Stepping into the Light: Embracing Your Midlife Glow Up Era
“The glow up era is not about proving anything to the world. It's about honoring who you are right now and making space for the woman that you're becoming.”
- Noelle Kustas
Stepping into the Light: Embracing Your Midlife Glow Up Era
Remember that feeling? That whisper in your soul that says, "There's more"?
Maybe it arrives as a gentle nudge, a sense of unease, or even a full-blown crack in the carefully constructed facade of your life. For me, it was a culmination of moments, a realization that the vibrant woman I knew was still inside was yearning to be seen, to be felt, to shine.
And that's how this new season of The Rise 2 Shine Podcast, my "glow up era," began.
If you've been with me for a while, thank you. You've witnessed pieces of my journey, the becomings after heartbreak and career shifts. But this time feels different. This isn't about proving, surviving, or reinventing. It's about remembering. Remembering the woman who dared to dream wildly, even if she kept those dreams quiet. The one who trusted the next right step, even without a clear roadmap. The one who knew, deep down, she was made for more.
Maybe you can relate. Perhaps you're standing at the edge of your own shift, sensing that something is about to change. This season isn't just my story; it's for you too. It's an invitation to take a deep breath and walk boldly into the unknown together, because this isn't just my glow up; it's ours.
For me, the catalyst came in layers. A deep dive with my functional medicine practitioner reminded me that beneath the surface, old patterns were creeping back in. Then, a conversation with a dear friend and future business partner offered a profound truth: the inner work I had done wasn't matching how I felt on the outside. Her simple question, "Have you ever thought about a transformation just for you?" resonated deeply. Not for the brand, not for the show, but to finally feel like I was welcoming myself home.
This "glow up era" isn't about a superficial makeover. It's about aligning the inner with the outer. It's about stepping forward, not to impress the world, but to meet myself at the level I know I'm ready for. And I want this for you too. This journey encompasses so much more than just hair and health; it's about coming home to your body, your voice, that whispering version of you that knows it's time.
If you feel that stirring in your soul, listen to it. It might not be a call to sprint, but perhaps just a gentle invitation to pay attention. Because you, my friend, are worthy of becoming, not when everything is perfect, but right now, as you are. This isn't about perfection; it's about progress, about honoring who you are while making space for the woman you are evolving into.
For me, alignment means the woman I've become through soul work finally showing up authentically on the outside. It's how I move, speak, care for myself, dress, and show up in the world reflecting the love and power I carry within. Your alignment will look different. Maybe it's setting boundaries, prioritizing rest, finding community, healing old wounds, or simply embracing more confidence. There's no one way.
Ultimately, it's about looking in the mirror and saying, "Girl, you are beautiful from the inside out," without shame or discomfort. It's about honoring the one life and the one sacred space – your body – that carries your dreams and purpose. What conversations do you need to have with yourself? What work are you ready to say yes to? What healing still needs to happen, not for perfection, but for freedom?
This glow up era is a journey of radical self-love. It's about saying, "I'm allowed to evolve. I'm allowed to want more. I'm allowed to feel good in my own skin, and I'm allowed to do it my way." Some weeks will feel bold, others quiet and tender. But through it all, I promise to show up honestly, walking alongside you.
So, I leave you with two reflections: What would it look like to feel fully at home in your body, mind, and soul? And what does alignment mean to you in this season of life?
And an affirmation: I honor who I've been, I celebrate who I am, and I trust who I am becoming. This is my glow up era, and I am ready to rise.
The Rise2Shine Podcast Season 2, Episode 1 | The Glow Up Era Series, Part 1: My First Bold and Fearless Step
Ready to shine brighter than ever before?
How I can support you:
🎧 Tune in to The Rise2Shine Podcast
🛍️ Visit my Amazon Storefront with All My Faves
Remember, you are not alone. Together, let's rewrite the narrative and redefine what it means to live a joyful, fulfilling life.
Your next chapter is waiting, and it's going to be amazing!
XOXO,
Noelle Kustas
