HAPPY Spring BostonMan Magazine!  

Spring time is the season where people feel a great deal of positive energy and the urge to start something new: just like the world blooms around us with new flowers budding all around the northeast.  

I feel now with the pandemic behind us, I have spoken to a multitude of individuals that want to “reinvent” themselves.  

But what exactly does it mean to reinvent yourself? By definition, the word “reinvent” is “to change something so much that it appears to be new.”  

Whoa, that sounds like a loaded word, right? Well, reinvention does not have to be daunting or overwhelming to change your life for the better.  

I also feel there is a common misconception that people that “reinvent” themselves are in some type of recovery program. Although this is true in some cases, and I commend anyone who is taking positive steps to better themselves as an individual, people can reinvent themselves at any age and in any facet of life.  

Reinventing yourself DOES NOT mean creating an entirely new personality and losing your past. It is about developing a self-understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.  

Growing up in life, we are initially guided by family, teachers, peers, and the neighborhood we spent time socializing in. These people shaped who we are as individuals and human beings and they have led us to our life’s successes and failures.  

Sometimes, a new beginning can be a bit freightening, the fear of the unknown, so to speak, and often leads to hesitation or complacent thoughts with reinvention. I am here to tell you that it is absolutely a wonderful idea to reinvent yourself from time to time.  

Maybe it is the teacher vibe that is innately inside of me, but I firmly believe that people are never too old to learn. Embracing new things in life keeps the brain healthy and active. The world is ever changing and learning to grow and change with the beat of the world around you is vital to personal growth. 

We have to adjust, evolve, and develop to “keep it fresh.” It is not so much a question of survival, but instead helps one avoid being bored and stuck in a rut. It creates fulfillment, purpose, and meaning for individuals.   

I will use myself as an example. When I was turning 40 years old, my best friend suggested I start a blog about fashion.  

For those of you that are not familiar with my day to day life, I am a special education teacher and Dyslexia Practitioner. Therefore, I spend a lot of time immersed in reading and writing.  

I was also styling my friends and family members for fun in my spare time. Nadia (aka my bestie) suggested that I write about fashion and styling on a budget.  

I am not going to lie. I thought she was crazy and no one would read it. I also had no idea where to begin because I was unsure about the technology aspect of creating an online blog.  

However, I took the risk. I decided to take a step towards “reinventing myself.” I watched several You Tube videos about how to create a blog on word press. When I published my blog two days before my 40th birthday over 500 people read it within hours. My blog is now six years old and is read by over 250,000 people in over 100 countries worldwide which is surreal to me.  

I also started to network on the Boston Fashion Scene by attending events and that led me to writing the column you are currently reading; being coined “The Boston Carrie Bradshaw.”  

Hence, all positive reasons and evidence why people should think about reinventing themselves. 

 Trust me, any thoughts of hesitation, I had them too. Anyone can take the first step towards making a few changes for the better in their lives though.  

Here is a list of easy steps, to help make a dream of yours into a reality. 

  1. Make a list. Think about what your hopes, wishes, and dreams may be and how you imagine your best life to look.  
  2. Create a vision board based on this list. I like to call this a “personal aesthetic.” Visual images are motivating and help you manifest your life goals.  
  3. Start a new initiative. Join a non-profit or donate time to an organization for a cause you feel passionate about. You may meet people that will help you continue to be involved in the passion that drives you. 
  4. Make that career change. If you are dreading going to your job every day, then it is time to make a change. Take steps to update your resume and cover letter, attend networking events, and enroll in a course. You have the power to move on in your field and that will increase your satisfaction. 
  5. Be honest with yourself. Call yourself out on your bad habits (we all have them) and your unhealthy ways of thinking. Carrying around emotional baggage and past trauma contributes to unhealthy ways of thinking and leaves you stagnant. If you feel sad, anxious, or depressed please find a therapist to help you get a fresh start. 
  6. Surround yourself with positivity. There is a famous saying that states: “You are the average of the five people you hang out with the most.” Do you feel you have a lot of toxic people around you? Are your friends happy or envious of you when you experience success? Align yourself with people who share similar values and have the same drive and ambition as you have. 
  7. Find a mentor to offer you guidance and support. Talking about your goals and objectives with a mentor offers a wealth of knowledge and a support system that allows you to take small steps and the initiative to begin on your journey.  

 LIFE is full of the good, the bad, the ugly, success and failures. However, life is a beautiful blessing and we only have one crack at life. Take those small steps to reach the milestones you envision. Get out of your rut.  

As Carrie Bradshaw once said, “Maybe the past is like an anchor, holding us back. Maybe you have to let go of who you were to become who you will be.”  

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Tiffany Giannato is a mother, fashionista, stylist, and shopping addict! Her blogs, pictorials, and fashion tips are aimed towards empowering both women and men to look and feel their best regardless of age. Her “you can be as trendy at 61 as you were at 21” mantra has taken Boston by storm! A true Italian, Tiffany believes family, love, food, and style are always the keys to happiness!