Posted in Life Over 50, Travel

This Was One Of The HAPPIEST Days Of My Life!

THIS was one of the happiest days of my life. Laying here in the sand in my Haku celebrating my 59th birthday in Hawaii with my LOVE! I am one blessed girl…….who has a story to share.

FROM THE BEGINNING…

From the beginning I have kept my private life private. VERY PRIVATE. There were reasons for that….first NOT wanting people to feel sorry for me. I hate that more than anything. I want to appear strong and capable to others. Second….embarrassment of what I was really living. I will share that more later on. Third….I BELIEVE IN MARRIAGE with all my heart. I wanted mine to work, after all I had already given it 39 years. Fourth…..my blog was meant to inspire women when it came to FASHION, not to drag in personal drama!

But over the weekend I received an email or message from somewhere. I’m not sure exactly if it was an email or DM or whatever, but someone said to me THANK YOU for sharing more with us about your personal life. Each Sunday morning I send out a newsletter and in it I have been a bit more personal. I decided when I read it that it was time…..time to share a bit more of who I am and WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY!!!

MY LIFE NOW.

I’m sure you’ve caught on that my 39 year marriage failed. It failed for many reasons all of which I won’t get in to, because it doesn’t matter. That was then……and it seems so long ago. It isn’t who I am now, and I’m on my way to rebuilding my life with someone I ADORE and TRUST and RESPECT and LOVE. He was right there for me waiting…..I believe, for me to become available. There are so many things I’ll share when the time comes, but it was all orchestrated from above in “OUR” opinion, and meant to be. It started with his daughter…..who people say shouldn’t have happened because it’s just not like her to reach out that way.

If I were to make a list of EVERYTHING I would want in a companion….HE would be it. But not only would he be everything on my list, but HE WOULD BE EVEN MORE! I didn’t have to be alone for one single day. He was there, and on my second day with him I KNEW that he was GOOD, and that he was FOR ME. You will see more and more pics of him as we go along here on ChicOver50.

SO BLESSED!

I’m SO BLESSED. I thank Him above, every single day that I am where I am now. It is still hard at times. I’ve never lived on my own. I was married at age 19 and never ever worked outside of my home. I don’t have a college education, so had nothing to fall back on. MY BLOG has given me not only the means to live on my own and support myself, but it has built for me an amazing platform of WOMEN who teach me and help me and lift me and SUPPORT me! They are the ones that have gotten me through these last three years of turmoil. If it hadn’t been for my blog, I still would have been in a very bad marriage. MY BLOG SAVED ME.

LOTS OF DARK DAYS!

There were so many DARK DAYS these last few years. SO DARK that I wanted to give up. I wanted to be done. I didn’t get dressed. I stayed home. I didn’t want to see anyone. I didn’t want to talk to anyone on the phone. I wanted to hide. I wished for a car accident. It’s true and I’ll admit it. I’m admitting it because it’s IMPORTANT FOR YOU ALL TO KNOW……that LIFE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL AND GOOD! YOU CAN have people in your life that you can trust completely. You just have to do one day at a time. Hang on to the good, and hang on tight. My faith is the ONLY thing that got me through.

THIS DAY!!!

This day with my man, was HEAVEN. It truly was one of the happiest days of my life. It started out first thing in the morning and continued all day with surprise after surprise!!! And I have to give credit to his AMAZING other daughter who was behind a lot of my surprises! I don’t know how my day could have been any more INCREDIBLE!!! There were custom ChicOver50 cookies, and pink golf shoes, a beautiful birthday card, a haku, a delicious birthday cake, splashing in the ocean, some new Calloway clubs, a delicious dinner, LOTS of kisses and hugs, and the Hawaiian sunshine! WOW!! And then there’s his FAMILY……they’ve adopted me in beautifully, but more about them another time! 

MY MESSAGE TO YOU…

My message for now is this…….IF YOU ARE LIVING IN ANGUISH, CHANGE IT! Have the courage to make the move. Be STRONG! Be CONFIDENT! Be a LADY BOSS! Seriously…..DON’T BE AFRAID LIKE I WAS. Now I say this because I was SO afraid and it stopped me for many years. I think many things had to happen in order for life to be where it is now. And so perhaps I had to wait for as long as I did…..only God knows. But this much I do know…..that it was HIM that led me to my BOYFRIEND! Psssst……I LOVE to call him my BOYFRIEND!!!!! I’m HAPPY BEYOND……….

This is all I want to say for now. This is enough, enough for you to know what really is going on. PURE HAPPINESS! I can’t wait to share more. He’s iNCrEdIBlE!!!!! He has made me SO HAPPY! If you are one out there like I was…..AFRAID…………I hope you take courage in this blog! If you need encouragement, email me! I LOVE you all and THANK YOU for your undying support!!!!!!!

I’m SO THANKFUL to have had one of the happiest days of my life….all in Hawaii…all on my 59th birthday……..and all with my BOYFRIEND!

Shauna XO

My swimsuit top is here and my bottoms are here…..all from Lime Ricki! LOVE their suits!!!!!! You can see their new arrivals right here!

102 thoughts on “This Was One Of The HAPPIEST Days Of My Life!”

  1. Thank you for sharing You… sharing our stories is how we grow, learn, and then must teach. We are here to love , serve and uplift each other… and you are doing just that!!!

    1. You have no idea how many of us appreciate your openness. Many of us are living our own version of a journey similar to yours. When, gripped by fear and loneliness. I’ll go back and re-read your blog. Looking forward to hearing more. When you share your “drop to your knees” struggles, you bless those of us (and there are many) who have been that low to the ground ourselves. You are an inspiration on many levels. ? Kitty

      2. Kitty, thank you very much! Your words are so BEAUTIFUL! I seriously do pray for all of you out there who’ve struggled in the way I have…..BLESS YOU!!!!! XO

    2. I have been walking this same path. It gives me such hope to see where you are in your journey. I have watched you because your style inspires me but now that I know your story I’m even more impressed. I wish I knew you in real life. I think we would be great friends. We even have the same first names just spelled differently!!

      1. Thanks for being vernuable. You have touched many. I married my neighbor, who I truly loved 26 years ago this month. I had no idea the dark, long roads he would take his wife and kids down. We left 10 years ago and life is good! I can relate and have deep empathy for others now. Life is ment to be enjoyed!

      2. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your new chapter with your handsome boyfriend
        I make us feel us confident that is a better future and happy one

      3. Hi Shanna! I’m learning just HOW MANY OF YOU are out there! I guess that’s why it’s SO IMPORTANT to share! I’m so HAPPY that I can give you some hope that you too, can come out of it STRONGER!!!!!!!!!!!! XO

    3. Rock on sweet girl. Love looks amazing on you. It’s your very best accessory. You inspire us every day to live and love fully and now you get to do that as well. Your marriage wasn’t a failure, it just wasn’t who you are anymore and it got you to where and who you are today. But that is done and over now, so keep the faith and keep bringing the sunshine to us all. ?

      1. I love your story, I hope I find happiness again. I am 68 and want to find my special someone. I am a widow since 2011, a 5 1/2 relationship recently ended because I finally realized it was never going to be what I really wanted. Thank you for opening my eyes to the possibility.

        1. Shauna,
          Sweet friend …. you have been a huge inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing, you have really touched my heart in many ways..
          And I know that sharing personal information is hard to do … but this will touch a lot of hearts and help boost the courage that we all need.
          We as woman need to know that we are capable and can make things happen .
          Xoxo ?

          1. Tammy, I wish WE REALLY KNEW…..just how capable we are! Thank you for your sweet comment! XO

      2. Becky….how sweet of you to say! I’m SO GRATEFUL to all of you who LIFT ME UP and SUPPORT me here! THANK YOU……and BLESS YOU girl! XO

    4. I have always loved you and looked up to you for years! I have been worried about you for a long time especially after trying to mail you a Christmas card and it came back. But look at the true, real smile on your face now! You absolutely deserve the best and I am so so so happy for you! Love you Shauna!!!

    5. Jo-Ann thank you so much. YES, I totally believe we are here to serve and uplift one another….thank you! XO

    6. Hi Jo-Ann, yes you are right. It’s hard feeling vulnerable, but I’m learning quickly the value of it! XO

    7. Thank you i have hid my self for years i am grateful for your courage to live these are the best years of lives so lets live it

  2. Oh my beautiful Shauna! What an inspiring post. I’m so sorry for the turmoil for the last years, but WOW! Your faith got you through the turbulence and now you have a wonderful BOYFRIEND to share life with. You are testament to never give up on the darkest days and darkest thoughts. I’m so happy to see you so happy on your 59th at that! You are forever young in my eyes. God is great! 🙂

    http://lizzyslatest.com/

    1. Lizzy, you are SO SWEET…always! Thank you for your LOVING support! It means so much to me sweetie! XOXO

      1. Shauna can you please share where you found the pink top you were wearing on the surfboard? I love it! Thank You ?

    1. Karen THANK YOU! It feels SO GOOD to be in a place of SO MUCH LESS STRESS and ANXIETY! XO

    1. We are the same age and I had a failed marriage as well. I am married almost 19 years and they have been the happiest for me. I always love your posts both on the blog and insta. I never comment but I look up to you on so many points. You are my fashion maven and I know if you are wearing something, I can also. This post made me so happy to read. Hugs
      Hope

      1. HI HOPE! 19 years??? How AMAZING that is! Congratulations and THANK YOU for your very VERY SWEET message! XO

    1. So many good reminders here! I have always looked up to you and admired you. You are incredible with so many talents and gifts. I loved watching you grow in photography and now with your blog. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world. I am so HAPPY for you and wish you the best in all that life has to offer!

      1. MISTY! It’s so fun to hear from you! I’m SO BLESSED to know you and your family! Your kind words mean the world to me sweet friend…..THANK YOU! XOXO

  6. Shauna, I am so happy for you! I can tell your heart is overflowing! We have never met in person, but I feel like something good has happened to a friend. God Bless.

    1. Hi Sandi, thank you very much for your THOUGHTFUL comment! Even though we’ve never met….I truly do feel the LOVE from you all! GOD BLESS YOU! XO

    1. Thank you for sharing and being your authentic, beautiful self. I have been divorced for 12 years and was so hurt in that marriage that I had decided it was better to be alone. Well after reading this I am ready to being open to love—you are an inspiration.

      1. Hi Cindy, yes I’m here to say…..DON’T EVER GIVE UP ON LOVE! One day I’ll tell more of my story about how I FOUND LOVE AGAIN. It’s a crazy story really…..how all of it happened for me! But I believe there is someone out there just for YOU!!!! Bless you! XO

    2. Carla….how sweet! I didn’t mean to make you cry, but honestly I can relate! EVERYTHING makes me cry and I’ve done so much of it! My quote today on Instagram says it all….

      When you can tell your story without crying…you know you’ve healed!

      Bless you! XO

  8. I’m very happy for you! I’m going thru this right now. We’ve been married for 35 years, and I’ve asked for a separation. He’s such a sweet man, our kids are grown, and sad to say, we’ve grown apart in lots of ways 🙁 I also get myself into a deep depression, thinking the worst thoughts at times. Thank God I snap out of it. I always look forward to your posts, so keep them coming 🙂

    1. Sweet Peggy, I AM SO SORRY you are going through this! PRAYER was so key for me! Use it and trust in it! STAY STRONG and LISTEN TO YOUR HEART! You’ll be in MY prayers! XO

  9. So many of us have struggled you are not alone. I had 2 failed marriages.. However, that does not define me. We are strong women at any age. I follow you on IG you are an inspiration. I’m glad you found love again as you deserve it. There is always s light at the end of the rainbow.

    1. YES Denise……there will ALWAYS BE A LIGHT at the end of the RAINBOW! ABSOLUTELY!!!! Thank you for your sweet words! XO

  10. This post makes me to happy Shauna- so brave of you to share and I think it is wonderful to be open sometimes because so many people look up to you. It will give them strength to better their own lives! So glad we have found each other on Insta!

    1. Hi Courtney….YOU ARE SO SWEET! THANK YOU for your LOVE and support! It means the world to me girl! XO

  11. I always say, you worst day will end up being your best day, because it is the day you are forced to change. I also believe that each day is truly a gift, this is not a dress rehearsal, this is it, so make each day the best it can be. I am so glad for you, we all deserve to be happy ♥️?

    1. Connie, I LOVE your words! The worst day can be your best day because it FORCES you to change! This may just be my next quote on Instagram! THANK YOU! XOXO

  12. I am SO very HAPPY for you and your amazing boyfriend!!! You deserve all the happiness in the world, my sweet friend!! XOXO!

  13. Shauna, I’m so proud of you! I know some of the pain you have gone through. Thank you for your boldness in sharing to help others. And for your courage to speak the truth. Your character and integrity have always shown through. So many women walk in fear thinking they are the only ones. That’s a lie that keeps us quiet and fearful. It’s freeing to tell our stories! It’s what has made us the people we are today. You are much stronger then you ever thought you were. I love you my dear! And I’m so happy for you!
    XO

    1. LISA!!!! YOU sweet friend have truly been with me from the BEGINNING! I still remember the very first day we talked…..about EYEBROWS! YOU are a BLESSING to me in SO MANY WAYS! I LOVE YOU and thank you for always being there for me…… on the phone! XOXO

  14. Thank you for sharing. I’m in a 33 year marriage that I’m at my wits end with. I’m struggling to remake or find myself. I’ve always been a stay at home mom. I’m now looking to return to the job market. ?
    Again thank you for the inspiration.

  15. Shauna, DIOS bendiga siempre tu vida, familia, toda obra de tus manos y todo aquello que emprendas. Bendiciones Interminables. Te envío un fuerte abrazo desde la distancia.

  16. Oh Shauna so glad you decided to share! It’s so encouraging to hear how you came to this place. Life is so short and too often we just stay in place spinning our wheels, me included! So happy for you!

  17. Such an amazing journey!!!! I am soooooooo happy for you beautiful!!!! Living her best lifffffeeee!!!!!!! Heyyyyyy!!!!!

  18. Same… When you are on a lonely road you don’t know or see that others are on one too. It helps when someone you admire and respect speak up and say “This is my truth and you too will get through it.” Thank you.
    So happy you are on your new path and enjoying living. There are always days (and nights) that take you back to that other life, you just have to get up, dress up and show up! You go gurl!

  19. What a beautiful story my friend. I too married at 19. Never worked aside from part time. And not at all since kids were born. Been married almost 40 years. And I too, just celebrated my 59th. But, unlike you, I am blessed to be in a good marriage. You are an inspiration to so many. God Bless You! Kris

  20. Shauna, thank you for getting real a personal. For opening up about your struggles, sometimes it’s hard to get on social media because everyone puts their best face on and portray a beautiful and perfect life. We all know everyone has their struggles and for most it’s hard to open up and share. You touched my heart in more ways then you know. I love you so much, keep it going girl ?

  21. Shauna, I am so proud of you – you have opened up your heart and I can see it has helped so many people. You blessed our lives as an adorable baby girl and have blessed our lives ever since. It is interesting how prayers are answered, but they are always answered in the way that is best for us. You are beautiful, talented, sensitive and spiritual. What a wonderful combination. Your dad and I love you very much and want the best for you and your family. Mom xoxoxoxoxoxo

  22. Thank you for your inspirational and encouraging message! I needed to read this. Our struggles make us real and more beautiful than ever. God bless you and your new love!

  24. From the outside I thought you had a pretty much perfect life (now you do!) and that was reflected in your posts and photos. Thanks for reminding me that assumptions are never good. So happy for you ❤️

  25. Shawna, thank you for opening up and sharing a bit of your life with us. I knew something had changed, but wasn’t sure what. I am so happy for you! Thank you for being a strong, beautiful woman snd an amazing role model! I already know we would be best is if we ever got the chance to meet. Xoxo

  26. I literally have goosebumps all over my body and happy tears. Shauna…I am so incredibly happy for you. Be blessed, beautiful lady.

  27. I’m so happy for you Shauna. We never know what goes on behind our little squares of IG. That perfect pic depicting a perfect life, or so we think. You have been do brave to open up about your life. You deserve the best. Life is beginning for you now & boy are you taking it with both hands. You are an incredible lady with amazing style. Xxx

  28. My marriage ended after 32 years and I was completely betrayed . It was the hardest three years and I got sick while it was going on probably because of the stress . It was a scary time having to change everything about my life . Thankful to family and friends who helped me each step of the way. I still feel like I’m navigating my way but it’s my way ? Thank you for your story it’s always helpful to feel like your not alone . Glad your so blessed enjoy ?

  29. Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. I think all too often we want to put on a happy & successful front… we all do it. But the reality is that there is great hope, inspiration, & encouragement in sharing what was broken that Christ made whole.
    So happy for you!!! And by all means, keep sharing! xoxo

  30. Thank you for sharing, I’m truly happy for you. You will give women and girls the strength to stand up for their selves and take charge if their lives. You are a very strong person and need to know that your followers support and love you.
    ?

  31. What an insightful and joyous post. I am so honored that you have let us in. You know we all have been waiting for this moment, and are so happy for you. You deserve it Shauna, because we care about you and we absolutely feel, that you care about us. It’s safe to say we all feel much closer to you now. Also, WOW you certainly did snag yourself a handsome, tall drink of water ? Nicely done ??????

  32. Also that word “failed”, makes me cringe. We have many journeys through life, most good some bad, but all are “our stories” of who we are.

  34. Hey Shauna…..so very happy for you…..we all need to grab life by the b@##* and don’t let go…..way too short for unhappiness and distress….peace and love to you my IG friend x

  35. SHAUNA!!!! I just love you and I’m SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! Your are strong and brave and I am honestly so proud of what you’ve accomplished in such a short time. You deserve all the happiness you’re enjoying now. Can’t wait to see the rest of your story unfold. A few of us Bountiful buddies would love to catch up with you sometime if you ever have a minute–haha–and go to lunch 🙂

  38. Thank you, I was discarded by my spouse after 15 years then harassed by his latest mistress. It was tough. I think I have finally made it out of the darkness and have a new love too. My love of my life Dog, though, just passed and I’m having a very hard time with it and dealing with the financial mess brought on by devestation of the discard. I know God has a plan and you’re an inspiration:)

  39. Omg I am so happy for you. Yes life is to short not to be happy. My mom divorced after 45 yrs of pure ??. My mom will be 81 and beautiful inside and out and just married her her love from Back in high school and he worshipped the ground she walked on and we all loved him so much. My mom was the happiest I have ever seen. Sweet man that Charlie was. They were together 15yrs married 1 yr ?. I wish you the best.

  40. I’m SO glad for you dear Shauna! One day we have to sit down and talk. I had a similar experience many years ago, after many years of marriage I had the courage to step out of the situation I was in and started a new, not easy but happier life alone with my 5 kids and no financial support. After 10 years of being by myself and doing a thousand things to survive, educate my kiddos, recover my self esteem , courage and confidence, among many other things , John came into my life as a breeze of fresh air after a stormy day, just at the perfect time and in just a few days we got married under 3 “agreements “ that lead to absolute ❤️ love:
    Absolute trust
    Absolute commitment
    Absolute acceptance
    Life is great! John is the perfect man for me. I’m SO blessed to have him in my life! I can see my Savior love for me through him! I have dedicated many years now to help other women through my FB page “El Poder de mujer a mujer “ (The power of woman to woman) as well as on endless calls or chats and I know that all of us deserve to feel loved, protected and cherished.

  41. I am 58 and found my partner 32 years ago. I also have had a clothing alteration business for over 30 years. It has been really hard at times working at another job as well. In the last couple of months my friends have been telling me some time to myself. So I really thought to myself what do I want to do before I retire. So I have started my own clothing label Chilli House Designs and I make cotton linen blend clothing in florals and plain.

  42. I mentioned once that you and another blogger are the reason I went on Instagram. I found each of you on Pinterest and wanted to follow. You are one of the persons who has been an inspiration to me and I’m certain many others. Thank you for sharing and being real. As women, we have many struggles and need each other to get through. My faith in God is the one thing in my life that gets me thru as well. Many blessings and much more happiness to you! ❤️

    1. Daisy, that’s so nice! I wish I could have been brave enough to go through all of this sooner. I do know the value of sharing. So many others have inspired and helped me along the way and I thank you very much for your support! XOXO

  43. Good for you! That’s such a lovely and inspiring story. We all deserve to be happy and more strength to you for your brave choices. I truly appreciate your truth and honesty. You are an IG treasure! ??

  44. Thank you for sharing your story. I truly believe all things happen for a reason. The chapters in your life have made you a strong woman who is now inspiring and touching many lives. Bless you! And you are rockin’ 59 Chica!!

  46. Thank you for your empowering message today! Your courage is inspiring and I commend you for sharing this deeply personal news with us. I love your blog, FB posts, and look forward to what you have in store for us on your journey. Best wishes and much happiness is my hope for you!♥️

  47. Thank you for sharing. So happy for you on this part of your journey. Best wishes to you both! CELEBRATE! LIFE!

  48. Congratulations on your Happy New Beginning! Your smile says it all. May your happiness continue to grow forever.

  49. Wishing you every joy and happiness Shauna! I’ve followed you for your fashion and beauty advise but respect you oh so much for sharing your real:) Many years of happiness to you!

  51. I came to your website, in the past week, for the first time, simply through a pinterest hair post : ). I subscribed. : ) And this is the first blog post that I’ve read. Just what I needed. The last couple of days I’ve been talking to myself about transitioning from a victim mindset to standing up against the things that I’ve let victimize me, things I don’t believe in. Now the hard part, taking that action willing to continue to stand regardless of what might come at me as a result. You are inspiring me. Thank you for sharing your life, putting yourself out there in this world that can be harsh. So happy for you!

  52. Thank you for sharing. My sister is going through the same exact thing right now. After 34 years her marriage is over. Her husband has been awful about it and has put her through a lot. She married young and raised her children, and now has to find her happiness but she is strong. I emailed her your blog to inspire her. Thank you.

    1. Susan, I’m so sorry for your sister. It’s such a hard HARD thing to go through. I pray that she’ll be able to find some comfort. We are all so much STRONGER than we realize!!!!! Bless her!!!!! XOXO

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