Yes, t’s harder to dazzle us, but easier to move us – but only if you know where to aim.
We’ve outgrown just the fireworks. Now, the bar for “impressed” sits somewhere between seen it and not buying it. But inspiration? That still resonates.
Now: We’re BetterEDITORS.
We have a few years and many many experiences under our belts now. We are a lot more in tune with ourselves, our desires and what we are now wanting. So it was only a matter of time that we became much better at knowing what truly impresses us – and what’s all for show.
We’ve always been our own ‘editor’ but now – we’ve sharpened our senses to a point that we know how to actually edit life differently.
The bar might be higher, but the joy we crave is deeper.
A NEWThreshold.
Lately I’ve realised my threshold for being “impressed” keeps climbing. But inspired? That can happen in a second – when someone keeps a promise, when something goes from ideation to action, when something moves me. I’ve outgrown things that are just ‘spectacles’ for the sake of it. We see through the BS much quicker now – it’s not being cynical, it’s just knowing in your gut and your head – and trusting it. I want resonance -the kind you feel in your chest. That’s what holds my interest now. That’s what I find inspiring.
So is being hard to impress a bad thing? Absolutely not. It’s discerning. It’s real.
“I like when things give me goosebumps. It means it’s really struck a chord with me. It’s captured not only my attention, but I am intrigued. I feel a flicker of inspiration. I love being inspired more than anything – it creates a certain energy. It’s where my curiosity get’s to roam freely.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic
What inspires you now and
what gives you goosebumps?
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
photograph of wild horses running in the steppe, brown and white, grainy film filter, minimalist, kodak portra film, cinematic, in the style of Monia Merlo –ar 35:57 Job ID: e2b26c11-f31f-41a8-87e0-4d6d6ce7c07a
The POWER We All Have
There’s something magical that starts to happen in midlife.
You realise you’ve spent decades collecting insight — facts, patterns, frameworks, evidence, experiences. And just as suddenly, your instinct starts to get louder. Not louder in volume. Louder in clarity.
The gut pulls that once felt like noise now feel like knowing. The flashes of intuition that once felt inconvenient now feel undeniable.
And somewhere along the way, we realise that we don’t have to choose one over the other.
The new power? It comes from learning to hold and use, both.
Insight: The MUSCLE You Built
Let’s be clear. You didn’t get here by winging it. You worked hard. You analysed. You listened. You endured. You lived. You learned the difference between hype and reality. Between story and substance. Between what’s nonsense BS and what actually matters.
You can read a room, a brief, a person. You can anticipate outcomes. You know what happens when people talk too fast, promise too much, sell too early. We have honed these skills over four or more decades now.
That’s our insight. It’s not just intellect — it’s pattern recognition. It’s lived experience. It’s data you carry in your bones.
But insight is only one side of the story.
Instinct: The VOICE That Was Always There
Instinct doesn’t shout. It nudges us. It tugs at us. It stirs somewhere in our gut that we can’t quite put our finger on.
It’s the “something’s off” before you know why. It’s the moment you’re about to sign, and your body says no. It’s the moment you are not so sure about someone or something, but you can’t explain why.
Instinct isn’t always rational. But it’s deeply intelligent. It’s our subconscious pulling on thousands of micro-data points before our brain can catch up.
In your 20s, you possibly ignored it. You doubted it. Now? We’d be fools not to listen.
Why Midlife Women Are the ULTIMATEBalancers of Both
Because we’ve had to be. Quite simple really.
We’ve spent years in boardrooms, bedrooms, hospitals, offices, schools. We’ve seen what happens when people follow logic without heart. And we’ve seen what happens when people follow vibes without vision.
Midlife isn’t about becoming more cautious or more impulsive. It’s about becoming fluent in both of these languages and learning to balance them more than ever before.
“Insight for me, has always been about trying to rationalise with fact and experience. Intuition on the other hand, just hits me when I least expect it. I find nowadays, I listen to my gut more than ever before.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic
When Insight Gets in the WAY
Sometimes we’re too smart. We overthink. We talk ourselves out of a yes because we can’t justify it on paper. We stay where it’s safe, because the data says it’s stable.
But the truth is: stability isn’t always success. And sometimes insight can paralyse you with options. Analysis paralysis – we’ve all been in many (business) situations where this is strongly evident!
We forget that not every decision needs a business case. Some just need a feeling.
When INSTINCT Is the Only Thing You Have
And then there are the moments when insight fails you. The job offer looks perfect. The partnership is textbook ideal. The timing seems “right.”
And yet…You feel that flicker. That unease. And you walk away. Or you say yes. Or you shift the entire plan based on a gut pull you couldn’t explain.
And later, you realise: your body knew what your mind couldn’t articulate. That’s instinct. That’s trusting your gut.
How Do We HONOURBoth?
We all find ourselves in this position, day in day out. Sometimes the decisions we face are enormous and life changing, others are just everyday situations. Here’s how we tend to tackle it:
Pause before the plan. Give instinct a seat at your table before you logic it to death.
Validate the feeling. Ask yourself: is this a real no, or just fear?
Cross-check with insight. Gut says go? Great. Now give it some structure.
Decide with your whole self. Not just your brain. Not just your body. All of you.
Midlife truly is the age of integration. We are not just thinkers. We are feelers, knowers, deciders – all encompassing now.
We don’t need to prove we’re smart. We don’t need to explain why we know what we know. We just get to trust that the years have sharpened every part of us.
Close up photo of a white marble sculpture in the corner of a minimal Paris apartment, a classical Greek style head and shoulders figure in the style of Greek sculptures, minimalist aesthetic with cream walls. –ar 35:47 –style raw Job ID: 47388394-56bb-44dd-b72d-487d78a3456a
Insight is our compass.
Instinct is our wind.
Trust both.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
What midlife teaches us about strategy, sacrifice, and finally playing by your own rules.
“If you know (or learning) chess, you will really get where I am coming from here. It’s such a complex ‘game’, yet life is sort of no different. It all depends on the player and the circumstances we find ourselves in. One thing it has definitely taught me – patience!”
creator of maison 1973, Nic
STRATEGY And Sacrifice
There’s a moment somewhere in midlife when the ‘board’ comes into focus. Not just the ‘pieces’ in play, but the patterns. The moves we keep making. The strategies that no longer serve us. The times we gave up the ‘queen’ to keep the peace.
Chess is a metaphor for life, that’s for sure.
Sometimes life is a journey, sometimes a game. Not in a trivial sense. But in the way that every move matters. That nothing is random? That timing is everything? And that, at some point, we get to choose whether we keep reacting or start directing.
So is life a chess game? Maybe. But we’re no longer playing by someone else’s rules.
So let’s play.
Opening MOVES: The Game We Didn’t Know We Were In
In your twenties, you’re the pawn. You move forward because that’s what you were told to do. Get the job. Date the person. Be agreeable. Stay small. Fit in.
You think you’re making progress, but you’re just following the board. You’re not taught to see the game. You’re taught to play your part.
And then one day something breaks. A job. A relationship. A belief. And you start to ask:
We give up comfort to protect our ambition. We give up softness to survive in male-dominated rooms. We give up time with people we love, to prove ourselves.
We’ve played defensively. We’ve waited. We’ve overthought the next move. We’ve stayed still because risk felt reckless.
But the longer you’ve been on the board, the more you start to see: The only way to win is to play your own game.
And maybe to redefine what “winning” even is.
Endgame Energy: When You STOP Playing to Be Liked
Midlife is the endgame energy you didn’t know you needed. You stop trying to charm your way through. You don’t wait for permission to move. You’re not trying to be the knight or the queen or the bishop – you’re the damn board now.
You’re not here to prove anything. You’re here to move with intention.
You’re not scrambling for checkmate.
You’re playing for peace.
“In business and in life, you’re not always the queen. Sometimes you’re the pawn. What matters is how well you know the board.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic
The Rules You Were GIVEN vs. The Rules You Now Write
Remember when the goal was to make it to the other side? To climb the ladder. To get the title. To own the house. To tick the box.
No one told you the game keeps resetting. That you can win by quitting. That you can gain by letting go. That you can love the game and still choose not to play it like everyone else.
Midlife gives you the luxury of rewriting your rules:
You can opt out of performance for performance sake.
You can prioritise presence over perception.
You can stop moving just because everyone else is.
You can take your time and still get to where you want to be.
You can move left, when everyone else moves right.
You can start a new game all over again.
You can analyse all the moves you’ve made so far and decide which direction to take next.
You can become better than you’ve ever been.
You can play the long game. Or a quick one. You choose.
You can set up the board yourself – you don’t need to wait for someone else to do it.
What They Never TOLD You About the Game
They told you it was about being smart. But they never said wisdom would come from mistakes.
They told you it was about staying ten steps ahead. But they never said stillness could be a strategy.
They told you to be tactical. But they never said intuition could be your most powerful move.
They never said you could change the board entirely. That you could burn it down and build something better. That you could play in a way that honours your energy, your values, your version of a good life.
But now you know.
THE maison 1973 Takeaway
Maybe life is a chess game. But at midlife, we stop playing to win by their definition. We start playing with joy, with clarity, and with the full awareness of every move we’ve made to get here.
And that changes everything.
You’re not just another piece on the board. You are the player. The strategist. The whole damn table.
Play wisely. Play freely. And above all, play your game.
Now let’s play.
Get on the board.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
Clarity doesn’t come before movement. It follows it.
“The space ‘in-between’ a vision or idea you have – is not empty. It’s asking for you to move. This has always been the feeling I have had with any work or life decision. I get a vision that just lingers, and then I act upon it. You have to back yourself, otherwise no one else will.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Movement Makes It REAL
There’s a space many of us know intimately – especially now, in midlife.
It’s the place between the spark of an idea…and the moment we act on it.
For some of us, it looks like notebooks filled with half-started plans. For others, it’s a beautiful vision quietly circling in the back of the mind for years, unspoken, unexplored.
We hold these ideas like precious, fragile things. And yet – so often – we hesitate to move.
Not because we’re lazy. Not because we’re indecisive. But because we want it to matter. And we want to feel ready.
The truth is, most of us were never taught how to bridge vision with movement.
Especially not in the ways that honour how women like us work, think, and create.
So this piece is for the ones standing in that quiet space in-between. The women who feel the pull of something they can’t yet name, or the weight of something they can’t yet begin. Let’s explore why that space exists—and how to gently move through it.
The Invisible Frictions That Keep Us STUCK
Let’s name the real things that hold us in the in-between:
Perfectionism: If it’s not flawless, it doesn’t feel worth starting
Overwhelm: Too many options, too much noise, too little focus
Fear of Judgement: Of failing. Of being visible. Of doing it wrong
Comparison: Everyone else seems to have it together.
Past Success: When you’ve been good at something for so long, starting something new feels risky
But beneath all of this is something deeper: fear.
Not the loud kind. The quiet, sophisticated fear that knows how to sound like logic. It tells us:
“What if this doesn’t work?”
“What if I’m not as good as I thought I was?”
“What if people don’t get it, or don’t get me?”
“What if I’m too late?”
Fear whispers doubt in the voice of reason. It dresses up as protection. But often, it’s just delay in disguise.
The pain of the unknown is real. We like control. We like identity. And the in-between space? It threatens both. It’s where old narratives unravel, but new ones haven’t formed yet.
By the time we reach midlife, we’ve collected a powerful inventory: Experience. Discernment. Pattern recognition. Depth. Taste.
But also: Wounds. Hesitations. Responsibilities. Real-world constraints.
The fire is still there. But we use it differently now. We don’t want to burn out. We want to burn brighter.
That’s why the way we move needs to evolve. Not to force movement, but to create conditions for aligned movement.
BRIDGING the Gap: From Idea to Action (maison style)
This isn’t a five-step hustle guide. It’s a reframe. A set of principles that honour how you work best, now. We also shared a simple, practical version on our Instagram page, and here it is explained a little differently:
Start with a feeling, not a headline.
Instead of asking “What’s the outcome?”, ask: “How do I want to feel while doing this?”
Design a rhythm, not a routine.
Routines demand. Rhythms respond. Give your creative energy flow, not force.
Make it tangible, then tiny.
Choose one action that brings the idea into the real world. Email yourself the idea. Buy the domain. Tell one person. Begin.
Release the myth of readiness.
You won’t feel fully ready. You will feel honest. That’s the real start.
Create a container, not a cage.
Give yourself permission to change, reshape, or evolve the idea – without abandoning it. Stick with it.
Detach from perception.
Not everything needs to be seen to be valid. This is yours.
Define success by resonance, not reach.
Does it feel aligned? Are you proud of how it’s unfolding? That’s the measure now.
Back yourself.
You don’t need permission. You don’t need certainty. You need belief.
You are allowed to begin even when you’re still becoming.
Backing yourself doesn’t mean ignoring fear. It means moving with it. It means deciding that your ideas are worth the risk of being misunderstood. It means trusting that what you’ve seen in your mind, you can build in the world.
The Quiet POWER of Just Beginning
It doesn’t have to be dramatic. You don’t need a launch or a grand reveal. You just need a moment.
A moment of courage. A moment of truth. A moment where you back yourself just enough to take the next step.
Movement begets clarity. Clarity begets momentum. And from that? You build something that feels like you.
Not because you rushed it. Not because you followed someone else’s playbook. But because you honoured the space in between.
That space was never empty. It was just waiting for you to move.
You CAN Do This Too
“I didn’t wait to feel ready. I just kept showing up – idea after idea, room after room. I’ve started from scratch more times than I can count. Not because I had it all figured out – but because I trusted the feeling that said, ‘begin anyway‘.
Every step I’ve taken- from launching creative businesses to leading teams – began in the same place: not certainty, but quiet conviction. I know this space well – the hesitation, the ache, the almost-start. But every time I moved, it changed everything.”
There is no map. Just start.
maison 1973
We got this.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
Because wanting the same things as everyone else was never the point was it?
“Some of my wants arrived quietly. Some took their time. The important part I’ve now learnt at this stage in my life – is just letting them belong—without needing to make sense to anyone else.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
What We Had To AskOURSELVES
There’s a quiet question that can change everything in midlife:
What do you actually want?
Not what you were told to want. Not what looks good on paper. Not what other women seem to be chasing.
But you—here, now.
What do you want?
We ask this not as a throwaway prompt, but as a radical act. Because to want differently in a world of sameness is to reclaim your agency, your intuition, your truth. And we have done it and continue to do it.
And that, maison woman – is a kind of freedom most people are too busy to notice.
Let’s explore this further.
The MYTH of the “Right” Want
We’ve been subtly taught that there’s a hierarchy of wants:
A successful career (but not too much success).
A beautiful home (but don’t flaunt it).
A partner, kids, travel, glowing skin, a side hustle, toned arms, a purpose, a plan…oh geez the list goes on.
But so much of that was performance.
What happens when the applause dies down and the to-do list is done? When you finally have the space to sit with your own mind—unfiltered, unscrolled, unprompted?
Wanting differently begins there.
Not with the noise, but with the noticing. Not with the next thing, but with the stillness between things.
“Not everything has to be big. Some of the most important wants barely make a sound.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Wanting WithoutSHAME
The problem with wanting in midlife isn’t desire. It’s judgement.
We’ve been conditioned to judge our own cravings:
Too much.
Too late.
Too selfish.
Too frivolous.
So we dial it down. Make it smaller. Tuck it away.
But Maison isn’t here for small wants. It’s here for honest ones. Expansive ones. Strange, wild, brave ones.
The want to start over. The want to disappear for a while. The want to take up painting. Or silence. Or space.
The want to live less urgently—and more deliberately.
It’s where clarity lives. Where self-trust is built. Where your voice gets loud enough to hear again.
But it’s also a tender space. Because when you start clearing away the external noise, you might find a gap—a space where you’re not sure what you want yet.
That doesn’t mean you’re lost. It means you’re listening.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your longing. You don’t need to wrap it in strategy or make it Instagrammable.
It’s enough to know what pulls at your soul.
And to trust that that’s worth following.
But What If It’s NOTBig?
Wanting differently isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes, it’s subtle. We’ve learnt this over the years and we’re sure you have too.
Wanting:
More mornings without noise.
More books. Less buzz.
A different rhythm.
A deeper friendship.
Time away from urgency. Time closer to the ocean. Time with family.
Just simple thing
There’s nothing wrong with wanting less. There’s something very right about wanting real.
Some wants whisper. Others stir quietly for years before surfacing. Both matter. Both count.
The Role of CURIOSITY
Wanting differently also invites a shift in how we relate to our own desire.
Instead of chasing answers, we start asking better questions:
What am I drawn to lately?
What have I stopped pretending to enjoy?
What would feel like relief—not just reward?
These aren’t checklist questions. They’re invitation questions—open-ended, evolving, and generous. We’ve become so accustomed to hacks and tips and everything being in bite size, that we have almost become afraid to seek insight, ask questions, let the answers sit with us awhile. In midlife this becomes more powerful than ever before.
Sometimes, just asking is the breakthrough. Being curious is such a lost art nowadays.
We created this space because we saw it: the women quietly craving more—but also craving differently.
Not louder. Not shinier. Not faster.
Just…truer.
Maison 1973 is for the woman who wants with intention. Who’s ready to tune out the noise. Who trusts that her path may look different—because it should.
Because insight is more powerful than instruction.
THE maison 1973 Takeaway
Start by asking yourself: What do I want now? What no longer fits? What have I been scared to say out loud?
And then give yourself permission to want differently.
Because when the wanting is real, it’s already enough.
For women who’ve stopped performing—and started becoming.
maison 1973
Let’s ask the questions.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
The question isn’t whether you want to work. Of course you do.
The question is: how do you want to work now?
The maison 1973 woman isn’t retiring. She’s refining.
Let’s explore this new terrain we find ourselves in as the women of Generation X today.
And if you find yourself still standing at the edge of change, you might also like to read “You’ve Earned This Room” — a manifesto for the woman who’s done proving herself, and is ready to own the space she built.
“I’ve worked hard all my life. Led teams, built brands, fixed businesses that were failing, navigated health issues and yet still held it all together — often at the same time. What I care about now is building something that feels good — not just looks good on paper. Work has to mean more. It has to fit. And that’s the shift no one prepared us for.””
creator maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Part I: What No One TOLD Us About Work (And What We’ve Learned Anyway)
For many Gen X women, work was never optional. It was expectation. Necessity. Identity. A structure we learned to operate inside, even when it didn’t serve us.
We were told to have it all. So we tried. And while we were working hard (often invisibly), the world kept shifting the rules.
We got degrees. Promotions. Kids. Titles. Fatigue. We made ourselves indispensable, adaptable, responsible. We worked through pregnancies, sick days, and grief. We worked when we weren’t paid fairly. Often, we worked twice as hard for half the recognition. We worked in heels, in uniforms, in flats on concrete floors, in after-hours silence, in crowded classrooms.
And we’re still working. But now? We want it to mean something.
“We were the first generation told we could be anything. But no one taught us how to stop, shift, or say no without guilt.”
For some, work meant financial independence. For others, it was about survival. Many of us navigated single parenting, redundancies, restructures, or re-entry into the workforce after time away. We juggled part-time contracts, freelance work, multiple jobs, or unpaid care labour alongside it all.
We built side hustles before the term existed. We said yes when we didn’t want to. We said no far too late. And we carried the mental load through every single version of it.
Midlife brings clarity—but also confrontation. You start to see what you’ve outgrown. You notice how much you’ve tolerated. And you begin to feel the cost of staying small, invisible, or overextended.
We hear it all the time here at maison:
“I’m good at this job. But I’m done being treated like I’m lucky to be here.”
“I don’t want to climb anymore. I want to create.”
“I feel like I missed my chance…but I also know I’m just getting started.”
“I love the idea of starting something new. But I’m scared shitless.”
“I can’t keep doing it like this. Something has to change.”
There’s no roadmap for this chapter. Only instincts, hints, and the quiet urge to claim something more honest.
According to a 2023 study by Women in Work, over 60% of Gen X women reported feeling “unseen” or “undervalued” in their current roles. And yet, they are starting new businesses at a higher rate than any other female demographic.
We’re underpaid, overqualified, and underestimated. But we’re also waking up. The dreams that used to feel frivolous now feel essential.
And it’s not about ambition fading. It’s about ambition evolving.
Part III: A Working Life, REIMAGINED
Here’s the truth: Work is not just what we’re paid for. It’s the labour of care. Of showing up. Of reinvention. Of navigating burnout while pretending we’re fine.
It’s doing the job and thinking ahead to dinner. It’s mentoring younger colleagues while booking appointments for aging parents. It’s logging off at 10pm, then logging back in for your kids. It’s waking up tired and still doing it all over again. We do this – every single day.
And now? We’re rewriting the rules. For some of us, that means:
Leaving toxic environments
Negotiating flexibility without shame
Launching that side idea we’ve carried for years (hellomaison 1973!)
Deciding that a smaller life might actually be a richer one
Saying no to the meetings, the guilt, the mental clutter
Some are returning to study. Some are opening shops. Some are finally allowing themselves to rest. Some are rebuilding after layoffs or leaving industries they no longer trust.
“I finally realised I didn’t need to ask permission to want more. Or less. Or different. I just needed to ask myself what felt right.”
And that’s the question we keep coming back to: What feels right now?
Part IV: The COST Of Staying The Same
There is a cost to doing work that doesn’t honour you.
Sometimes it’s subtle: irritability, disconnection, a low-grade sense of dread. Other times it’s more severe: burnout, illness, collapse.
Midlife is often the moment you realise: the old version of work is unsustainable. It’s not about dropping everything and moving to the country (though for some, that’s the dream). It’s about recognising what’s no longer working — and having the courage to imagine something new.
Because your nervous system, your time, your creativity, and your energy deserve care.
“What I used to tolerate now feels impossible. That’s how I knew I was ready to change.”
Part V: A Self Check-IN (The maison Way)
As we have (and still continue to do), ask yourself:
What kind of work energises me now?
What have I been afraid to admit isn’t working?
Where am I undervaluing my experience?
What’s calling me that I’ve been avoiding?
What version of success actually excites me?
What would I do if I weren’t trying to prove anything?
What would I try if I weren’t afraid of failing?
These questions don’t demand a life overhaul. But they might just start one. Quietly. Sustainably. On your terms.
Explore our complimentary downloadable journals which are designed to effectively capture and assist in planning out your thoughts and goals.
Part VI: What Work Looks Like NOW
It looks like you, taking the reins.
It looks like confidence without performance.
It looks like boundaries without guilt.
It looks like slowness without fear.
It looks like ambition that has nothing to prove.
It looks like walking out of a role you’ve outgrown.
Or finally sending that email.
Or rewriting your LinkedIn bio to sound like you.
Or just saying, “This matters to me.”
You don’t owe the world your exhaustion. You owe yourself a life that fits.
This isn’t about starting over. This is about starting on purpose.
There comes a point in your career — and your life — where you realise you no longer need permission.
You don’t need to ask to be in the room. You are the room.
You’ve spent decades building experience, navigating politics, overcoming bias, leading quietly and loudly, shaping businesses, shaping lives. And for too long, you’ve likely done it while downplaying your power, softening your edges, or waiting for someone to finally say, “you’re ready.”
“I didn’t arrive here by accident. I built this space — I’m not proving myself anymore. I’m just doing the work — my way, in my voice, on my terms and I’m not shrinking to fit it. For so many of us Gen X women, this is how we truly feel. It’s our time to start living it. What an incredible sense of freedom that really is.”
creator maison 1973, Nic Tierney
The MYTH Of Proving Yourself
For many Gen X women, work wasn’t just ambition. It was survival.
We entered boardrooms, classrooms, clinics, studios — spaces that were never designed with us in mind — and made ourselves fit. We adapted. Translated. Absorbed the culture around us and then bent ourselves into shapes that felt acceptable.
Smile more. Don’t interrupt. Stay later. Don’t outshine. Say yes — even when you wanted to scream no.
We became fluent in a silent, unspoken language: the one where our value had to be earned twice as hard, for half as much recognition. We were trained — sometimes explicitly, sometimes invisibly — to make others feel comfortable at our own expense.
So we became excellent. Efficient. Relentless.
We took pride in being the dependable ones, the ones who didn’t drop the ball, who could carry more weight than most — even when we were never acknowledged for it.
We over-performed. We over-prepared. We made it look easy.
And quietly, we hoped someone would notice. Someone would finally say, “You’ve done enough.” That moment rarely came.
The truth is, many of us were never given a seat. So we built our own table — plank by plank, with vision, grit, and quiet courage — and when we did, we made sure to pull out chairs for other women, too.
But now?
Now we’re done trying to earn a place we’ve already created. We no longer hustle for validation. We don’t need someone to tap us on the shoulder and say we’re ready.
We’ve been ready. And the results — the years of lived experience, steely clarity, and inner calm — speak for themselves.
You don’t need to talk the loudest in the meeting to hold the most authority. Your presence is power. Your experience is strategy. Your voice carries weight because it comes with wisdom.
The maison woman knows how to command a room without demanding one. She leads with clarity, not ego. She understands when to speak, when to listen, and when to leave.
True power isn’t performative. It’s intentional. And she’s spent enough years watching others be rewarded for less to know what she brings is not only enough — it’s invaluable.
“I have always been results driven in business. But above all, I have always built an incredible team where mutual respect is at the forefront. My proudest achievements are seeing the people I have worked with, flourish. To have the privilege to lead and mentor a team is an honour.”
The Currency Of VALUE
By midlife, we’ve learned: your time, energy, and intellect are currency. And if you’re not naming your value, someone else is underestimating it.
Negotiation isn’t a conflict — it’s a conversation. One you’re now fluent in. You know what you’re worth.
Boundaries are a professional strength. They protect what you’ve built. And if someone sees them as resistance, they were never going to respect the fullness of your work anyway.
We see and hear this way too often as women in the workplace – underestimating our value and what we bring to the table. It’s important to acknowledge how far you have come, what you have learnt along the way and what true value you offer.
No one defines our value. We define it.
Rerouting Isn’t Failure – It’s STRATEGY
Let’s be clear: choosing change is not an admission of defeat. It’s a mark of intelligence.
You don’t stay where you’re not learning. You don’t keep proving yourself to people who don’t get it.
Realigning your path — whether that’s through consulting, creating, stepping back, or starting something new — isn’t a breakdown. It’s precision.
Maybe you’re trading the title for freedom. Maybe you’re reworking your role to better fit your life. Maybe you’re finally doing the thing you were never “qualified” for, but always knew you could do.
This isn’t a pivot. It’s power.
the maison 1973 takeaway
This Is The Room You Built:
Every meeting you led.
Every no you suppressed.
Every yes you fought for.
Every person you mentored.
Every deal you closed.
Every thing you created.
Every time you kept going when it was hard, when it was lonely, when it felt like you weren’t seen — it counted.
And if you’re still here? Still evolving? Still choosing to show up and do the work your way. That’s not resilience. That’s revolution. You didn’t just arrive here. You earned this room.
Now own it. And make space for the women coming next.
There’s a moment—sometimes gradual, sometimes all at once—when you realise that you no longer have the energy for what doesn’t matter. The endless proving, the striving, the worrying about things that once seemed so urgent but now feel insignificant.
Midlife is not about fading into the background, we like to think it’s about stepping forward with clarity, purpose, and an unshakable sense of self.
The maison 1973 woman has lived enough to know what truly matters. And, more importantly, what doesn’t.
She is no longer chasing approval or trends, and she has outgrown the need to justify her choices. Instead, she is focused on
depth over distraction, quality over quantity, and confidence over comparison.
But in a world that is constantly pushing for more, faster, louder—it takes intention to slow down, to define success on your own terms, and to prioritise what genuinely brings fulfilment.
Let’s explore.
“At the end of the day, it’s pretty simple for me. It’s the love and care I have for the people who matter most, the unwavering companionship of my dog, my health, purpose in my work and being surrounded by nature. Everything else? Nice to have, but not essential now. When I focus on these things, I feel rich.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney.
Living WithPURPOSE
At this stage in life, we are done with doing things just because we should. Purpose is no longer about checking boxes or climbing ladders—we believe it’s about aligning our time, energy, and talents with what feels meaningful.
For some of us, that might mean pivoting in a career that no longer inspires them. For others, it’s about carving out more time for creativity, for projects that light them up, for work that feels expansive instead of draining.
WeAsk Ourselves:Does how I spend my time reflect what truly matters to me? If so, wonderful. If not, how can we adjust it? It’s an ongoing dialogue we have. Keeps us focussed on the important things in our lives.
We Like To Make It Actionable: Just start small. Carve out even 10 minutes a day for something that brings you joy—writing, painting, reading, learning. The key is to just start.
Who Inspires This? Women all over the world and from all walks of life inspire us daily. Women who redefine success on their own terms, at every stage of life. We take our hats off to them. It’s incredibly wonderful to see.
We’llLeave You With This Thought: Purpose isn’t always about what you do—it’s about why you do it.
Cultivating PRESENCE
With life feeling fuller than ever—career, family, relationships, responsibilities—it’s easy to move through days on autopilot. But being present is a choice, and it’s one that deeply impacts our sense of fulfilment.
Presence is about slowing down enough to actually experience life instead of rushing through it.
It’s about truly listening when someone speaks. It’s about engaging with our surroundings instead of always planning the next thing.
WeAsk Ourselves:Am I truly here, or just going through the motions?
We Like To Make It Actionable: Create small daily rituals—whether it’s making coffee slowly, journaling for five minutes, or simply taking a deep breath before responding to an email. It’s ok to be still and silent – when did we start to believe it wasn’t?
We’llLeave You With This Thought: A full life isn’t about doing more—it’s about being fully present for what you’re already doing.
CONFIDENCE In Style & Self
One of the most freeing things about midlife? You dress for yourself now. You’re no longer chasing trends or dressing to be seen—you’re dressing because it feels right.
WeAsk Ourselves:Am I dressing for myself or for external validation?
We Like To Make It Actionable: Clear out anything from your wardrobe that doesn’t feel like you anymore. Build a collection of timeless, beautifully made pieces that bring ease to your everyday life.
We’llLeave You With This Thought: True style isn’t about what you wear—it’s about how you wear it.
Taking CARE (WithoutGuilt)
We’ve spent years taking care of others—our families, our teams, our communities. But what about us?
At this stage, prioritising our health and wellbeing is no longer a luxury—it’s essential. And yet, many of us still struggle with the guilt of putting ourselves first. It’s time to let that go.
WeAsk Ourselves:Am I treating my body with the same care I give to others?
We Like To Make It Actionable: Prioritise movement, sleep, and nourishment—not as punishment, but as a form of self-respect. Find what feels good, not what feels forced.
Who Embodies This For Us? Off the top of our heads, it’s the likes of Naomi Watts embracing midlife beauty, and Pamela Anderson’s natural self-acceptance. It’s inspiring and it’s refreshing.
We’llLeave You With This Thought: Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Deep& REAL Connections
By midlife, we’ve learned that friendships and relationships evolve. Some fade naturally, some require effort, and some deepen in ways we never expected.
What truly matters now isn’t the number of people in our lives, but the quality of the connections we keep.
WeAsk Ourselves:Which relationships bring me energy, and which ones drain me?
We Like To Make It Actionable: Nurture the friendships that feel reciprocal and let go of relationships that no longer align with who you are.
We’llLeave You With This Thought: Friendship in midlife is about quality over quantity. It’s ok to let go.
The Luxury of CHOICE
The greatest luxury in midlife? Choice.
Choosing where our energy goes. Choosing what we consume. Choosing how we define success. Choosing to say no more often.
WeAsk Ourselves:Am I making choices that align with what I truly want?
We Like To Make It Actionable:Say no to things that drain you and yes to things that excite you—even if they scare you.
We’llLeave You With This Thought: True freedom isn’t having it all—it’s choosing what matters most.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
Our final thought? The maison 1973 woman isn’t here to live by someone else’s definition of success, beauty, or happiness. She knows what matters—and she builds her life around it.
Not perfectly. Not always effortlessly. But with intention. With clarity. With a deep understanding that this is her time.
Prioritise what matters.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
There’s a certain narrative around reinvention that feels… exhausting. The ‘burn-it-all-down’ approach. The idea that to truly change, you have to leave your job, move cities, and dramatically overhaul your entire existence.
But for the maison 1973 woman, reinvention doesn’t have to be a grand spectacle. Sometimes, the most profound shifts happen quietly—internally, intentionally, without fanfare.
Reinvention in midlife isn’t about proving anything to the world. It’s about returning to yourself. It’s about asking, What do I actually want? and making moves—small or bold—that align with that truth.
Let’s talk about why midlife is the perfect time to pivot, how to do it with grace, and how to redefine reinvention on your own terms.
“I wasn’t unhappy—I had a role I enjoyed, worked with great people, and on paper, everything made sense. But deep down, I knew something wasn’t clicking. I missed feeling creative, feeling connected to my work in a real way. So certain circumstances arose and I made the shift—not in some big, dramatic way, but quietly, intentionally. And now, with maison 1973, it finally feels like I’m where I’m meant to be. I know this is very common and so similar to how many women of my age feel. It’s important to listen to what your heart is telling you.”
creator maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Why Midlife Is the PRIME Time for Reinvention
We’re not the same women we were in our 20s or 30s. And honestly? We feel that this is a gift. By the time we hit midlife, we’ve gained clarity, resilience, and the confidence to care less about external approval.
We’ve Outgrown Old Definitions of Success – What once felt like ‘the dream’ might now feel limiting. And that’s okay. Success isn’t static—it evolves. Maison 1973 women aren’t afraid to redefine it.
We’re Done with the ‘Shoulds’ – The pressure to follow a certain timeline, to stay in careers or roles that no longer serve us? Midlife offers the freedom to let that go.
We Know What Feels Good – Reinvention in midlife is grounded. We’re not chasing the next big thing; we’re curating a life that feels right—whether that’s in our work, style, relationships, or creative pursuits.
Small SHIFTS That Lead to Big Change
Not all reinventions require grand gestures. Some of the most life-altering transformations happen in the quiet, daily choices we make.
Career Pivots Without the Chaos – Not ready to quit your job? Start building something on the side. Explore consulting, freelancing, or passion projects that could evolve into something bigger.
Creative Exploration – Always wanted to paint? Write? Start a brand? This is the time to explore—without pressure, just curiosity.
Reevaluating Relationships – Friendships, partnerships, work dynamics—midlife invites us to assess who and what truly adds value to our lives.
Personal Style Shifts – Midlife style isn’t about dressing younger—it’s about dressing better. Let go of anything that doesn’t feel authentically you.
The Joy of Learning Again – A language, a new skill, a degree—investing in your curiosity is the ultimate reinvention tool. It’s also amazing for our minds to learn new things, we don’t realise how complacent we have become until we start to stretch ourselves in new directions. It might feel daunting at first, but it feels so damn good once you gain a little momentum.
The FEAR Factor: Getting Past the ‘What Ifs’
Reinvention, even when it’s exciting, comes with its fair share of fear. The What if I fail? What if I’m too old? What if this is a terrible idea?
Here’s the thing: fear is part of it. But fear doesn’t mean stop—it means this matters. Here at maison 1973 we know a thing or two about this topic as we are tackling it in real time, as our creator Nic explains:
“Starting something from scratch again is terribly hard and somewhat frightening. The prospect of putting all of your time and energy into the unknown and it potentially not playing out as you want it to-frankly it’s a fear of mine. However, I would prefer to tackle this fear right now, then to regret not trying. Bravery comes in all different forms. We need to be brave to create the life we want.”
Reframe the Narrative – Instead of What if I fail?, we like to say to ourselves What if this works? Instead of I should have done this earlier, try I’m doing it now, and that’s what matters.
Micro-Reinvention – Big change doesn’t happen overnight. Break it down into small, manageable steps. One step at a time. It’s ok to feel impatient to get where you want to be, but learn that everything doesn’t happen the moment we decide we want it – we need to work for it. Consistency everyday, bit by bit – will always get us to where we want to go.
Surround Yourself with Expanders – Follow, listen to, and spend time with women who are doing what you aspire to. Seeing reinvention modelled in real time makes it feel more possible. Confidence in knowing you aren’t alone, there are many women seeking change.
Reinvention as an ONGOINGProcess
One of the biggest myths about reinvention? That it happens once. But the truth is, we are always evolving.
You might pivot careers now, and again in 10 years. Your personal style might shift multiple times. Your passions, interests, and priorities will continue to change—and that’s a good thing.
Reinvention isn’t about arriving at a final version of yourself. It’s about giving yourself the permission to keep evolving.
the maison 1973 takeaway
The most powerful thing about midlife reinvention? It’s yours to define. It doesn’t have to be loud, dramatic, or validated by anyone else. It just has to feel right for you.
So whether your reinvention is a bold career shift or a quiet commitment to dressing for yourself, know this: it’s never too late, and you’re never too old to step into something new.
“Over the past few years, I’ve felt this quiet restlessness—like something inside me is shifting, even though everything on the outside looks the same. I’m learning that instead of fearing it, I lean in and see where it leads. I actually now enjoy discovering the unknown.” Nic, creator of maison 1973.
It starts subtly. An itch. A feeling of unease. The sense that something is shifting inside you, even if everything on the outside looks exactly the same. You wake up one morning and realise that the things that once felt fulfilling now feel… off. Your job, your routine, even the way you spend your weekends—it’s all fine, but fine isn’t cutting it anymore.
This isn’t burnout. It’s not a midlife crisis (we’re so over that outdated term). It’s something deeper, something most women in midlife experience but rarely put into words. It’s restlessness. And contrary to what we’ve been led to believe, this isn’t something to fear—it’s something to listen to.
Let’s unpack what this feeling really means, why it happens in midlife, and how to harness it into something extraordinary.
“Restlessness is discontent, and discontent is the first necessity of progress…”
infamous innovator, Thomas A. Edison (1847–1931)
What Is MIDLIFERestlessness And Why Is It Happening?
First, let’s get one thing straight: this is normal. In fact, if you’re feeling restless, it’s a good thing. It means you’re waking up to something bigger inside you.
The Science: Research shows that midlife is a period of psychological and emotional reassessment. Studies from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) suggest that women in their 40s and 50s often experience a shift in priorities, values, and desires—which can manifest as restlessness.
The Hormones: Oh, let’s not forget the hormonal rollercoaster. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels affect mood, energy, and motivation. This is why one day we’re content, and the next we’re questioning everything.
The Awakening: For years—decades, really—we’ve been busy building, proving, and doing. Midlife is the first time we pause and ask: Is this actually what I want? And that question alone can shake everything up for us.
The FIVE Signs You’re In A Midlife RESTLESSNESSPhase
If you’re wondering whether this feeling is the thing everyone whispers about but no one explains, here are some telltale signs:
You feel an urge for change—but you don’t know what kind.
You’re suddenly bored with things that once excited you.
You’re questioning your career, your lifestyle, or even your relationships.
You feel a strange mix of excitement and fear—like something big is coming, but you’re unsure what.
You catch yourself thinking: ‘Is this all there is?’
Sound familiar? Good. It means you’re on the edge of something new.
This Isn’t a Crisis – It’s a CALLING
Here’s where society gets it wrong. Women in their 40s and 50s experiencing these feelings are often labeled as being in a “midlife crisis”—as if we’re breaking down.
No, my friend. We are breaking open.
Reframing the Narrative: What if we saw this phase not as losing control, but as finally waking up? What if this restlessness wasn’t a problem to fix, but an invitation to step into a version of ourselves we’ve never met before?
The Japanese Concept of Ikigai: In Japan, there’s a term called Ikigai—it means “reason for being”. It’s the sweet spot where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for all intersect. Many women hit midlife and realise that they’ve been missing one or more of these elements. This is the moment to realign. (Also take a look at: Ken Mogi, “The Little Book of Ikigai”)
What If This Restlessness Was a Compass? Instead of seeing it as an annoyance, what if you saw it as your intuition trying to get your attention? That tug in your gut? That’s your inner wisdom nudging you toward something better.
So How Can We Channel Restlessness Into Something MEANINGFUL?
So what do we do with this feeling? Here are some steps to make it work for you instead of against you:
1. Ask Yourself Bigger Questions Instead of suppressing your restlessness, sit with it. Journal, voice memo yourself, or just reflect on these:
What is this feeling trying to tell me?
Where do I feel most alive?
What have I been ignoring or postponing in my life?
2. Just Try, Don’t Overthink Not sure what you want? Experiment. Take a class, start a hobby, say yes to something different. Movement creates momentum. The best way to get unstuck is to try something—anything.
3. Redefine Success Success in our 20s and 30s was about building. Success in midlife is about alignment. Really ask yourself: What does success look like for me now? The answer might surprise you.
4. Cut the ‘Shoulds’ A lot of restlessness comes from living by outdated rules. I should stay in this job because it’s stable. I should be grateful. I should be past this phase by now.
No. Midlife is about choosing, not just accepting.
5. Surround Yourself with Expanders Find women who are reinventing, evolving, thriving. Listen to their stories, read their books, follow them. The more you see it’s possible, the more possible it becomes for you.
Here’s the truth: Restlessness doesn’t mean something is wrong. It means something is ready to shift. You’re not stuck – you’re shifting.
“That restless feeling? I know it well. It’s what led me to create maison 1973. I could have ignored it, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t something to silence—it was something to follow. Because midlife isn’t about staying where we’ve always been. It’s about stepping into who we’re meant to be next.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
Our final thought? Let yourself ask the questions, make the moves, and say yes to what calls you—even if you don’t have it all figured out yet. Because midlife isn’t about fading out.
It’s about turning up the volume on who you were meant to be all along.
Restless & ready.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
“Some days, I swear I spend way too much time obsessing over stuff I never used to—my skin, my weight, whether I’m ‘keeping up’ or doing enough. And honestly? It’s exhausting.”
maison 1973 creator, Nic Tierney
Our HIDDENClues
There’s a moment in our mid 40s when we start obsessing over things we never gave a second thought to before. Those fine lines near our eyes, the way our jeans suddenly feel a little tighter, the friendships that don’t quite fit anymore. We catch ourselves spiralling—Googling skin treatments at 1am, researching “best haircuts for women over 45,” or debating if we should quit our job and run away.
Sound familiar? Welcome to midlife.
But here’s the thing—these obsessions aren’t about vanity, crisis, or overthinking. They’re clues. They’re signals that we’re evolving, growing, and reassessing what actually matters.
So, let’s break it down: What are we obsessing over, why do we do it, and what does it really mean?
Our SKIN (And That ‘What Happened?!’ Moment)
The Obsession: Suddenly, we’re inspecting every fine line, questioning our collagen levels, and wondering when exactly our skin decided to stop bouncing back the way it used to. Enter the late-night deep dive into retinol, laser treatments, and the eternal debate: to Botox or not to Botox?
What It Means: It’s not just about wrinkles—it’s about visibility. Our skin is the most public sign of aging, and society has conditioned us to believe that looking ‘older’ equals fading into the background. But here’s the real power move: aging isn’t a loss—it’s a becoming.
Reality Check: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) found that while many women experience body dissatisfaction in midlife, those who focused on self-care over self-criticism reported higher levels of confidence and well-being (Source: ALSWH).
Solution: Instead of chasing youth, here at maison 1973 we’re chasing radiance. Hydration, nourishment, and glow-enhancing skincare are what we actually obsessing over now. Look into niacinamide, retinol, vitamin c, pro-vitamin B5 and SPF, these are our staples. (P.s “Environ has been my skincare product of choice for over 20 years – since I was in my early 30’s”- Nic, creator maison 1973)
Our WEIGHT (Even If We Never Cared Before)
The Obsession: That “midlife middle” sneaks up on us, and suddenly, we’re questioning every carb. Our metabolism isn’t what it was, and hormones seem to have their own agenda. Cue the overanalysing: Should I go keto? Is fasting the answer? Will lifting weights change everything?How much protein is enough? The list is ENDLESS!
What It Means: It’s not just about weight—it’s about control. Our bodies are changing beyond our will, and that can feel unsettling. But midlife isn’t about shrinking—it’s about strengthening. Checkout our Tips For Midlife Fitness article for more detail and tips.
Reality Check: Research from The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health in Australia shows that midlife weight gain is normal due to hormonal shifts, but movement and mindful eating (not extreme dieting) are key to maintaining energy and well-being (Source: Jean Hailes).
The Obsession: Even if we’ve loved our work for decades, something shifts. We start questioning: Do I still enjoy this? Am I making a real impact? Is there something more? The thought of staying in the same role for another 15 years feels…suffocating.
What It Means: We’re no longer in the proving stage of our lives—we’re in the purpose stage. Midlife is an awakening, a chance to realign work with values.
Reality Check: A global study from McKinsey found that women in their 40s and 50s are increasingly pivoting careers, not because they have to, but because they want to—seeking passion, autonomy, and impact (Source: McKinsey).
Solution: Instead of fearing change, embrace the shift. Whether it’s a career pivot, a passion project, or setting firmer boundaries, redefine success on your own terms.
FRIENDSHIPS (The Great Re-Evaluation)
The Obsession: Some friendships feel stronger than ever, while others…sadly, not so much. We start wondering: Do I actually enjoy spending time with this person? Or have we just been friends forever? This is a tough one and something very close to our maison 1973 heart, as we have found ourselves in this space more than once over the past few years.
What It Means: We’re craving depth over obligation. Midlife friendships should feel reciprocal and nourishing—not like a social to-do list. Our time and energy are precious and we feel bad for saying no. It’s important we set ourselves some boundaries, even with our friendships.
Reality Check: The Australian Institute of Family Studies found that midlife women who actively invest in meaningful friendships report higher emotional resilience and life satisfaction (Source: AIFS).
Solution: Let go of guilt if some friendships fade. Prioritise connections that uplift, energise, and inspire.
What We WEAR (And The ‘WHOAm I Dressing For?’ Moment)
The Obsession: Style in midlife is a full-blown identity crisis. We find ourselves torn between wanting to stay current and not wanting to look like we’re trying too hard.
What It Means: Our personal style is evolving, just like we are.
The question isn’t “What’s in?” but “What feels like me now?”
Reality Check: Studies show that when women feel good in their clothes, they report higher confidence and life satisfaction, regardless of trends. Style is about self-expression, not external approval. A study by Simply Be found that 66% of UK women believe that how their clothes fit is the most significant factor affecting their confidence, while 55% prioritise comfort over following current trends.
Solution:Find your uniform. Effortless, chic, and you. Invest in quality, fit, and comfort, and let go of the idea that fashion has an age limit.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
We don’t obsess because we’re losing something. We obsess because we’re awakening to what actually matters. Our skin, weight, careers, friendships, and wardrobes—these aren’t just random fixations. They’re signposts guiding us toward more clarity, more depth, more joy.
So, instead of fighting these obsessions, let’s get curious about them. Because midlife isn’t about shrinking. It’s about expanding.
Get curious.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
“Last week, I was chatting with a good friend about all sorts of things, and we totally went off on a tangent about how overwhelmed we both feel with digital hoarding…it really struck a chord with me and got me thinking. I’m on a mission now to change this.” Nic, creator of maison 1973.
We’ve all experienced it—scrolling through a long list of unread emails, going through many photos on our phones, or keeping 47 tabs open to look at later. Unlike physical mess, digital mess sneaks up on us. It doesn’t stack up on the kitchen counter or block the hallway, but it does take up space in our minds. This invisible build-up can make us feel overwhelmed, even if we don’t notice it.
So, why do we do this? Why do we keep files, emails, photos, screenshots and bookmarks like they’re valuable treasures? More importantly, how can we lighten this digital load?
Let’s look at why we hoard digital items, the stress it can cause, and how we can choose to have a clearer, more organised digital life.
“We curate our wardrobes, our homes, even our friendships—so why do we let our digital lives become a chaotic mess? Maybe it’s time to stop hoarding and start choosing what truly adds value. Less noise, more clarity. Less saving, more living.”
maison 1973 creator, Nic Tierney.
Why Do We HOARD Digital Clutter?
Digital hoarding isn’t just a bad habit—it’s deeply psychological. It’s the modern-day version of keeping stacks of magazines “just in case,” or stuffing drawers with things we might need.
Here’s why we do it:
Fear of Losing Something Important
What if I need this email later? What if I forget this brilliant idea? The fear of losing information keeps us holding onto things long past their usefulness.
The ‘Just in Case’ Mentality
We believe we might someday need that screenshot, that saved article, that old resume file. And so, we keep it all.
Emotional Attachment
Photos, old messages, even past projects hold memories. Letting go of them can feel like erasing a part of our history.
The Illusion of Productivity
Saving things makes us feel like we’re staying on top of things—even if we never actually go back to them.
Endless Storage = Endless Hoarding
Unlike physical spaces, our digital world doesn’t force us to clean up. There’s no urgency to declutter when space seems infinite.
The “Save & Forget” Trap
We hit “save” on Instagram posts, Pinterest pins, and TikToks all day everyday, telling ourselves we’ll come back to them—but do we? Our saved folders become digital black holes of forgotten content. Instead of endlessly saving, create a habit of revisiting and actually using what you save.
Try a weekly “Saved Scroll” session to clear out what no longer inspires you. We’ve started this and it works.
FOLLOWING FATIGUE
The more accounts we follow, the more our feeds become cluttered, making it harder to see what truly adds value. If you find yourself scrolling past the same content without engaging, it’s time for a social media detox. Unfollow accounts that no longer align with your interests, mute distractions,
and curate your feed like you would a wardrobe—only keeping what truly fits your mindset and goals.
Ok so what else can we do? Well, we have come up with the following and have implemented this already into our daily digital lives:
TRY THIS: Mindful Digital Consumption
Regularly clean up downloads and delete duplicate or unnecessary files. The key word here being regularly!
Before you hit “save,” we are now asking ourselves: Will I really use this? Can I find this elsewhere if I need it? It’s ok, you will always be able to find it again (or something similar) in this digital world we live in. It’s just a click or search away – no need for FOMO!
Set a limit for things like open tabs or saved articles (e.g., a 10-tab rule). Set a limit and stick to it. Be disciplined/
We’ve limited our saved posts to a manageable number (e.g., max 20 before reviewing).
Unfollow or mute 5-10 accounts each month that no longer serve you.
Use folders or boards to organise saved content by theme (fashion, wellness, inspiration) so it’s actually usable.
The HIDDEN Stress Of Digital Clutter
While digital clutter might not be visible, it has very real mental and emotional effects.
It drains our focus, increases stress, and fuels decision fatigue.
Decision Fatigue
The more digital clutter we have, the harder it is to find what we need. This constant micro-decision-making (Do I need this? Where did I save that?) adds up.
Inbox Anxiety
A cluttered inbox feels like a never-ending to-do list. Even unopened emails take up mental space, making us feel perpetually behind.
The ‘Always On’ Effect
Too much digital content = information overload. Our brains struggle to process and prioritise, leading to burnout.
Distraction Overload
Multiple tabs, notifications, and digital noise reduce our ability to focus on one task at a time.
TRY THIS: The Digital Declutter Method
Limit digital intake – Set boundaries on content consumption, like no screens before bed or a digital detox day.
The One-Touch Rule – When an email comes in, deal with it immediately: reply, delete, or file it away.
Unsubscribe ruthlessly – If it doesn’t spark joy (or value), let it go.
Turn off notifications – Reduce unnecessary distractions that keep pulling you back into digital clutter.
How We De-Clutter And create A ‘SLOW TECH‘ Mindset
Just like slow fashion and slow living, we need slow tech—a more intentional, thoughtful approach to digital spaces. Here’s how to reclaim control:
Declutter Your Devices
Delete unused apps that clutter your phone – often and be brutal!
Organise photos into albums (or, like us – let go of 5,000 random screenshots! 🙃).
Regularly clean up downloads, desktop files, and cloud storage.
TIDY UP YOUR INBOX – WEEKLY (OR DAILY IF YOU CAN!)
Archive old emails and use folders strategically.
Ruthlessly edit all the emails you receive and unsubscribe daily from businesses, influencers etc that you do not engage with.
Adopt “Inbox Zero” (or at least Inbox Manageable). We aim to have no more than 20 emails in our inbox at any one time – it’s working.
Rethink Your Digital Habits
Limit social media scrolling—set app timers if needed.
Close unused tabs and avoid multitasking across 10 different windows.
Prioritise quality content over mindless consumption.
Use Digital Minimalism to Your Advantage – OUR TIPS
Be intentional with saving content—if you haven’t used it in a month, it’s probably not needed.
Consider adopting a minimalist phone setup—only keep essential apps on your home screen.
Set a “digital reset day” once a month to clean up your online spaces.
Our research on daily digital habits shows that the key is not just to declutter once, but to develop habits that avoid digital overload. A clean digital space, like an organised closet or home,
can feel freeing and refreshing. And at the end of the day, that’s how we want to feel.
“Clutter is the physical manifestation of unmade decisions fueled by procrastination.”
best-selling author and Reiki Master, Christina Scalise.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
Our final thought? We’re taking control of the digital excess – not it taking control of us.
Get detoxing.
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This is our most cherished trait here at maison 1973 – everyday we find ourselves intrigued by what is happening in the world around us and curious to explore it more.
We truly believe that curiosity fuelsgrowth, keeps the mind sharp, and stops us from becoming stagnant. Confidence, on the other hand, pushes us forward, allowing us to step into new experiences with authority. Together, they create an unstoppable force that ensures we’re never sidelined, never outdated, and never irrelevant.
“Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning”
Albert Einstein.
Why CURIOSITYMatters More Than Ever
The world constantly evolves, and the women of Gen X—the ones who grew up in a world of mixtapes, and the first taste of digital revolution—are still evolving with it. What keeps us relevant? Curiosity and confidence. These two forces are the lifeblood of reinvention, the secret ingredients to staying ahead, engaged, and thriving at any stage of life.
Curiosity is what allows us to remain agile, open-minded, and constantly learning. It’s what separates those who get stuck from those who continue to evolve. In a world that moves at lightning speed—where technology, culture, and even the way we communicate is constantly shifting—staying curious is the key to staying engaged.
“You have to break rules to create new ones.” – Rei Kawakubo (Japan, designer & founder of Comme des Garçons)
Curiosity leads us to ask better questions. It forces us to explore new industries, fresh perspectives, and innovative ways of thinking. It prevents us from falling into the trap of believing that we already know everything we need to know.
How to Keep CURIOSITYAlive
Learn Something New: Whether it’s a new language, a creative skill, or an emerging industry, never stop being a student.
Engage with Different Generations: Listen to what Gen Z and Millennials are saying, and stay part of the conversation.
Travel with Purpose: New places and cultures fuel an open mind. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about seeing the world through a fresh lens.
Ask More Questions: Challenge assumptions, seek out new viewpoints, and never stop wondering “What if?”
CONFIDENCE: The Ultimate Game-Changer
Confidence isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about trusting yourself enough to step forward even when you don’t. For too long, women—especially those in midlife—have been conditioned to diminish themselves, to make room for others, to be seen but not heard. That era is over.
Confidence comes from experience, but it also comes from deciding that you deserve to take up space. It’s about stepping into rooms, conversations, and opportunities with the belief that you belong there. And if no one has made space for you? Create it yourself.
How to CultivateCONFIDENCE Daily
Dress for Yourself: What you wear should empower you, not please others. Style is an extension of who you are. Speak Up: Your voice is valuable. Make sure it’s heard, whether in the boardroom, in friendships, or in societal conversations. Say No Without Guilt: Confidence means knowing what serves you—and unapologetically rejecting what doesn’t. Invest in Yourself: Whether it’s personal development, mental wellness, or financial independence, self-investment is the ultimate power move.
The INTERSECTION of Curiosity & Confidence
When curiosity and confidence work together, you become unstoppable. You aren’t afraid to explore, experiment, or pivot. You recognise that relevance isn’t about clinging to youth, but about embracing evolution.
The maison 1973 woman isn’t content to fade into the background—she’s still shaping culture, leading industries, and redefining what it means to be a woman in midlife.
REINVENTION is a Power Move
The most dynamic women of our time never stop reinventing themselves.
Reinvention isn’t about starting over—it’s about building upon what you already know and shaping it into something new. The maison 1973 woman sees reinvention not as a challenge, but as an opportunity.
Career pivots? Yes. It’s never too late to change direction or launch something new. Exploring new industries? Always. The digital world has opened up endless possibilities. Living without limits? Absolutely. This phase of life is about expansion, not contraction.
The ConfidentARCHITECTS
As Gen X women, we are the decisive bridge between tradition and innovation. We’ve witnessed the world transform, and we’ve mastered the art of adaptation every step of the way. Now, we possess the knowledge, experience, and unwavering confidence to define what’s next—on our own terms.
“I am curious, but never nosy. It’s important to know the difference when it comes to understanding life.
maison 1973 founder, Nic Tierney.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
Our final thought? Keep moving forward.
Get discovering.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
Born between 1965 and 1980, we are the X women—the original rule-breakers and trendsetters. Wedged between Boomers and Millennials, we grew up without much hand-holding, no participation trophies, or constant validation. We worked hard, adapted, and found our way. The world talks about every generation but ours. However, we know the truth.
From Latchkey Kids To LEADERS
We came home to empty houses, let ourselves in, made a sandwich and learned independence the hard way. Microwaved dinners, TV reruns, and figuring things out solo—that was our training ground. No helicopter parents, no constant praise—just us, learning resilience, resourcefulness, and the art of getting sh*t done.
Coming Of Age In The CHAOS Of The 70’s & 80’s
We were told we could be anything, but the world was still selling us fairytales. Barbie was queen, and rom-coms promised a happily ever after. Yet, as we hit our teens, a different narrative emerged—the rise of the superwoman. Career, family, perfection—have it all, do it all, make it look effortless. The pressure was real, and for many of us, the question lingered: Was this dream even possible?
The 90’s Reality Check: ‘Having It All’ Was A MYTH
As we became adults, we faced challenges like glass ceilings, wage gaps, and the reality that success had a cost. We built careers and shaped our relationships. Marriage? Perhaps. Kids? Maybe. We weren’t following a script—we were creating our own. Millennials grew up with the internet. We experienced life before and after the digital age. We are adapters.
Midlife, REINVENTED
Now in our 40s and 50s, we refuse to fade into the background. We’re launching businesses, switching careers, reclaiming passions, and prioritising ourselves.
Midlife isn’t a crisis – it’s a power move.
We’re rewriting aging, too. No fading into the background. We own our style, our beauty, and our choices. Health, fitness, and self-care are not for vanity—they are for strength. Because we plan to live long and well.
The LEGACY Of The Gen X WOMAN
We were the first to break the old rules—and we’re still rewriting them. We mentor, we lead, we push for change. We are comfortable with who we’ve become and where we are going.
So while they call us the forgotten generation, let’s be clear: We are far from invisible. We are still here, still thriving, and still making our own damn rules.
Time to thrive.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
