Tag: life

  • Not Fearless. But Courageous.

    Not Fearless. But Courageous.

    Fearlessness.
    A MYTH?

    Courage? Is lived.

    “I’m definitely not fearless. But I am courageous. It’s not something I wake up with – I have to choose it. Somedays, more often than others. But I learnt long ago, fear doesn’t go away – I just had to find the courage to keep going in the face of grief, doubt, reinvention.”

    creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney

    Courage Is Not The ABSENCE Of Fear.

    I’ve felt varying degrees of fear in all sorts of situations – airports, boardrooms, hospitals. I’ve felt it in my bones. I’ve felt it before sending the text, the email. Making the call. Starting again. Walking away. Small things, big things – all sorts of things. Over time, I have been fearful of many things – I am human.

    And I’ve felt fear when things were good, too. When life was full and love was all around and it scared me because…what if I lost it?

    So no – I’m not ‘fearless’. But I try not to let fear ever take over and stop me from doing what I need – or want to do. I also don’t live in a state of fear – something I am incredibly grateful for.

    Fear – it visits me.

    The word, the context, the emotion and the meaning behind it, truly fascinates me – as often it is just thrown around very one dimensionally without thought or care for what it actually means to some people.

    Like you, I have to face things I fear all the time. How do I do that? By finding courage.

    I’ve just stopped pretending that ‘fearlessness’ is the goal. But courage? That’s real. That’s lived. And that’s what midlife is asking of us now as we embark on our next chapter.

    Fear Doesn’t Mean You’re WEAK.

    We’re told from a young age to be brave. To stand tall. To not cry. And often, when we learned how to find the courage and face a fear – we grew as a result. Fear can be one of our greatest teachers. I am not ashamed at all to admit that I have many fears – some I have faced and some that I still have, and continue to face as they arise. There is absolutely no shame or weakness in that whatsoever. In fact, it’s probably saved me in some situations.

    Nowadays, however, that messaging has gotten slicker. More forceful.

    Be fearless.
    Be unstoppable.
    Be more.

    It all seems motivational on the surface. And often, for some (and in the right context) – it can be. But quietly, sometimes it can make us feel like we’re somehow lacking if fear still visits us – if we still second-guess ourselves at 45, or 51, or 62.

    If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve lived through a few lifetimes within your life.

    You’ve done brave things.
    You’ve done hard things.

    You’ve achieved wonderful things.
    You’ve endured times of heartbreak, change, reinvention, caregiving, letting go.

    You’ve had hope and you more than likely, have felt fear – in varying degrees.

    You’ve needed to find and trust your courage – quiet, imperfect, evolving – and that it is more than enough.

    Because it is.

    What COURAGE Has Looked Like in My Life

    It didn’t always look bold. And sometimes it did. Most of the time though, I was vulnerable and had no idea what to do.

    Somedays it looked like crying in the car, pulling it together, and walking into the meeting anyway.

    Other times it was hearing news that you never want to hear and facing something that was indescribable, but there was no other option but to deal with it. Often, it looked like saying “I’m not sure yet.” Or “I’m sorry, I was wrong.”

    Sometimes, it looked like silence. And sometimes, it looked like speaking the truth that made my voice shake. None of that was fearless.

    Point was – I felt the fear and then had to find the courage to face it. Time after time.

    The Courageous MIDDLE

    We’re not in a season of proving. We’re in a season of choosing. And that, takes courage.

    It can be messy and quiet. Hard and rewarding. It’s where we:

    • Reclaim our voice.
    • Make peace with our body.
    • Stop apologising for our ambition – or our rest.
    • Let go of roles – and people – that no longer fit with our life.
    • Begin again, even when it’s not guaranteed to work.
    • Learn to be vulnerable in life, in relationships and in leadership.
    • Stand up for what we believe in.
    • Set boundaries.

    Courage Doesn’t Always SHOUT.

    I believe, one of the great shifts that happens as we age, is the ‘shedding’ of the need of ‘performance’. We’re far more interested in being true.

    And fearlessness? Often, nowadays that’s become a performance. Just a bunch of words thrown at us to make us pretend we are something we are not. Some of the most incredibly strong, courageous people I know – who have faced insane adversities in life – still openly admit that they have fears, to this day. But they lived through it with courage and bravery – and continue to do so.

    Courage is a choice and a practice. It’s often deeply private. It’s often unseen. And it doesn’t demand (or require), applause.

    So now more than ever, I consciously choose to just be present in life. And that means welcoming in the full range of emotions – including fear.

    But it doesn’t sit in the drivers seat – it’s just a passenger in my car of life.

    Rippling waves create a soothing rhythm as the sun dips low on the horizon, casting warm hues over the water’s surface in a captivating display of nature’s artistry.

    Acknowledge the fear.
    Walk anyway.

    maison 1973

    Courage doesn’t have to be loud. Just real.

    Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration

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    Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional before making any decisions based on this information.

  • You’re Not Burnt Out. You’re Creatively Underfed.

    You’re Not Burnt Out. You’re Creatively Underfed.

    Midlife isn’t the problem.
    MONOTONY is.

    Creativity is oxygen. You might be holding your breath?

    “I wasn’t exhausted. I was underfed — creatively, emotionally, spiritually. It took me a litle while to realise the difference.”

    creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney

    Where Has Our CREATIVITY Gone?

    There’s a particular kind of fatigue that doesn’t come from overwork. It comes from underfeeling. Underimagining. Undercreating.

    And if you’re a Gen X woman waking up each day wondering why the spark is gone, wondering why a full night’s sleep still leaves you feeling flat—you might not be burnt out. We spend so much of our time reading, talking thinking and worrying about navigating through all of our midlife hormonal and ‘life shifts’ – but sometimes it’s not about any of that.

    You might just be creatively underfed.

    Let’s dive into this interesting space a little more.

    The Myth of BURNOUT (And Why It’s Not Always True)

    We’ve been sold the idea that burnout means we’ve worked too hard, too long, for too little reward. And sure—that’s part of it. But many women in midlife are doing less than they did ten years ago, and yet feel more emotionally depleted than ever.

    Why? Because what’s missing isn’t capacity. It’s creative nourishment.

    Burnout is collapse. It’s the body saying no. But creative starvation is subtler. It shows up as:

    • Restlessness in rest.
    • Mindless scrolling that leaves you hollow.
    • Emotional flatness.
    • A longing you can’t quite name.

    We’re not broken. Our inner world is hungry. We know the feeling all too well.

    “Midlife didn’t dull my ambition. It just redirected it. Now I crave doing what I do best – creating. Not busyness.”

    creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney

    Competence Isn’t CREATIVITY

    If you’re a Gen X woman, you were more than likely raised on grit, efficiency, and survival. You’ve spent decades holding everything together, knowing what to do, and doing it well. You’re probably damn good at your job, your calendar, your life…and everything in between.

    But somewhere along the way, being competent became the enemy of being curious. Of being lit up. Of not knowing, and playing anyway.

    And here’s the kicker: a life full of function without imagination becomes… beige. Not bad. Just blunted.

    This isn’t about quitting your job to become an artist (or absolutely it could be if that’s what lights your fire). This is about asking yourself: Where am I letting the spark go dim, because I’ve convinced myself I don’t have time to feel it?

    Whatever it is—your spark can re-ignite.

    maison 1973

    How to Tell if You’re Creatively UNDERFED

    You might not be aware it’s happening. But here are some signs:

    • You’re consuming more than you’re creating (even if creating just means journaling or arranging flowers).
    • You feel uninspired by the things that used to excite you.
    • You crave depth but settle for distraction.
    • You’re always ‘tired’ but rest doesn’t work.
    • You long for something…but can’t name what.

    If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. And you’re not failing. You’re just a little creatively underfed.

    What Creative NOURISHMENT Actually Looks Like

    Let’s be clear: this isn’t about being productive. This isn’t about monetising your hobby or learning to paint so you can open an Etsy shop.

    Creative nourishment is about doing something for the sheer joy of it. It’s doing something you don’t need to be good at. It’s about creating energy, not output.

    Here’s what that might look like:

    • Putting on music and dancing alone in the kitchen.
    • Re-reading a novel you loved at 22.
    • Drawing.
    • Doodling
    • Art – in all forms. Admiring it.
    • Start a blog
    • Take beautiful pictures
    • Wander without intent.
    • Daydreaming.
    • Making something – anything.
    • Cooking something new. Or something old and comforting.
    • Wandering in nature.
    • Writing a letter
    • Creating a mood board
    • Playing – with a guitar, an instrument, a new gadget.
    • Rearranging your shelves by colour.
    • Lighting a candle at 3pm, just because.

    Creativity isn’t always grand. Sometimes it’s just giving yourself permission to care and be playful and letting your mind just wander. Get lost in our thoughts.

    Why Midlife Is a Creative PORTAL

    Most people think of creativity as youthful: the domain of 20-somethings and start-ups. But midlife? Midlife is actually one of the richest, most potent portals for creative reinvention—if we choose to walk through it.

    Here’s why:

    • You care less about other people’s opinions.
    • You know yourself better than you ever have.
    • You have been through all life has offered so far – good and bad.
    • You’ve survived enough to know what matters.
    • You’re not here to prove. You’re here to express.

    And creative expression is the exact antidote to the ‘grey fog’ of modern life.

    THE maison 1973 Takeaway

    This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing different.

    At maison 1973, we believe:

    • Creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s a life source.
    • Midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a privilege.
    • You don’t need to be good. You just need to be willing.
    • Just start – do, change, repeat

    And when we create (whether it’s a dish, a sentence, a feeling, or a space), we re-enter our world with fresh eyes.

    If you feel like you’re stuck in beige… If you can’t remember the last time something lit you up… If you’re craving something more, but unsure what…

    This is a call back to your creative self.

    It’s not always ‘burnout’ – maybe you just need to feed your inner creative. Sometimes it’s not about the five-year plan. You just need a spark. And maybe it starts with a messy doodle, a walk without your phone, or a playlist you haven’t heard since 1996.

    Whatever it is, let’s find it. Because it’s wonderful.

    Midlife isn’t an ending-
    it’s an invitation.
    You in?

    maison 1973

    Your creativity is waiting.

    Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration

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    Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional before making any decisions based on this information.

  • Wanting Differently: The Radical Act of Asking Yourself What You Actually Want

    Wanting Differently: The Radical Act of Asking Yourself What You Actually Want

    The Burning QUESTION

    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 Ask OURSELVES

    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 Without SHAME

    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.

    The want to be seen—but only by the right people.

    Whatever it is—if it’s real, it belongs.

    maison 1973

    The PAUSE Between

    Wanting differently means learning to pause between what you should want and what feels true.

    That pause? That’s sacred territory.

    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 NOT Big?

    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

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    Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional before making any decisions based on this information.

  • Finding Joy in Movement: Tips for Midlife Fitness

    Finding Joy in Movement: Tips for Midlife Fitness

    POWER In Motion

    The key…just start!

    Finding YOUR joy In Motion

    This time in our lives is about expanding, not shrinking—your power, confidence, and energy. Whether lifting weights, doing yoga, walking outside, playing with your dog, or dancing in the kitchen, movement is about finding joy in motion. It can be overwhelming to know what to do, so here is our simple guide that consistently works for us.

    All of our content and product selections are curated by our editors and are things we genuinely love. If you purchase something through one of our links, maison 1973 may earn a commission from the retailer.

    Own your ENERGY

    Forget outdated ideas of what “fitness” should look like—this is about strength, movement, and feeling damn good. The maison 1973 woman moves because she can, because she wants to, and because it makes her feel unstoppable.

    “Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.” – Jackie Joyner-Kersee

    Science backs this up—studies show that regular movement improves not just our physical health, but mental clarity, mood, and longevity. (Check out Harvard Health for more on the benefits of movement as we age.)

    Finding the RIGHT Movement for You

    Let’s explore some ways that might work for you, all dependent on your level of fitness, health and other personal life aspects. (Always listen to your body and consult a professional for tailored and expert advice).

    With so much to choose from, we find that it’s a combination of the following throughout the week, whatever works best for you:

    Strength

    Stretching

    Walking

    Play

    STRENGTH Training

    Builds muscle, supports bone health, and boosts metabolism. A must-have for longevity. (Read more here about the unique benefits of strength training for women)

    Strength training in midlife is about building resilience, supporting bone health, boosting metabolism, and maintaining mobility—without the extreme workouts of our past. The key is consistency and smart training that strengthens muscles while being gentle on the joints.

    Here are our four (4) great STRENGTH TRAINING options:

    We’ve done the compiling for you and have created a simple summary, full of helpful tips and links to make it easy for you to get started!

    1) Bodyweight Exercises (No Equipment Needed!)

    Perfect for maintaining strength without needing a gym. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups and build functional strength:


    Squats – Strengthens legs, glutes, and core
    Push-ups (Regular or Modified) – Builds upper body strength
    Lunges – Improves balance, tones lower body
    Planks – Core stability powerhouse

    2) Resistance Band Workouts

    A low-impact way to build muscle without heavy weights. Great for joint-friendly strength training:

    We are enjoying this great 17 Minute Resistance Bands Workout

    3) Dumbbell Strength Training (Light to Moderate Weights)

    Lifting weights isn’t about bulking up—it’s about maintaining strength, supporting bone health, and preventing muscle loss.

    We have been using this 30 Min Full Body Dumbbell workout at Home

    4) Strength-Building basic beginners Yoga

    (Explore our budget friendly, at home accessories here)

    Let’s face it, yoga can be a little daunting. The amount of poses, techniques and vast array of styles is overwhelming, especially for a beginner. So during our research, trying to find a simple, gentle introduction, we came across this 15 minute super easy guide Gentle Yoga for Beginners Over 50 and we are hooked!

    Why Strength Training Matters in Midlife?

    * Boosts metabolism – Helps maintain a healthy weight
    * Supports bone density – Reduces osteoporosis risk
    * Improves balance & mobility – Prevents falls & injuries
    * Enhances mood & energy – Releases feel-good endorphins

    Strength training isn’t about pushing to the extreme—it’s about staying strong, confident, and empowered at every stage of life.

    Yoga, pilates and STRETCHING

    Yoga, pilates, and stretching are great for flexibility, reducing stress, and keeping our joints healthy. We love our pilates classes twice a week at Noosa Flow with skilled instructors who have taught us mat and reformer pilates. When we can’t attend class due to travel or time constraints, we practice at home, in the office, or in hotel rooms. We try to fit in sessions in the morning or before bed. The important thing is to stretch whenever we can during the week. Stretching often is crucial as we age; it increases core strength and helps maintain balance.

    We totally love using fun little ‘props’ to accompany our home workouts! Okay, so not everyone’s got a fancy pilates reformer just hanging out at home, but that’s all good—we can easily enjoy some basic mat moves wherever we are! Here’s our pick of super simple props to make your home sweat sessions just as great:

    Non slip mat

    Non slip yoga blocks

    Pilates ring, ball & resistance band set

    WALKING and Outdoor Movement

    Fresh air and moving our bodies give us more energy and help us think clearly. We try to walk for 30 minutes each day. Some days we walk longer, but the important thing for us is to be consistent. We also like to use light ankle or hand weights to build strength.

    Walking is such a great way to relax and enjoy our favourite podcast, music, or the sounds of nature. It is also the #1 thing we do when we arrive into a new city or place – drop the bags and stretch those legs!

    Dance and PLAY

    Movement doesn’t have to be structured—sometimes, the best workout is just letting loose and having fun. Join a local dance club, turn up the tunes in the lounge room and get moving, grab your bike and go for a ride around the neighbourhood, walk the dog…the list is endless. Just do whatever works best for you and makes you feel good.

    The Maison 1973 Takeaway

    Midlife isn’t about slowing down—it’s about stepping fully into your own strength. And trust us, you’ve never looked (or felt) better.

    Let’s Move Together.

    For more inspiration on how to keep moving with purpose, follow us on

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    Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional before making any decisions based on this information.