from my story: while we can't control time (trust me, I've tried!), we can control how we respond to it. Change isn't just inevitable - it's an opportunity to become who we're meant to be.

So, let me ask you: When you think about change, what emotions surface first? What version of yourself is waiting to emerge? How have your past changes, even the painful ones, shaped who you are today? What changes are you facing right now, and how can you approach them differently? How can you prepare yourself to embrace future changes with open arms?

Remember, this journey of becoming isn't about reaching a destination—it's about continuous growth, learning, and self-discovery. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to becoming your most authentic self.

I wish I'd had someone to walk alongside me during my journey of self-discovery. The truth is, figuring it all out alone was challenging - beautiful, but challenging. That's why I created ElevaShe - not just as a membership, but as the community I needed when I was standing in that coffee shop, staring at my reflection and feeling utterly lost.

If you're nodding your head right now, knowing exactly what that feels like, I want you to know you're not alone anymore. ElevaShe is a circle of women just like you, navigating their own transformations together. We share our Pinterest boards, our morning routines, our setbacks, and our victories.

If you're curious about what this sisterhood could mean for your journey, I'd love to welcome you for a 3-day exploration of our community. No pressure, just connection. Because the path to becoming your most authentic self doesn't have to be a solo journey - unless you want it to be.