Please share the names of older influencers that you follow in the comments! (People in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond!) 🙏🏻 And thank you all so much for the incredible incredible messages on my last video 😭 When I say I SOBBED at some of them… 💚💚💚 No way could I leave this platform and I hate feeling that ‘it’s time’ and that ‘I should’. I saw a recent documentary on RUclipsrs that said most bigger creators only last like 3 years when doing it professionally! I know people usually quit because of burnout and stuff but can we normalise stepping back and returning when we feel okay!? 😭 Can we go back to the good old days of posting for the love of it? It feels so good to know that you guys support me spending more of my time with my kids but also that you still find value in what I share. I’m so lucky to have this little corner of the internet ❤️
I follow Abbey Sharp and obviously Hannah Witton. Your collabs were what introduced me to your channel. Most of the gaming youtubers I follow like Outside Xbox and Eurogamer are mostly in their thirties as well. Come to think of it most youtubers I follow are in their 30s. Pretty sure Rachel and Jun from Rachel and Jun's Adventures are in their 30s as well. You're in good company Melanie, and you worked so hard for this audience. I love watching your vids and whatever you feel comfortable sharing I'm happy to watch. Honestly I don't like that this society has put pressure on women to disappear when they're over 30 and especially after they've had kids. Your vids are still so fun, and I love watching your house renovation stuff and food stuff. Wishing you nothing but the best and I hope you stick around.💙
Most of the people I follow are younger than me (I think). I'm 45. But I still learn from you guys! I don't feel 45. I follow a lot of van lifers (a lot of them are buying land/homes and remodeling in different countries) or travellers. I live in Louisiana. I follow Hank Green. The Cottage Fairy. Kiera Rose. I like seeing different places and learning about a variety of things.
a couple of maybe niche channels that i really enjoy are tasting history with max miller (he just turned 40) where he researches the history of a specific recipe, then makes a video about it, and dr. jackson crawford (pushing 40, i think?) who shares his knowledge of old norse language and culture, and also shares his discussions with other experts in their fields of study. i know, like me, you're a bit of a nerd, so i think you might enjoy their stuff :)
I hate this idea that life ends at 30. I'm 31 and barely know I know who I am and what I want. I love watching older women influencers. They are absolutely fabulous! I don't want to watch a 20 year old telling me about her nightclub outings, I want gardening, cooking, and deep conversion. Girl, don't give up!!!
@@melaniemurphyofficialINDEFECTIBLE // I have something to say to my most powerful critics. I am a real triumpher, and I know how to be a title contender. // I am not permanently broken by my broken left collarbone injury. I will overcome pain. I am a champion. // Without pain and adversity, we cannot overcome our obstacles. We are greater than our defeats. // We are greater than what we suffer through. We are true all time greats and winners. // Adversity pain setbacks and losses make us reigning title winners and champions win. // Challenges obstacles failure and hardships make us the greatest victors and heroes. // It is not our struggles and failures that defines us. It is who we are that defines us. Do not give up. // Everyone has a film and symphony to create for the world. Do not allow negativity to destroy our perseverance. // Greatness excellence success and perseverance exists inside of our humanity. Make your films brilliant. // Make your future films wondrous and extraordinary in the future. Do not give up on the highway to glory
Same and same, except I missed out on partying in my teens/20s so I'm still hoping to see some 30+'ers who go out to drink instead of hosting dinner parties
Ive always felt odd for not desiring the fast paced lifestyle, now that Im heading towards 30 I couldn't be more excited, I love aging.. I love mundane things, Im finally at the age where I can admit to liking the "boring" things and Ive never been happier. I truly wish you the feeling of content in aging, and Im soooh excited to have discovered someone whos not afraid to speak about their journey like you are.
As you age imo, you can have a greater influence on people's lives, since you have more experience, more life lived. And it's great to see women who are more confident in who got past how rocky everything feels when we're younger. As you said, RUclips watchers are aging as well as creators. So naturally, we'll be looking for older people. Also, there's enough of a gap in traditional media of women +30s. We need to see women who are not just the main character's mom. And I think youtube helps a lot with this. ❤❤
You’re like my big sister (I’m 26), and you’ve helped me a lot with my self image through the years. No matter wat you do Melanie, we’ll support you 💚 and I think it’s actually super refreshing to have “older” RUclipsrs, because like you said: life doesn’t end at 30! Keep doing you, we love you for it ✨
I love watching people who homestead or live a “normal” life. I have a normal life and while I love watching people travel I know realistically, my life will probably never look like that. I am thankful to have you, and a couple other “influencers” I have followed for a long time and been able to grow up with. It is great! I can’t watch younger influencers, I have minimal in common with them.
I got engaged in May, but for a solid year beforehand, I was SO unsettled and unsatisfied that I wasn't in that "stage of life" yet, while seeing all my friends get married, buy houses and have kids, which I want so so desperately. It made me so unhappy and I was really getting in my own head and in my own way. Then I had a life-changing "AHA!!" moment in therapy - because I really needed some help with changing my mindset, as it was making life miserable (and in no way did I want to pressure my partner either, because that's no fun!)... And I realised that in life, we have this "tick list" of sorts that everyone is "supposed to" tick by 30-ish. Meet someone, get engaged, get married, buy a house and settle down, have kids. But then what? Once you've ticked everything off your list, what else is there? You're just done? You've "completed life"?? It made me realise how lucky I am that all of those things are ahead of me for me to look forward to, and not behind me. It really helped in that moment. But equally - of COURSE there's more after!! This lie that we're sold of a "blueprint" for life is bollocks at the best of times - society lies and pressures us to keep us buying more, wanting more, loving ourselves and each other less, at the best of times, and this is no different... My mother is in her 60s, and she's discovered this whole side of RUclips and Instagram that is filled with women her age sharing their lives - and it's been SO wonderful for her to have that age inclusivity and online community. I can't imagine my own life without it. I'm personally extremely here for this content ❤
If influencer my age don't do RUclips, I don't know what I'm going to watch 😅 I'm so grateful to watch you go through life as I am, here your thoughts, which makes me feel less alone and inspired ! Let's just grow old together 💚
I love that you don't stick to just one topic. I find so much of your content relatable as a mom of a 9 month old, being 31 years old, being married, and liking home stuff/skin care/etc. Please keep doing what you're doing!
I used to fear aging and my looks changing all my life, but I've become very ill in the last year with various chronic illnesses after a traumatic brain injury and a nasty viral infection and I can now only hope that I am able to experience the gift of becoming older! It is crazy how life events and experiences can shift how we view not only aging, but our own bodies and their "purpose", so to speak. You are such a role model for me, both as someone who wants to be a mother one day and also as a long-time viewer of your channel for over 7 years now! I love to watch your videos when I'm feeling ill and bedridden, thank you for always being by my virtual side. Love from Canada! 💚💚💚💚💚
I’m 35, no kids, but started down a brand new career path. I have NO idea wth I’m doing most of the time & still feel like a little kid inside. I started distancing myself from social media over the last few years; I realised that a lot of influencers are much younger than me, don’t look like me, and I didn’t want to feel pressured to look ‘younger’ and live everyone’s dream life. I want to enjoy my quiet ‘boring’ hobbies, spend quality time with my husband, and just grow older, wiser, hopefully happier & healthier 🥹 I want to enjoy the rest of my years, free from the shackles I endured when I was young, the fear & anxiety over wanting to be liked by everyone 😌
As someone who could be your Mom, I must say everyone's life ebbs and flows, at each stage of life. I believe the goal is to make the most of it, while realizing that you cannot control everything. Easier said than done, I know. I remember crying sad tears when dealing with very sickly kids, but I also cried happy tears when they accomplished milestones. I found out you still worry about your kids, long after they have left the nest. Throughtout that time, you and maybe a partner have your own highs and lows to maneuver. It all comes together to make your story unique. One of my favorite things I learned, "later" in life, is the power of saying no. You really do NOT have to say yes to everyone and everything others expect from you. Don't let the guilt of saying no burden you afterwords. It's your life, your rules. Keep doing "you," and we will be here for you!
I have loved watching the influencers I liked in my 20s grow as they enter their 30s! Most of the ones I follow don't have a solid niche and seem to care less about what people think and about following trends, which is so refreshing on social media and something I have experienced myself now I'm 34. I had a lot of fun in my 20s but I feel so much more confident and capable in my 30s and I'm really enjoying that sense of self-assurance and knowing my purpose.
I seen a quote that said " growing old is a treasure we don't all get" and I've always loved it. Maybe it's another perspective for you to enjoy. Also us millennials HAVE TO STICK TOGETHER! 😂 Id love to see your DVD collection and talk more about books !!
As a 41 year old, I can tell you it gets better and better. I would never want to go back to my twenties. I know myself better, I feel so much more confident and enjoy life more. And when we get together with my friends from high school, we always note how little we have physically changed. I get told all the time how young I look, but that's because people expect you to look ancient at 40.😂
I really loved the topic of this video Melanie! I also think that the whole obsession with youth culture can often feel oppressive to people in their teens and early twenties. That period of time is so over-hyped that you worry the rest of your life won’t measure up. I really appreciate you continuing to upload videos and have these important conversations ❤
I have just turned 30 and i have felt very similar to you. Society has really effected me to to the point i am actually feeling really scared to grow any older. Its really effected my mental health. Ageism is horrible. I think you are an amazing influcener and you most definately should never be made to feel you have to leave because u are getting older. I really felt u when u got emotional as i get emotional about it to. You will always be beautiful no matter what your age is. The negative messages about ageing really need to stop and the feeling of it your turn 30 thats it life is over when we can live for another 40-50 years or more Xx
One of the things I love about my curated subscription box is following people who are in a different country, or from a different generation, or occupy a different economic environment. Or just exist in a different corner of the internet then me so they see vastly different trends or messaging. It just makes my world so much bigger. And you realize there is literally a place for everyone and every phase of life. Like this channel! I’m been here since 2014/ 2015 and sometimes I feel like I come from a different planet 😂 When the first baby was born and you were constantly fighting the stigma of breastfeeding, posting facts about why breastfeeding can be good. Which blew my mind because in my world it’s the other way around. Everyone breastfeeds automatically and you get attacked if you don’t. Now you mentioned all this online media about how much cooler it is to be older without kids and it makes you feel unpopular for wanting kids so much. Again, mind blown. Where is this place online? Because in my world (age, country, real life, online communities) it’s the exact opposite. Everyone starts having babies in their 30s and the content becomes very family oriented. And if you don’t have kids (because of choice, body, lack of family support, lack of partner, lack of money) you are told you have no life. Because you are supposed to have kids now. There is nothing else for women over a certain age (and you are now too old for everything you use to love.) Just wild. The world is such a big place and nobody, NOBODY is experiencing it the same. There is no “normal” “average” or “popular”. It’s just one group of so many. 😮😂💚
I'm 20, don't know if I'll ever even have kids, but I watch all your videos and enjoy the human aspect of you. I love how real you are, even if all your content was simply going to be talking about how exhausting being a mother is! It has opened my eyes to experiences my parents probably had and given me a huge amount of respect and gratefulness towards people like you. Maybe I'm an anomaly but I have worried and felt "old" since I turned 18. At 20 I feel "old" because I'm no longer a teenager. I just think it's a constant cycle for everyone in our current society, but it makes me happy to be part of a community where this is talked about. Learning from people who are older than me has always felt so comforting as I do will be your age eventually. We really do need influencers of any age 💜
Melanie, I am 29 now and followed your content though my twenties now and seriously, it makes me exited to grow older. You are such a relatable person. Dont let influencer biases take your shine! ❤
I love the variety of your content. Sometimes I skip a video, if the topic does not fit in the moment but may in the future. And I need the real life stuff! I became a mom 3 months ago, I am a lot on my own and don’t have many friends with kids who’s values align with mine so I love to look at what you (and other moms) opinions, experiences and strategies are, for going through this season of life! It helps me, not to feel so alone. And I totally agree with the aging part! My body changed a lot the last year and I had a unplanned c-section, so my body will never be like before, but I hope I will grow old in it as healthy as possible.
You talking about making videos that are fun and not something you would be bored with, made me SO happy, watching you be excited, made me excited, just make anything you love and a shit ton of us will love it too!! Also, yes to older influencers, please do it, I love it!! I'm 25 and I love life the older I get, just learning about myself (late diagnosed ND), getting more money, doing what I want, it's great, I have never understood the obsession with being young (I'm lucky that I didn't internalise society's ageism), I'm way more happier now than when I was 21 🥰
Im 37 mother of one mel and absolutely love your content you normalise things i worry about in such a natural relatible way i love seeing this phase of your life its so relatible thank you ❤
22 year old here. I think it's so comforting to watch and hear what it's like to be at different life stages like 30s/40s/50s because I think a lot of people my age are scared to age and think the world will end when we get to that age(including me!) So thank you for your channel Melanie. Love your videos.
I’m 26 and I love your videos so much, I really struggle to find videos on RUclips that are so relatable & interesting to watch these days. You always touch on important topics and you’re never afraid to be vulnerable, it’s so refreshing. Your videos are like having an older sister, they always feel comforting. Never doubt your presence on RUclips Melanie❤️xxx
I don’t have a big sister. Watching your vlogs and videos about normal realistic everyday life feels like a hug. Like I have a big sis somewhere in the world telling me everything is and will be ok. Lots of love❤❤❤
I’m 9 years younger than you. And watching your videos always give me the « gosh I can’t wait to grow older ». Films ending at the get the house the husband and kids always frustrated me. I want to see the mundane happy life after ! Even if not uploading as much I know I’ll still be here to watch your videos in 10+ years because I’ve started watching you in uni back in 2017. And you’ve been a core part of my youtube family with Hannah, Jessica KF and Rachel Maksy. Love everything you’ve done. And to be honest you are leaving the dream for me. As 25yo getting married soon, renting my first house with my first garden etc, I just look up to you a lot. And even the skincare content relates ! Love the renovation videos. Love everything. Kisses from France.
I'm 21 and I've been watching your videos since I was 12! Just as I loved watching you travel and do crazy things in your 20s in my early teens, I'm also loving watching you live your life as it is now in my early 20s, no matter what you're doing, I enjoy it all. I've never left a comment before but you've been like a big sister to me, with figuring out my sexuality, surviving acne and anxiety disorder, and so much more!! It felt like whatever I was struggling with, I had a friend who had done it all before with such a gorgeous attitude about everything. Keep doing you, your videos will inspire and entertain us as they always have done
Lately I’ve been seeking out influencers who are 30 + because I’m 29 and it’s sad to me that when I discover someone new, I find they are usually 22 - 26 which makes me feel like the fun is behind me. I want to look forward and I’m really grateful to people like you who are here and showing me I have lots to look forward to!
Don't abandone us Mel ❤ You are definately not old, that is silly! I would really hate all the old youtubers that we've grown up with, leaving us and youtube being a place only for teens. There is no reason for that to be a reality, we need you! 🌷🌷 P.S I would also love if you made a favorite movies video!
I’m 24 and have been watching your videos for about 6 years. I love seeing influencers go through life organically, sharing their hobbies, interests and all the life changes as these grow and change. As much as I enjoyed watching your former videos, I have found so much value from the wisdom and insights you have shared on RUclips about your journey with health and fitness, sobriety, motherhood and much more, lessons and experiences that have come with maturing. Melanie, you are a role model of sorts to much of your viewers regardless of age. Thank you for sharing your content, it is more valuable than you may realise. ❤
I love the content you’re putting out Mel! I’m 24 and I hate the mentality that your 20s are the best part of your life, cause it’s a lot of pressure and like it’s such a small chunk of your life?! Your videos make me feel much more okay with everything being a mess cause you’ve still built so much around you even with things you’d call mistakes or regrets. I love seeing your life change from when you came out to your relationship then marriage and children. I love seeing the ups and downs of life and seeing where I could be and what happens after the end credits. You and Hannah Witton and other people are giving me the content I don’t really get anywhere else. I want to see people getting their first wrinkles, having complex relationships, juggling work, family, friends. I want to see how you guys do it, so I’m not going in blind to it all! Lots of love, and don’t let that voice in the back of your head get you down (as hard as that is) 💚
I started to watch your channel since that ‘skincare habits i formed in my 20s’ was released and i ve been a constant viewer since then. I went back and also watched so many of your older videos (especially the food diary fridays) and your work has positively impacted me when it comes to confidence, peace of mind and fighting with mean thoughts and ed. Even though i m just 21 and in a completely different stage of life, i still really enjoyed all of your newer content with the pregnancies and motherhood, as they are so relaxing and somewhat relatable (the “normal” lifestyle that you have is calming and inspiring). I really think that your audience enjoys your lifestyle and looks forward to any content that you decide to put up. I like your personality and all, so i m enjoying your content no matter what (and also it s normal that your content reflects what your priorities are right now, you cant live a totally different life online and pretend that your reality doesnt exist).
i may not have kids, but i am 38, just trying to navigate what being middle-aged even is, and i treasure creators such as yourself. as long as you continue to make videos, i'll continue to watch and enjoy them.
You are so loved, Melanie! Thank you for sharing your life all these years. It's been fun aging along with you. 😄 I truly hope you don't stop posting anytime soon. You would be incredibly missed. 💚
Ive been watching you since i started college at 17, Im 24 now and Ive been struggling with thoughts of getting older and not experiecing enough in my 20s. This video has really helped me gain a new perspective and Im looking forward to this stage of life for the first time. Over the years i feel as if I have grown with you, gained so much knowledge, related to alot of your thoughts and experiences and felt a little less alone when watching you. I can honestly say that you've been like a big sister to me. Keep doing what youre doing because you really makes a difference in peoples lives. 💚💚💚
I'm turning 30 this year and have been absolutely dreading it because I don't feel like I'm where I 'should' be in life. This video made me feel so much better, thank you Mel. Trying to shift my mindset, like you said life doesn't end at 30 and aging is a gift! Also would definitely LOVE garden centre and DVD collection content lol 💚
I really love this conversation. I've been watching your videos for 6+ years now and a lot of what I love about them is seeing you move through the different stages of your 20s and 30s and the unique highs and lows that comes with each chapter. It's made navigating my own 20s a lot less daunting! Also side note: if you're looking for more positive content about aging (especially as a woman and mum), I'd really recommend Caitlin Moran's book 'More than a woman'.
Oh Melanie, I'm the same age as you, and I have a two year old. It's so wonderful having you sharing and making me feel like there's a friend out there who understands. I am an author and teach at a university and I relate so much to your struggle with the juggle between mothering and creativity. I am the same as everyone else. I want to see my life reflected. I want to see the beauty of it and the difficult times. It's bizarre that social media and youtube don't show it much. Anyway, I'm rambling, but I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed. I know what it feels like to feel hormonal. I hope you will stay making videos, even if they're more sporadic.
This whole video is why I love watching your video’s. My little brother died last year at the age of 26. I would say be happy you age and I think the audience you have is most likely somewhat your age so relatable. I don’t have children because I don’t have that strong feeling but it doesn’t mean I don’t like to watch video’s about motherhood.I also see inspiration in actresses who age and don’t hide it like Rachel MCAdams and Reese Witherspoon.
I love that you're talking about this Melanie. It feels like only yesterday that I was in your place in life. I've now popped out the other end. Now my children are all grown up now, in their 20's and married and I still feel the loss of my young children and how much they needed me. I am however getting to re-live it all with my 18 month old granddaughter. Becoming a grandmother definately helped with the grief of grown up children and the fact that I'm her favourite person and she's my favourite n the world too, fills my heart to overflowing! But I struggle so much with ageing, it feels shameful in our society to grow older. Please keep talking about this topic, we older people need younger influencers like you. Thank you, thank you 💚
This made me cry too Melanie. Watching it I realised that you are my role model. I watch you because you're getting older and wiser and you make it look so goddamn good. It's really hard to find role models who aren't celebrities with false images. I want to be an amazing mother, wife and creative just like you. To own a home and to try my best and to care about my family. Your authenticity is pure gold. Watching you makes me excited about the next ten years of my life. Lots of love to you beautiful lady xxx
I also really love the variety of topics which is why I enjoy your videos! If you had only done skincare, I probably wouldn't have stuck around since my tastes changed, but I love when you include it with other types of video material. Even the RUclipsrs I watch who seem to post the same thing, in their vlogs they tend to talk about different topics which makes each video unique. I also use BetterHelp and I love it. I have a lovely 81 year old therapist who's helped me loads! As for the RUclipsr recs, I watch several people in their 30s - Christine Kjaer, Darling Desi, Jonna Jinton, Kalle Flodin, and Malama Life!
All I want is that ‘mundane’ life, girl. You look so fulfilled and thats the kind of thing I like to watch. I’m 21 but I have really enjoyed watching my parents enjoy the fruits of their labour. They worked so hard looking after us and growing in their careers, and now they get to leave us to live our lives and travel again, but also doing the mundane, peaceful stuff they enjoy every day. Its only going to get better as you get older, Melanie! Sending love ❤️
I am not even halfway through this video and I’m crying with you, lol. I’m 37 and had my son right before I turned 37. I waited so long to have a baby and finally found my person and my life feels so at ease. I love watching RUclipsrs of my age. It makes me feel like I have a friend to relate to and you have made me feel so good about being a mama. I feel like “okay… I’m not the only one that feels this way so I’m not failing. I’m not a bad mama.” That means the world and seeing life “outside of family” is a relief because we lose ourselves as mamas and to know that it gets better is so important but knowing in this season of being a mama it’s okay to take care of myself while caring for my child. Im rambling, lol, I’m sorry. I really hope you never leave. I have 2 favorite women to watch on here and being able to see y’all is like seeing a friend. Thank you for all you do and for just being you. Sorry for rambling and if I didn’t make sense… also… Hook…😭 my husband and son are both Peter and… watching my “repete” (as my husband likes to call him, lol) grow and be so filled with wonder has been magical. Even my “Pete” is full of wander in this new journey we’ve taken together. That analogy is spot on. 🥰🥹
I love your videos they truly have helped me with growing and accepting these new chapters in my life, Im having my first baby in Fall and my partner and I watched your postpartum videos and it’s so insightful. Even your labor experience I hold that so close to me because you have always been so transparent in your videos. It wasn’t a bunch of crap about how “GLAMOROUS” pregnancy is. It was raw and real and that’s what I love about your channel. You always talk about stuff I align with. We are aging and I wanna embrace that not run from it. Without influencers like you I think I would go mad thinking something is wrong with me because I don’t look put together most days and that’s okay. I’m enjoying this time in my life where I ate cheese cake with my spouse while being 6 months pregnant watching love island and feeling pretty damn great.
It is indeed amazing how our society has influenced us all to see everything and anything related to being even slightly older in a negative way. Like I'm 26 and I feel like a lot of ppl I know think I'm boring because I've changed from going out a lot more and living the single life and traveling more to living with my bf and my perfect weekend being probably mostly staying in. And it doesn't feel good when your friends find you boring and stop inviting you to certain plans that they think don't align so much with who you've become. It is mostly the assumption that we or I wouldn't be interested in certain plans anymore without even asking. I'm glad you're staying cause I really want to see how it goes from here. The ups and downs of a life that is the life a lot of us want. And I don't know if there are more ppl interested in young influencers living the crazy life or more settled down, down to earth influencers living the real life of someone in their 30s and beyond. I think it depends on the audience and most of us here are probably interested in the things you have to say :)
Love this! I’m only 23 but I follow several RUclipsrs/influencers who are in their 30s and beyond, including you of course! A few others I like are Taylor R, Audrey Coyne, Dr. Dray, Jessica Kellgren Fozard, and Jeannie B ASMR. They post all different types of content. As someone in an uncertain age/time of life right now, seeing older people on the internet who have slowly figured out their lives or have established careers has been a huge help with my anxiety about the future. Thanks Melanie 💚
Oh, please stay with us! I just got to know you through the collab video you did with Hannah and I am really resonating with your way of living and your views of life (at least with what I know about them)! I is really great to have someone talking about stuff that is important to me! I have a three month old at home and I love watching your videos as "what might come! Hopefully, we someday will have the opportunity to buy a house and to mould it to our liking but til then, I will find joy in your home renovating!
Hi :) Love the video and the topic!! I’m 37 and I’m loving it!! When I was 34, 35 I was feeling very intimidated about getting older, but it is so beautiful and you start to arrive at a stage where you have gathered enough experience that maybe for the first time in life, people start turning to you with questions about life that are deeper, where they want to hear your opinion about it. Young people or even kids in my case, as I am a Mum and my child’s friends often ask me for my opinion. And I imagine this will only get more and how beautiful is it to gain more and more experience that you can share with younger people. I just love growing older and becoming more respected as well for my opinions, not just by the young ones but suddenly by older people too, because they are also interested in how I feel and think about things, now that I am going through certain life stages. I don’t know if this makes sense to anyone, but at least it is how I am experiencing growing older and I am really loving it and want to lean into it even more. Thanks so much ❤
The dofference between happiness and meaning opened my eyes a lot. I am so happy you're staying. ❤ I am the audience who's staying for your life story on here 😊
Been watching you forever (quietly cheering you on from the side - dont think I've ever commented!) Being an only child, you're 100% like the older sister I never had. Feel like we've grown with you! From getting through EDs and body image, self confidence etc etc you're always someone I look up to! Thank you for making the future seem so much less scary! Thank you for being you❤
I’m 24 and I would much rather watch influencers who are in the slow “older” stage of life than people who are focused on going out, regardless of age. I think it has to do more with the person than age, being a mom I feel like I have much more in common with the other parents than those who aren’t. Also 30 isn’t old at all! Age is a mentality, my parents are in their early 50s now and I still think of them as being in their late 30s cause they’re just soaring through life.
Melanie, I don’t normally comment on videos, but I’ve been watching you for years and the last two videos you’ve posted have made me so nostalgic and reminded me of why I love your channel. Admittedly, I’m one of your childless viewers who kind of fell off a bit with all the kid videos. Up until recently I’ve been an American teacher, and dealing with all the trauma of our horrendously messed up education system has put me off the idea of ever wanting kids, so I think I avoided the topic all together. It does, however, make me so happy to see how much joy you have with your children and your family. ❤ I love that you’re talking more about aging too, and not trying to pretend that you have it together all the time. We need more people like you who validate the fact that life is messy sometimes, and it can be messy AND beautiful! I’ll always keep coming back to support you no matter what kind of content you make- you’ve been a comforting presence in some of my darkest days. Sending positive energy to you and your family lovely lady! 💚
Thank you, Melanie! Indeed, getting older is a priviledge - especially if you are healthy, have a stable income, a beautiful family and your lovely house & garden. I also reflect on these things and get scared a bit. I am not as far as you are but keeping busy and appreciating life is always a good strategy. Keep doing the things you are already doing and doing them so well. ❤
I subscribed to you and Raw Beauty Kristi around the same time, I think you were both doing vegan content at the time (many years ago 😄) and you’re both the only two RUclipsrs I still consistently watch now I’m in my early 30s. You’re both very nourishing and genuine to watch, I have no intention of having children but I adore watching both your journeys through motherhood too! Your candidness and openness is what keeps me. There’s something lovely about sharing in others’ sadness and joy, even if you can’t directly relate to their life path. Please stick around, as long as it keeps making you happy! 💚🩷
Oh chick. 🥰🥰 wish i could hug you. Im a mummy of 10 month old and nearly 4 year old. Im 42. Ive moved from London to Devon and the adventures are only just starting. Live for the happiness hun. One day ur littles will watch these. Make a legacy chick u got this mumma 🐻. Age is just a number. Love ur vlogs. Stay u 🥰🥰 lost girls forever 😉❤🦖🌈🦄🥳🥳
Used my “mummy me time” to watch this video and fell asleep halfway through the video. 😂But that relaxing comfort is exactly why I keep coming back to your channel and I will definitely catch up on the second half the next time I have a spot of alone time. I love watching creators who are my age and going through the same life milestones as me. Especially ones that are so honest about the highs and lows of these big life changes (buying a house/ becoming a parent) even if you only posted one video a year I’d be excited to see that notification and catch up with you💚
Melanie I can't even fathom how you were considering leaving RUclips because you thought you might be "too old". You are so valued here and you're like a leader for our generation of women. I need you to stick around to show me and everyone else that life after 30 when you have kids does not mean being chained to a traditional housewife lifestyle 😂 Ive been watching your videos since about 2011 and I'll gladly continue watching you for however long you decide to stay here.
Don't forget just how inspiring you are! I've been watching for 8+ years or so now and growing up with you has inspired me in so many ways to be a better, more mindful, caring and creative person. It gives me hope for the future to see where you are now and how you got there. I am 26 atm and hope to have created a life similar to yours when I get to my early 30's but sometimes it feels like that future doesn't exist and is so out of reach and seeing your journey makes it feel all that more realistic. And please dont forget, you are not "old", my parents are in their 60's and they aren't "old" either. Old is a mind set! You can still climb mountains at 70 if you put your mind to it! Not to say being old is bad but I just think that in saying we are old at 33, 34 etc we are giving in to the idea that we've lost the vigor of life when in fact we are living out the best days of our lives! Don't give old the power, you are THIRTY FLIRTY AND THRIVING GIRL and don't forget it💚😉 lotts of love to you and yours xx
I'm so late but I needed to coment ! I personally LOVE your content. As a new mom I don't get much free time (that's the reason why I'm late on this video) but you are on my priority list of RUclipsrs to watch ! 💚
I found it interesting that you said you can't control what's coming at you in terms of content, but I'm your age and simply don't see the things you're referencing. I have heavily curated my social media so that I get fed realistic, honest and vulnerable content that helps reinforce the way that I want to live my life and the messages I want to feed myself. I try to follow a diversity of people, and to me the most important thing is how they approach life. If they feel ick, they're off my feed. Also bugger niches. To be emotionally/mentally sustainable, you have to do you. Your core following follows you for you, your personality, and your approach to life. Keep having fun with it 🙂
So relate to feeling like you would just be young forever. Also, I’m 28 and I feel like so much of the conversation with people my age has become ‘we’re so old!’, ‘we can’t do xyz anymore’ and I kind of hate it. Like we still (hopefully) have so many years ahead of us, I don’t want to spend the whole time reminiscing about being 18! Anyway, I’ve been following you since probably around 2015 and still absolutely love listening to you talk about your life and your interests. Definitely do whatever’s best for you re: how often you upload (can’t imagine how busy you must be with two young kids!), but you’ll always have a community here who loves and supports you regardless ❤️❤️❤️
I love the topic of this video! Thank you so much for talking about this and sharing! You are and always have been my favourite youtuber because of all of the different topics you speak about in your videos! I dont have kids but possibly might want to in the future and I love the way you talk about motherhood and parenting. Just love you and your videos, please never leave ❤❤❤❤
This video reminded me of why I started watching RUclips in high school (15+ years ago), make up tutorials! It’s funny to reflect on when my biggest problem was not being able to afford a different coveted MAC product every week, I’m so glad my life is so much more rich and full and complicated and messy and fun now (turning 30 this year) than when I was younger, and I can only imagine how much better it will get! I love watching along on your journey, it would be terribly dull if you were still posting the same content as you started with 10 years ago- and speaking of narratives, think about how boring it would be to read a book or watch something where a character experienced absolutely no growth or development from beginning-middle-end. It’s been great watching your videos up until now and I plan to stick around much longer, feels like you are only just getting started ☺️ +1 to the DVD collection tour!
Thank YOU! Thank you for always being honest and kind. I’m glad you are not planning on leaving RUclips. It makes sense that societal messaging makes you feel like you should be young forever. It’s bizarre to me though. I’ve ALWAYS been an old person at heart. I am such a granny. I’ve always believed you can do and feel however you want to. However that looks: - Staying in, watching Disney films and painting and looking after your plants. - Going out drinking and exploring the world. - Being a parent and juggling all the things (side note: I’m in AWE of all parents!) Etc. There is no one size fits all. I am weird in that my habits have been consistent from a child. I go through waves of being social but introverted and then not socialising and isolating myself. Growing old has been a privilege. I never thought I’d reach 21, 25, 28; and 30 looms (I’m still 28) and I am ridiculously excited about hitting a milestone I genuinely never imagined reaching. It is such a foreign concept to me to not embrace all my new wrinkles (I have new chevrons at the corners of my eyes when I smile and I squealed with delight at them). I’ve always looked younger than I am. I don’t wear make up (I want to paint other things rather than me. It’s just not how I express myself!), I have a baby face, I am both a granny and a child heart. So having wrinkles feels joyful. A marker that I am aging and I have overcome so many obstacles. This Anne (of Green Gables) style delight matched with my child-like granny-ness (definitely should be a word) makes me feel proud of my outlook on life, of how I choose to live my life, of me ignoring societal pressures. It can (and has been) be hard to manage other people’s expectations but I have to remember I can’t control what other people think. I can only control how I think, react, and act. Their opinions are not my truth. If I keep living how I want then all versions of myself (past, present and future) will be content that in any situation I did my best and stayed true to myself. Apologies for that ramble. I’ve never understood the not wanting to grow old opinion. It is counterproductive and stupid frankly! We will, if we are lucky, grow old, and what a delight and sadness and all the complex emotions that come with the trials and joys of old age. Thank you for providing a space to share and discuss topics that are important to you. I hope this provides you with a different perspective and I am intrigued to read everyone else’s comments and see what interesting takes everyone else has. So much love and support being sent to you all. I hope anyone who reads this feels a little less alone. Keep trying, making mistakes, and being messy and brilliant. (You are brilliant!) 💙💚
This is my first time commenting, but I really want to thank you for your openness. I'm in my early 20s and watching youtubers who are older than me really helped me realise that aging isn't a bad thing. All I read on the internet about getting older is that everything goes downhill after your 20s, and that now is the time to experience things, find a partner, have the fun "while you can". You bring some much needed perspective to that. Please know that you're one of the 'older influencers' for people my age and that your videos are meaningful, even the if the content seems mundane on the surface.
My 20s were insane and exciting, but I still feel my life started after being 29 when my son was born. My 30s will be my best decade so far and I believe that it gets better every year!
Also although my 20s were great I would NEVER want to go back. I don't understand this "without children your 30s are like your 20s but with money" mindset. WHY do you want all that mess that comes from being in your 20s??? And don't forget a lot of people don't make good money EVER. This is just first world thinking. 99% of the people on the planet don't earn a lot.
@bettinak.4 as someone in their 30s without children (and who really does not want children), I understand this phrase. The more care-free lifestyle continues.... but with (hopefully) wisdom and growth. I don't have the same mindset I had in my 20s that didn't know who she was and what she was doing. I'm now 36 and am grounded a lot more in who I am and what I want. So it's not as if you're just carrying on with the craziness of your 20s.
Okay I'm late to this video. I'm 32, my son was born August of 2020, and my daughter was born November of 2023. I have been watching you here since like 2010 2011ish, so I really feel like I've grown up with you. I know that sounds so odd from a stranger, but we've hit so many milestones at very similar times that it just feels that way. I love your videos, and I just have so much love and appreciation for you as a person, willing to connect, and share your life with so many of us. I can't imagine the pressure of online life, but I know im not alone when I say there are so many of us here that are rooting for you every step of the way. Blessings to you and your family!
I’m a Melanie stan! I’ve been following you since your acne videos and have stuck with you all this time lol I loved seeing you go from crazy 20 something travelling and partying to becoming a beautiful mother and wife. It would be so sad if you stopped doing youtube or social media in general because at this point it feels like a friendship hahaha it would be great if you continue uploading even if it is once every few months
By getting worse they're getting better! Love the awkward video endings and love your content! I'm relatively new... Like six months in or something? And even though I don't have kids and don't know if I want that for myself I just LOVE listening to you, sharing your insights and your life online! I'm here for it and I'm staying!
Beauuuuutiful video! Such a good reminder, I'm gonna have an extra celebrating my birthday next year 😊 as a child free person it's really hard to feel grown-up, especially when quarantines and a burnout stole so much of my time, I feel like I didn't do anything fun or meaningful for five years and I got anxious of being static, of people my age (35) being further along with long term partners and I just have a string of break ups... But then I remind myself this is my path to walk , and I go watch some content from people my age and older navigating life with a community of friends and family and I have now lots of images of stuff to look forward to. Here's to life!
Im not planning on babies, but I love watching you live your "normal" life! Sure, its cool to see someone who goes on fancy trips all the time, but I dont ever expect my life to be like that. Its comforting to see people who feel "regular." I'm also 1000% here for gardening and house reno (I'm 30).
You are NOT too old for youtube!!! I don’t want to be watching teen/young adult creators forever! Specially in the future! People grow up and want grown up content 🥺
Danu's Irish Herb Garden. It's a channel by an older Irish Lady (I would say in their 60ies) and she makes videos about living in the irish country side, tending her garden with her dogs and often talks about plants and other home remedies for ailments.
A liittle late to comment, but I'm catching up on my RUclips watchlist. I remember the very first video I watched of yours was a Zooey Deschanel make-up tutorial, needless to say I wouldn't be researching the same thing now 😅. What I'm trying to say is, your audience grows with you. 5 years ago, I wasn't a homeowner or gave a hoot about plants; but it's now a peak interest of mine. There will always be a place for you, niche or not. To be honest having such a variety of interests and topics in your videos is what makes your lovely channel so watchable and relatable 💚
A thought about story arcs - when you were talking about it I immediately thought of how some of my favorite book series (the first one that came to mind is The Clifton Chronicles) follow people through their entire life. I think that when you really relate to a character you want to know where life would take them. It might also have to do to the sucess of fanfiction. So maybe a good metaphore for a youtube channel (or for life) could be a series of books, each of them with its own arc.
To be fair, I'm 24 and you're one of a very few "maturing" youtubers I watch. Your life is helping me to prepare for aging myself because it's inevitable anyway but might seem kinda scary from the point of my current self. All that kids talk (even though relatives keep bothering you about that your whole life😶), being more responsible, dealing with a lot of adult stuff, etc. So I'm really happy you share many things honestly. It's just so human
Loved this video! Representation is SO important. For race, disability, gender, and AGE! It's been incredibly important for me to follow influences and RUclipsrs who are 30+ including Danae Mercer, Sarah at The Birds Papaya, and Luisa at The Silver Lining.
Also it is refreshing and comforting hearing you talk about ageing because my granny has been going through a rough patch with her health and it has made me think a lot about ageing and I feel scared. I know it’s a privilege to age but to think how much you change, how you become more physically limited and dependent from other people to do stuff is so scary. I’ve been feeling like this since I passed the 25 years old mark lol from 25 and on you feel like you age faster
I totally hear you and also feel like a year ‘feels’ faster the older you get! I remember reading this is all perception, like when you are 6, 1 year is 1/6th of your whole existence so far so it seems like a long time but at 50, it is 1/50th which ‘seems’ less and this can feel quicker! Things that help slow down perception of time = breaking out of routine and trying new things, practicing mindfulness and being present etc 💚 They definitely work! I think looking after ourselves as much as we can while young is the best way to stack cards in our favour as we age - physically mentally emotionally! “When we worry we suffer twice” as they say, I really don’t want to worry about illness because some people live very healthy lives right up to their 70s 80s even 90s, we can absolutely stir the boat in the right direction! And treatments are always improving ❤️
We LOVE YOU Melanie...I watch your videos since the beginning, you were the first youtuber I ever subscribed to. And I wanted to do this not only because of your content but mainly because of your strong character and your wonderful, sensitive personality. I am a leo too and I see so many similarities between you and me. I am much older than you (I turn 41 in 29 of July), but I admire you so much and I think you are such a WONDERFUL mother. If God wants me to have kids one day, I want to be a mother like you...loving, sensitive, protective and so dedicated. Hook and Lion King are the movies I have cried THE MOST in my whole life, so I deeply understand how you felt when you read the comment about Hook. I just want you to know how much we all love you and we are beside you, supporting you in every decision you make. Because I think THAT is the meaning of true, unconditional love. Sending ALL my love from Greece to you and your lovely family...🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙
Thank you for this video, it's really relevant to my life. I enjoy my 30s more than I did my 20s. There's a lot of joy and meaning to be found in the mundane
I love this conversation. I’m 35, my first child is a teenager and I feel like my life is still in the beginning stages. I have a whole life ahead of me after my children are raised. I would love to watch videos of you going though this journey of motherhood. Also, Chelsea from The Financial Diet says she only follows older influencers and I love this idea. Let’s be influenced to be excited to get older!
Please share the names of older influencers that you follow in the comments! (People in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond!) 🙏🏻 And thank you all so much for the incredible incredible messages on my last video 😭 When I say I SOBBED at some of them… 💚💚💚 No way could I leave this platform and I hate feeling that ‘it’s time’ and that ‘I should’. I saw a recent documentary on RUclipsrs that said most bigger creators only last like 3 years when doing it professionally! I know people usually quit because of burnout and stuff but can we normalise stepping back and returning when we feel okay!? 😭 Can we go back to the good old days of posting for the love of it? It feels so good to know that you guys support me spending more of my time with my kids but also that you still find value in what I share. I’m so lucky to have this little corner of the internet ❤️
Hank and John Green, they're "older", but following them and being a part of the community there just keeps getting better :)
I follow Abbey Sharp and obviously Hannah Witton. Your collabs were what introduced me to your channel. Most of the gaming youtubers I follow like Outside Xbox and Eurogamer are mostly in their thirties as well. Come to think of it most youtubers I follow are in their 30s. Pretty sure Rachel and Jun from Rachel and Jun's Adventures are in their 30s as well. You're in good company Melanie, and you worked so hard for this audience. I love watching your vids and whatever you feel comfortable sharing I'm happy to watch. Honestly I don't like that this society has put pressure on women to disappear when they're over 30 and especially after they've had kids. Your vids are still so fun, and I love watching your house renovation stuff and food stuff. Wishing you nothing but the best and I hope you stick around.💙
Cinema Therapy! (Different type of influencer but maybe still counts)
Most of the people I follow are younger than me (I think). I'm 45. But I still learn from you guys! I don't feel 45. I follow a lot of van lifers (a lot of them are buying land/homes and remodeling in different countries) or travellers. I live in Louisiana. I follow Hank Green. The Cottage Fairy. Kiera Rose. I like seeing different places and learning about a variety of things.
a couple of maybe niche channels that i really enjoy are tasting history with max miller (he just turned 40) where he researches the history of a specific recipe, then makes a video about it, and dr. jackson crawford (pushing 40, i think?) who shares his knowledge of old norse language and culture, and also shares his discussions with other experts in their fields of study.
i know, like me, you're a bit of a nerd, so i think you might enjoy their stuff :)
I hate this idea that life ends at 30. I'm 31 and barely know I know who I am and what I want. I love watching older women influencers. They are absolutely fabulous! I don't want to watch a 20 year old telling me about her nightclub outings, I want gardening, cooking, and deep conversion. Girl, don't give up!!!
💚💚💚💚💚💚💚 yesssssss!
@@melaniemurphyofficialINDEFECTIBLE
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I have something to say to my most powerful critics. I am a real triumpher,
and I know how to be a title contender.
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I am not permanently broken by my broken left collarbone injury. I will
overcome pain. I am a champion.
//
Without pain and adversity, we
cannot overcome our obstacles.
We are greater than our defeats.
//
We are greater than what we
suffer through. We are true
all time greats and winners.
//
Adversity pain setbacks and
losses make us reigning title
winners and champions win.
//
Challenges obstacles failure
and hardships make us the
greatest victors and heroes.
//
It is not our struggles and failures
that defines us. It is who we are
that defines us. Do not give up.
//
Everyone has a film and symphony
to create for the world. Do not allow
negativity to destroy our perseverance.
//
Greatness excellence success and perseverance exists inside of our
humanity. Make your films brilliant.
//
Make your future films wondrous
and extraordinary in the future. Do
not give up on the highway to glory
I second this!
Same! I want to watch someone I can relate to, that ages with me. Growing old is a privilege and I wish society could reflect that ❤
Same and same, except I missed out on partying in my teens/20s so I'm still hoping to see some 30+'ers who go out to drink instead of hosting dinner parties
Ive always felt odd for not desiring the fast paced lifestyle, now that Im heading towards 30 I couldn't be more excited, I love aging.. I love mundane things, Im finally at the age where I can admit to liking the "boring" things and Ive never been happier. I truly wish you the feeling of content in aging, and Im soooh excited to have discovered someone whos not afraid to speak about their journey like you are.
As you age imo, you can have a greater influence on people's lives, since you have more experience, more life lived. And it's great to see women who are more confident in who got past how rocky everything feels when we're younger.
As you said, RUclips watchers are aging as well as creators. So naturally, we'll be looking for older people.
Also, there's enough of a gap in traditional media of women +30s. We need to see women who are not just the main character's mom. And I think youtube helps a lot with this.
❤❤
YES!!! ❤❤❤
You’re like my big sister (I’m 26), and you’ve helped me a lot with my self image through the years. No matter wat you do Melanie, we’ll support you 💚 and I think it’s actually super refreshing to have “older” RUclipsrs, because like you said: life doesn’t end at 30! Keep doing you, we love you for it ✨
I love watching people who homestead or live a “normal” life. I have a normal life and while I love watching people travel I know realistically, my life will probably never look like that. I am thankful to have you, and a couple other “influencers” I have followed for a long time and been able to grow up with. It is great! I can’t watch younger influencers, I have minimal in common with them.
I got engaged in May, but for a solid year beforehand, I was SO unsettled and unsatisfied that I wasn't in that "stage of life" yet, while seeing all my friends get married, buy houses and have kids, which I want so so desperately. It made me so unhappy and I was really getting in my own head and in my own way. Then I had a life-changing "AHA!!" moment in therapy - because I really needed some help with changing my mindset, as it was making life miserable (and in no way did I want to pressure my partner either, because that's no fun!)... And I realised that in life, we have this "tick list" of sorts that everyone is "supposed to" tick by 30-ish. Meet someone, get engaged, get married, buy a house and settle down, have kids. But then what? Once you've ticked everything off your list, what else is there? You're just done? You've "completed life"?? It made me realise how lucky I am that all of those things are ahead of me for me to look forward to, and not behind me. It really helped in that moment. But equally - of COURSE there's more after!! This lie that we're sold of a "blueprint" for life is bollocks at the best of times - society lies and pressures us to keep us buying more, wanting more, loving ourselves and each other less, at the best of times, and this is no different... My mother is in her 60s, and she's discovered this whole side of RUclips and Instagram that is filled with women her age sharing their lives - and it's been SO wonderful for her to have that age inclusivity and online community. I can't imagine my own life without it. I'm personally extremely here for this content ❤
If influencer my age don't do RUclips, I don't know what I'm going to watch 😅
I'm so grateful to watch you go through life as I am, here your thoughts, which makes me feel less alone and inspired !
Let's just grow old together 💚
I love that you don't stick to just one topic. I find so much of your content relatable as a mom of a 9 month old, being 31 years old, being married, and liking home stuff/skin care/etc. Please keep doing what you're doing!
I used to fear aging and my looks changing all my life, but I've become very ill in the last year with various chronic illnesses after a traumatic brain injury and a nasty viral infection and I can now only hope that I am able to experience the gift of becoming older! It is crazy how life events and experiences can shift how we view not only aging, but our own bodies and their "purpose", so to speak.
You are such a role model for me, both as someone who wants to be a mother one day and also as a long-time viewer of your channel for over 7 years now! I love to watch your videos when I'm feeling ill and bedridden, thank you for always being by my virtual side. Love from Canada! 💚💚💚💚💚
I’m 35, no kids, but started down a brand new career path. I have NO idea wth I’m doing most of the time & still feel like a little kid inside. I started distancing myself from social media over the last few years; I realised that a lot of influencers are much younger than me, don’t look like me, and I didn’t want to feel pressured to look ‘younger’ and live everyone’s dream life. I want to enjoy my quiet ‘boring’ hobbies, spend quality time with my husband, and just grow older, wiser, hopefully happier & healthier 🥹 I want to enjoy the rest of my years, free from the shackles I endured when I was young, the fear & anxiety over wanting to be liked by everyone 😌
What career are you transitioning to? I'm also 35 in the middle of a career change but still in the trying to figure out what to do next phase.
As someone who could be your Mom, I must say everyone's life ebbs and flows, at each stage of life. I believe the goal is to make the most of it, while realizing that you cannot control everything. Easier said than done, I know.
I remember crying sad tears when dealing with very sickly kids, but I also cried happy tears when they accomplished milestones. I found out you still worry about your kids, long after they have left the nest. Throughtout that time, you and maybe a partner have your own highs and lows to maneuver. It all comes together to make your story unique.
One of my favorite things I learned, "later" in life, is the power of saying no. You really do NOT have to say yes to everyone and everything others expect from you. Don't let the guilt of saying no burden you afterwords. It's your life, your rules.
Keep doing "you," and we will be here for you!
🥰👍
I have loved watching the influencers I liked in my 20s grow as they enter their 30s! Most of the ones I follow don't have a solid niche and seem to care less about what people think and about following trends, which is so refreshing on social media and something I have experienced myself now I'm 34. I had a lot of fun in my 20s but I feel so much more confident and capable in my 30s and I'm really enjoying that sense of self-assurance and knowing my purpose.
I seen a quote that said " growing old is a treasure we don't all get" and I've always loved it. Maybe it's another perspective for you to enjoy.
Also us millennials HAVE TO STICK TOGETHER! 😂 Id love to see your DVD collection and talk more about books !!
agreed! would love to see book recommendations especially since it is SOOO hard to find anything worth reading nowadays. I'd join Mel's book club 🙋
As a 41 year old, I can tell you it gets better and better. I would never want to go back to my twenties. I know myself better, I feel so much more confident and enjoy life more. And when we get together with my friends from high school, we always note how little we have physically changed. I get told all the time how young I look, but that's because people expect you to look ancient at 40.😂
I’m with you 🙌❤️🌺
I really loved the topic of this video Melanie! I also think that the whole obsession with youth culture can often feel oppressive to people in their teens and early twenties. That period of time is so over-hyped that you worry the rest of your life won’t measure up. I really appreciate you continuing to upload videos and have these important conversations ❤
👏🏻❤️❤️❤️
yes it's overhyped. Life gets soooo much better later on
I have just turned 30 and i have felt very similar to you. Society has really effected me to to the point i am actually feeling really scared to grow any older. Its really effected my mental health. Ageism is horrible. I think you are an amazing influcener and you most definately should never be made to feel you have to leave because u are getting older. I really felt u when u got emotional as i get emotional about it to. You will always be beautiful no matter what your age is. The negative messages about ageing really need to stop and the feeling of it your turn 30 thats it life is over when we can live for another 40-50 years or more Xx
One of the things I love about my curated subscription box is following people who are in a different country, or from a different generation, or occupy a different economic environment. Or just exist in a different corner of the internet then me so they see vastly different trends or messaging. It just makes my world so much bigger. And you realize there is literally a place for everyone and every phase of life.
Like this channel! I’m been here since 2014/ 2015 and sometimes I feel like I come from a different planet 😂 When the first baby was born and you were constantly fighting the stigma of breastfeeding, posting facts about why breastfeeding can be good. Which blew my mind because in my world it’s the other way around. Everyone breastfeeds automatically and you get attacked if you don’t.
Now you mentioned all this online media about how much cooler it is to be older without kids and it makes you feel unpopular for wanting kids so much. Again, mind blown. Where is this place online? Because in my world (age, country, real life, online communities) it’s the exact opposite. Everyone starts having babies in their 30s and the content becomes very family oriented. And if you don’t have kids (because of choice, body, lack of family support, lack of partner, lack of money) you are told you have no life. Because you are supposed to have kids now. There is nothing else for women over a certain age (and you are now too old for everything you use to love.)
Just wild. The world is such a big place and nobody, NOBODY is experiencing it the same. There is no “normal” “average” or “popular”. It’s just one group of so many. 😮😂💚
I'm 20, don't know if I'll ever even have kids, but I watch all your videos and enjoy the human aspect of you. I love how real you are, even if all your content was simply going to be talking about how exhausting being a mother is! It has opened my eyes to experiences my parents probably had and given me a huge amount of respect and gratefulness towards people like you.
Maybe I'm an anomaly but I have worried and felt "old" since I turned 18. At 20 I feel "old" because I'm no longer a teenager. I just think it's a constant cycle for everyone in our current society, but it makes me happy to be part of a community where this is talked about. Learning from people who are older than me has always felt so comforting as I do will be your age eventually. We really do need influencers of any age 💜
Melanie, I am 29 now and followed your content though my twenties now and seriously, it makes me exited to grow older. You are such a relatable person. Dont let influencer biases take your shine! ❤
I love the variety of your content. Sometimes I skip a video, if the topic does not fit in the moment but may in the future.
And I need the real life stuff! I became a mom 3 months ago, I am a lot on my own and don’t have many friends with kids who’s values align with mine so I love to look at what you (and other moms) opinions, experiences and strategies are, for going through this season of life! It helps me, not to feel so alone.
And I totally agree with the aging part! My body changed a lot the last year and I had a unplanned c-section, so my body will never be like before, but I hope I will grow old in it as healthy as possible.
You talking about making videos that are fun and not something you would be bored with, made me SO happy, watching you be excited, made me excited, just make anything you love and a shit ton of us will love it too!! Also, yes to older influencers, please do it, I love it!! I'm 25 and I love life the older I get, just learning about myself (late diagnosed ND), getting more money, doing what I want, it's great, I have never understood the obsession with being young (I'm lucky that I didn't internalise society's ageism), I'm way more happier now than when I was 21 🥰
Im 37 mother of one mel and absolutely love your content you normalise things i worry about in such a natural relatible way i love seeing this phase of your life its so relatible thank you ❤
22 year old here. I think it's so comforting to watch and hear what it's like to be at different life stages like 30s/40s/50s because I think a lot of people my age are scared to age and think the world will end when we get to that age(including me!) So thank you for your channel Melanie. Love your videos.
Glad you've decided you have more to share! More that you want to share! I love your perspective and look forward to your future content! 💚
I’m 26 and I love your videos so much, I really struggle to find videos on RUclips that are so relatable & interesting to watch these days. You always touch on important topics and you’re never afraid to be vulnerable, it’s so refreshing. Your videos are like having an older sister, they always feel comforting. Never doubt your presence on RUclips Melanie❤️xxx
I don’t have a big sister. Watching your vlogs and videos about normal realistic everyday life feels like a hug. Like I have a big sis somewhere in the world telling me everything is and will be ok. Lots of love❤❤❤
I’m 9 years younger than you. And watching your videos always give me the « gosh I can’t wait to grow older ». Films ending at the get the house the husband and kids always frustrated me. I want to see the mundane happy life after ! Even if not uploading as much I know I’ll still be here to watch your videos in 10+ years because I’ve started watching you in uni back in 2017. And you’ve been a core part of my youtube family with Hannah, Jessica KF and Rachel Maksy. Love everything you’ve done. And to be honest you are leaving the dream for me. As 25yo getting married soon, renting my first house with my first garden etc, I just look up to you a lot. And even the skincare content relates ! Love the renovation videos. Love everything. Kisses from France.
I'm 21 and I've been watching your videos since I was 12! Just as I loved watching you travel and do crazy things in your 20s in my early teens, I'm also loving watching you live your life as it is now in my early 20s, no matter what you're doing, I enjoy it all. I've never left a comment before but you've been like a big sister to me, with figuring out my sexuality, surviving acne and anxiety disorder, and so much more!! It felt like whatever I was struggling with, I had a friend who had done it all before with such a gorgeous attitude about everything. Keep doing you, your videos will inspire and entertain us as they always have done
Lately I’ve been seeking out influencers who are 30 + because I’m 29 and it’s sad to me that when I discover someone new, I find they are usually 22 - 26 which makes me feel like the fun is behind me. I want to look forward and I’m really grateful to people like you who are here and showing me I have lots to look forward to!
Don't abandone us Mel ❤ You are definately not old, that is silly! I would really hate all the old youtubers that we've grown up with, leaving us and youtube being a place only for teens. There is no reason for that to be a reality, we need you! 🌷🌷
P.S I would also love if you made a favorite movies video!
I’m 24 and have been watching your videos for about 6 years. I love seeing influencers go through life organically, sharing their hobbies, interests and all the life changes as these grow and change. As much as I enjoyed watching your former videos, I have found so much value from the wisdom and insights you have shared on RUclips about your journey with health and fitness, sobriety, motherhood and much more, lessons and experiences that have come with maturing. Melanie, you are a role model of sorts to much of your viewers regardless of age. Thank you for sharing your content, it is more valuable than you may realise. ❤
I love the content you’re putting out Mel! I’m 24 and I hate the mentality that your 20s are the best part of your life, cause it’s a lot of pressure and like it’s such a small chunk of your life?! Your videos make me feel much more okay with everything being a mess cause you’ve still built so much around you even with things you’d call mistakes or regrets. I love seeing your life change from when you came out to your relationship then marriage and children. I love seeing the ups and downs of life and seeing where I could be and what happens after the end credits. You and Hannah Witton and other people are giving me the content I don’t really get anywhere else. I want to see people getting their first wrinkles, having complex relationships, juggling work, family, friends. I want to see how you guys do it, so I’m not going in blind to it all! Lots of love, and don’t let that voice in the back of your head get you down (as hard as that is) 💚
I started to watch your channel since that ‘skincare habits i formed in my 20s’ was released and i ve been a constant viewer since then. I went back and also watched so many of your older videos (especially the food diary fridays) and your work has positively impacted me when it comes to confidence, peace of mind and fighting with mean thoughts and ed. Even though i m just 21 and in a completely different stage of life, i still really enjoyed all of your newer content with the pregnancies and motherhood, as they are so relaxing and somewhat relatable (the “normal” lifestyle that you have is calming and inspiring). I really think that your audience enjoys your lifestyle and looks forward to any content that you decide to put up. I like your personality and all, so i m enjoying your content no matter what (and also it s normal that your content reflects what your priorities are right now, you cant live a totally different life online and pretend that your reality doesnt exist).
Hi Melanie!
I’m 41 and I can tell you it only gets better and better ❤
i may not have kids, but i am 38, just trying to navigate what being middle-aged even is, and i treasure creators such as yourself. as long as you continue to make videos, i'll continue to watch and enjoy them.
You are so sweet. Please don't abandon us !
I won’t! 🥹💚💚💚
@@melaniemurphyofficial ❤
You are so loved, Melanie! Thank you for sharing your life all these years. It's been fun aging along with you. 😄 I truly hope you don't stop posting anytime soon. You would be incredibly missed. 💚
Ive been watching you since i started college at 17, Im 24 now and Ive been struggling with thoughts of getting older and not experiecing enough in my 20s. This video has really helped me gain a new perspective and Im looking forward to this stage of life for the first time. Over the years i feel as if I have grown with you, gained so much knowledge, related to alot of your thoughts and experiences and felt a little less alone when watching you. I can honestly say that you've been like a big sister to me. Keep doing what youre doing because you really makes a difference in peoples lives. 💚💚💚
I'm turning 30 this year and have been absolutely dreading it because I don't feel like I'm where I 'should' be in life. This video made me feel so much better, thank you Mel. Trying to shift my mindset, like you said life doesn't end at 30 and aging is a gift! Also would definitely LOVE garden centre and DVD collection content lol 💚
I really love this conversation. I've been watching your videos for 6+ years now and a lot of what I love about them is seeing you move through the different stages of your 20s and 30s and the unique highs and lows that comes with each chapter. It's made navigating my own 20s a lot less daunting!
Also side note: if you're looking for more positive content about aging (especially as a woman and mum), I'd really recommend Caitlin Moran's book 'More than a woman'.
I love that you're on here showing your truth and reality, thank you 🤍
Please don’t leave us with only the youngin influencers as we age too 😭
I'm 41❤ watched you since the start. Love you and your content. This video is what I needed...❤❤❤❤
Oh Melanie, I'm the same age as you, and I have a two year old. It's so wonderful having you sharing and making me feel like there's a friend out there who understands. I am an author and teach at a university and I relate so much to your struggle with the juggle between mothering and creativity. I am the same as everyone else. I want to see my life reflected. I want to see the beauty of it and the difficult times. It's bizarre that social media and youtube don't show it much. Anyway, I'm rambling, but I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed. I know what it feels like to feel hormonal. I hope you will stay making videos, even if they're more sporadic.
This whole video is why I love watching your video’s. My little brother died last year at the age of 26. I would say be happy you age and I think the audience you have is most likely somewhat your age so relatable. I don’t have children because I don’t have that strong feeling but it doesn’t mean I don’t like to watch video’s about motherhood.I also see inspiration in actresses who age and don’t hide it like Rachel MCAdams and Reese Witherspoon.
I am so, so sorry to hear about your brother
I love that you're talking about this Melanie. It feels like only yesterday that I was in your place in life. I've now popped out the other end. Now my children are all grown up now, in their 20's and married and I still feel the loss of my young children and how much they needed me. I am however getting to re-live it all with my 18 month old granddaughter. Becoming a grandmother definately helped with the grief of grown up children and the fact that I'm her favourite person and she's my favourite n the world too, fills my heart to overflowing! But I struggle so much with ageing, it feels shameful in our society to grow older. Please keep talking about this topic, we older people need younger influencers like you. Thank you, thank you 💚
This made me cry too Melanie. Watching it I realised that you are my role model. I watch you because you're getting older and wiser and you make it look so goddamn good. It's really hard to find role models who aren't celebrities with false images. I want to be an amazing mother, wife and creative just like you. To own a home and to try my best and to care about my family. Your authenticity is pure gold. Watching you makes me excited about the next ten years of my life. Lots of love to you beautiful lady xxx
So happy to have you :) looking forward to everything to come ❤️
I also really love the variety of topics which is why I enjoy your videos! If you had only done skincare, I probably wouldn't have stuck around since my tastes changed, but I love when you include it with other types of video material. Even the RUclipsrs I watch who seem to post the same thing, in their vlogs they tend to talk about different topics which makes each video unique.
I also use BetterHelp and I love it. I have a lovely 81 year old therapist who's helped me loads! As for the RUclipsr recs, I watch several people in their 30s - Christine Kjaer, Darling Desi, Jonna Jinton, Kalle Flodin, and Malama Life!
All I want is that ‘mundane’ life, girl. You look so fulfilled and thats the kind of thing I like to watch. I’m 21 but I have really enjoyed watching my parents enjoy the fruits of their labour. They worked so hard looking after us and growing in their careers, and now they get to leave us to live our lives and travel again, but also doing the mundane, peaceful stuff they enjoy every day. Its only going to get better as you get older, Melanie! Sending love ❤️
I am not even halfway through this video and I’m crying with you, lol. I’m 37 and had my son right before I turned 37. I waited so long to have a baby and finally found my person and my life feels so at ease. I love watching RUclipsrs of my age. It makes me feel like I have a friend to relate to and you have made me feel so good about being a mama. I feel like “okay… I’m not the only one that feels this way so I’m not failing. I’m not a bad mama.” That means the world and seeing life “outside of family” is a relief because we lose ourselves as mamas and to know that it gets better is so important but knowing in this season of being a mama it’s okay to take care of myself while caring for my child. Im rambling, lol, I’m sorry. I really hope you never leave. I have 2 favorite women to watch on here and being able to see y’all is like seeing a friend. Thank you for all you do and for just being you. Sorry for rambling and if I didn’t make sense… also… Hook…😭 my husband and son are both Peter and… watching my “repete” (as my husband likes to call him, lol) grow and be so filled with wonder has been magical. Even my “Pete” is full of wander in this new journey we’ve taken together. That analogy is spot on. 🥰🥹
This is what I love, just listening to you and it feels like a catch up session. RUclips can use more of this content, just real life, real talk. ❤
Melanie, a vlog of a gardencenter visit would hype me up so hard haha more granny vlogs please 😂💚
I love watching influences that are my age and older. I'm 35 now. I also love lifestyle videos. I enjoy your videos and your honesty
I love your videos they truly have helped me with growing and accepting these new chapters in my life, Im having my first baby in Fall and my partner and I watched your postpartum videos and it’s so insightful. Even your labor experience I hold that so close to me because you have always been so transparent in your videos. It wasn’t a bunch of crap about how “GLAMOROUS” pregnancy is. It was raw and real and that’s what I love about your channel. You always talk about stuff I align with. We are aging and I wanna embrace that not run from it. Without influencers like you I think I would go mad thinking something is wrong with me because I don’t look put together most days and that’s okay. I’m enjoying this time in my life where I ate cheese cake with my spouse while being 6 months pregnant watching love island and feeling pretty damn great.
It is indeed amazing how our society has influenced us all to see everything and anything related to being even slightly older in a negative way. Like I'm 26 and I feel like a lot of ppl I know think I'm boring because I've changed from going out a lot more and living the single life and traveling more to living with my bf and my perfect weekend being probably mostly staying in. And it doesn't feel good when your friends find you boring and stop inviting you to certain plans that they think don't align so much with who you've become. It is mostly the assumption that we or I wouldn't be interested in certain plans anymore without even asking.
I'm glad you're staying cause I really want to see how it goes from here. The ups and downs of a life that is the life a lot of us want. And I don't know if there are more ppl interested in young influencers living the crazy life or more settled down, down to earth influencers living the real life of someone in their 30s and beyond. I think it depends on the audience and most of us here are probably interested in the things you have to say :)
Love this! I’m only 23 but I follow several RUclipsrs/influencers who are in their 30s and beyond, including you of course! A few others I like are Taylor R, Audrey Coyne, Dr. Dray, Jessica Kellgren Fozard, and Jeannie B ASMR. They post all different types of content. As someone in an uncertain age/time of life right now, seeing older people on the internet who have slowly figured out their lives or have established careers has been a huge help with my anxiety about the future.
Thanks Melanie 💚
Oh, please stay with us! I just got to know you through the collab video you did with Hannah and I am really resonating with your way of living and your views of life (at least with what I know about them)! I is really great to have someone talking about stuff that is important to me! I have a three month old at home and I love watching your videos as "what might come! Hopefully, we someday will have the opportunity to buy a house and to mould it to our liking but til then, I will find joy in your home renovating!
Hi :) Love the video and the topic!! I’m 37 and I’m loving it!! When I was 34, 35 I was feeling very intimidated about getting older, but it is so beautiful and you start to arrive at a stage where you have gathered enough experience that maybe for the first time in life, people start turning to you with questions about life that are deeper, where they want to hear your opinion about it. Young people or even kids in my case, as I am a Mum and my child’s friends often ask me for my opinion. And I imagine this will only get more and how beautiful is it to gain more and more experience that you can share with younger people. I just love growing older and becoming more respected as well for my opinions, not just by the young ones but suddenly by older people too, because they are also interested in how I feel and think about things, now that I am going through certain life stages. I don’t know if this makes sense to anyone, but at least it is how I am experiencing growing older and I am really loving it and want to lean into it even more. Thanks so much ❤
The dofference between happiness and meaning opened my eyes a lot.
I am so happy you're staying. ❤
I am the audience who's staying for your life story on here 😊
Been watching you forever (quietly cheering you on from the side - dont think I've ever commented!) Being an only child, you're 100% like the older sister I never had. Feel like we've grown with you! From getting through EDs and body image, self confidence etc etc you're always someone I look up to! Thank you for making the future seem so much less scary! Thank you for being you❤
I’m 24 and I would much rather watch influencers who are in the slow “older” stage of life than people who are focused on going out, regardless of age. I think it has to do more with the person than age, being a mom I feel like I have much more in common with the other parents than those who aren’t.
Also 30 isn’t old at all! Age is a mentality, my parents are in their early 50s now and I still think of them as being in their late 30s cause they’re just soaring through life.
Some of my favourite videos of yours were just you and Thomas grocery shopping 😂 The mundane is comforting, enjoyable and relatable! 💚
Melanie, I don’t normally comment on videos, but I’ve been watching you for years and the last two videos you’ve posted have made me so nostalgic and reminded me of why I love your channel. Admittedly, I’m one of your childless viewers who kind of fell off a bit with all the kid videos. Up until recently I’ve been an American teacher, and dealing with all the trauma of our horrendously messed up education system has put me off the idea of ever wanting kids, so I think I avoided the topic all together. It does, however, make me so happy to see how much joy you have with your children and your family. ❤ I love that you’re talking more about aging too, and not trying to pretend that you have it together all the time. We need more people like you who validate the fact that life is messy sometimes, and it can be messy AND beautiful! I’ll always keep coming back to support you no matter what kind of content you make- you’ve been a comforting presence in some of my darkest days. Sending positive energy to you and your family lovely lady! 💚
Thank you, Melanie! Indeed, getting older is a priviledge - especially if you are healthy, have a stable income, a beautiful family and your lovely house & garden. I also reflect on these things and get scared a bit. I am not as far as you are but keeping busy and appreciating life is always a good strategy. Keep doing the things you are already doing and doing them so well. ❤
I subscribed to you and Raw Beauty Kristi around the same time, I think you were both doing vegan content at the time (many years ago 😄) and you’re both the only two RUclipsrs I still consistently watch now I’m in my early 30s. You’re both very nourishing and genuine to watch, I have no intention of having children but I adore watching both your journeys through motherhood too! Your candidness and openness is what keeps me. There’s something lovely about sharing in others’ sadness and joy, even if you can’t directly relate to their life path. Please stick around, as long as it keeps making you happy! 💚🩷
I'm 33 and love watching your channel! Please keep making stuff - follow your heart and not the societal expectations xx
The reason I do watch you is because you do a bit of everything and it does make it interesting.. so good on you 🙌🌸🌺
Oh chick. 🥰🥰 wish i could hug you. Im a mummy of 10 month old and nearly 4 year old. Im 42. Ive moved from London to Devon and the adventures are only just starting. Live for the happiness hun. One day ur littles will watch these. Make a legacy chick u got this mumma 🐻. Age is just a number. Love ur vlogs. Stay u 🥰🥰 lost girls forever 😉❤🦖🌈🦄🥳🥳
Used my “mummy me time” to watch this video and fell asleep halfway through the video. 😂But that relaxing comfort is exactly why I keep coming back to your channel and I will definitely catch up on the second half the next time I have a spot of alone time. I love watching creators who are my age and going through the same life milestones as me. Especially ones that are so honest about the highs and lows of these big life changes (buying a house/ becoming a parent) even if you only posted one video a year I’d be excited to see that notification and catch up with you💚
Melanie I can't even fathom how you were considering leaving RUclips because you thought you might be "too old". You are so valued here and you're like a leader for our generation of women. I need you to stick around to show me and everyone else that life after 30 when you have kids does not mean being chained to a traditional housewife lifestyle 😂 Ive been watching your videos since about 2011 and I'll gladly continue watching you for however long you decide to stay here.
I'm 28 by the way !
Don't forget just how inspiring you are! I've been watching for 8+ years or so now and growing up with you has inspired me in so many ways to be a better, more mindful, caring and creative person. It gives me hope for the future to see where you are now and how you got there. I am 26 atm and hope to have created a life similar to yours when I get to my early 30's but sometimes it feels like that future doesn't exist and is so out of reach and seeing your journey makes it feel all that more realistic. And please dont forget, you are not "old", my parents are in their 60's and they aren't "old" either. Old is a mind set! You can still climb mountains at 70 if you put your mind to it! Not to say being old is bad but I just think that in saying we are old at 33, 34 etc we are giving in to the idea that we've lost the vigor of life when in fact we are living out the best days of our lives! Don't give old the power, you are THIRTY FLIRTY AND THRIVING GIRL and don't forget it💚😉 lotts of love to you and yours xx
I'm so late but I needed to coment ! I personally LOVE your content. As a new mom I don't get much free time (that's the reason why I'm late on this video) but you are on my priority list of RUclipsrs to watch ! 💚
I found it interesting that you said you can't control what's coming at you in terms of content, but I'm your age and simply don't see the things you're referencing. I have heavily curated my social media so that I get fed realistic, honest and vulnerable content that helps reinforce the way that I want to live my life and the messages I want to feed myself. I try to follow a diversity of people, and to me the most important thing is how they approach life. If they feel ick, they're off my feed.
Also bugger niches. To be emotionally/mentally sustainable, you have to do you. Your core following follows you for you, your personality, and your approach to life. Keep having fun with it 🙂
So relate to feeling like you would just be young forever. Also, I’m 28 and I feel like so much of the conversation with people my age has become ‘we’re so old!’, ‘we can’t do xyz anymore’ and I kind of hate it. Like we still (hopefully) have so many years ahead of us, I don’t want to spend the whole time reminiscing about being 18!
Anyway, I’ve been following you since probably around 2015 and still absolutely love listening to you talk about your life and your interests. Definitely do whatever’s best for you re: how often you upload (can’t imagine how busy you must be with two young kids!), but you’ll always have a community here who loves and supports you regardless ❤️❤️❤️
(I very rarely comment on RUclips videos so forgot about my username - pls ignore, made this account literally half of my life ago)
I love the topic of this video! Thank you so much for talking about this and sharing! You are and always have been my favourite youtuber because of all of the different topics you speak about in your videos! I dont have kids but possibly might want to in the future and I love the way you talk about motherhood and parenting. Just love you and your videos, please never leave ❤❤❤❤
This video reminded me of why I started watching RUclips in high school (15+ years ago), make up tutorials! It’s funny to reflect on when my biggest problem was not being able to afford a different coveted MAC product every week, I’m so glad my life is so much more rich and full and complicated and messy and fun now (turning 30 this year) than when I was younger, and I can only imagine how much better it will get!
I love watching along on your journey, it would be terribly dull if you were still posting the same content as you started with 10 years ago- and speaking of narratives, think about how boring it would be to read a book or watch something where a character experienced absolutely no growth or development from beginning-middle-end. It’s been great watching your videos up until now and I plan to stick around much longer, feels like you are only just getting started ☺️
+1 to the DVD collection tour!
Thank YOU! Thank you for always being honest and kind. I’m glad you are not planning on leaving RUclips. It makes sense that societal messaging makes you feel like you should be young forever. It’s bizarre to me though. I’ve ALWAYS been an old person at heart. I am such a granny. I’ve always believed you can do and feel however you want to. However that looks:
- Staying in, watching Disney films and painting and looking after your plants.
- Going out drinking and exploring the world.
- Being a parent and juggling all the things (side note: I’m in AWE of all parents!)
Etc.
There is no one size fits all. I am weird in that my habits have been consistent from a child. I go through waves of being social but introverted and then not socialising and isolating myself. Growing old has been a privilege. I never thought I’d reach 21, 25, 28; and 30 looms (I’m still 28) and I am ridiculously excited about hitting a milestone I genuinely never imagined reaching. It is such a foreign concept to me to not embrace all my new wrinkles (I have new chevrons at the corners of my eyes when I smile and I squealed with delight at them). I’ve always looked younger than I am. I don’t wear make up (I want to paint other things rather than me. It’s just not how I express myself!), I have a baby face, I am both a granny and a child heart. So having wrinkles feels joyful. A marker that I am aging and I have overcome so many obstacles. This Anne (of Green Gables) style delight matched with my child-like granny-ness (definitely should be a word) makes me feel proud of my outlook on life, of how I choose to live my life, of me ignoring societal pressures. It can (and has been) be hard to manage other people’s expectations but I have to remember I can’t control what other people think. I can only control how I think, react, and act. Their opinions are not my truth. If I keep living how I want then all versions of myself (past, present and future) will be content that in any situation I did my best and stayed true to myself.
Apologies for that ramble. I’ve never understood the not wanting to grow old opinion. It is counterproductive and stupid frankly! We will, if we are lucky, grow old, and what a delight and sadness and all the complex emotions that come with the trials and joys of old age.
Thank you for providing a space to share and discuss topics that are important to you. I hope this provides you with a different perspective and I am intrigued to read everyone else’s comments and see what interesting takes everyone else has. So much love and support being sent to you all. I hope anyone who reads this feels a little less alone. Keep trying, making mistakes, and being messy and brilliant. (You are brilliant!) 💙💚
This is my first time commenting, but I really want to thank you for your openness. I'm in my early 20s and watching youtubers who are older than me really helped me realise that aging isn't a bad thing. All I read on the internet about getting older is that everything goes downhill after your 20s, and that now is the time to experience things, find a partner, have the fun "while you can". You bring some much needed perspective to that.
Please know that you're one of the 'older influencers' for people my age and that your videos are meaningful, even the if the content seems mundane on the surface.
Yess also loved the Tiffany F video. I absolutely want older influencers in my social media, and will start more actively seeking it out.
Omg a dvd collection is the ultimate cosy video idea
My 20s were insane and exciting, but I still feel my life started after being 29 when my son was born. My 30s will be my best decade so far and I believe that it gets better every year!
Also although my 20s were great I would NEVER want to go back. I don't understand this "without children your 30s are like your 20s but with money" mindset. WHY do you want all that mess that comes from being in your 20s??? And don't forget a lot of people don't make good money EVER. This is just first world thinking. 99% of the people on the planet don't earn a lot.
@bettinak.4 as someone in their 30s without children (and who really does not want children), I understand this phrase. The more care-free lifestyle continues.... but with (hopefully) wisdom and growth. I don't have the same mindset I had in my 20s that didn't know who she was and what she was doing. I'm now 36 and am grounded a lot more in who I am and what I want. So it's not as if you're just carrying on with the craziness of your 20s.
same, 40's is my best decade so far
Okay I'm late to this video. I'm 32, my son was born August of 2020, and my daughter was born November of 2023. I have been watching you here since like 2010 2011ish, so I really feel like I've grown up with you. I know that sounds so odd from a stranger, but we've hit so many milestones at very similar times that it just feels that way.
I love your videos, and I just have so much love and appreciation for you as a person, willing to connect, and share your life with so many of us.
I can't imagine the pressure of online life, but I know im not alone when I say there are so many of us here that are rooting for you every step of the way. Blessings to you and your family!
I’m a Melanie stan! I’ve been following you since your acne videos and have stuck with you all this time lol I loved seeing you go from crazy 20 something travelling and partying to becoming a beautiful mother and wife. It would be so sad if you stopped doing youtube or social media in general because at this point it feels like a friendship hahaha it would be great if you continue uploading even if it is once every few months
By getting worse they're getting better! Love the awkward video endings and love your content! I'm relatively new... Like six months in or something? And even though I don't have kids and don't know if I want that for myself I just LOVE listening to you, sharing your insights and your life online! I'm here for it and I'm staying!
Beauuuuutiful video! Such a good reminder, I'm gonna have an extra celebrating my birthday next year 😊 as a child free person it's really hard to feel grown-up, especially when quarantines and a burnout stole so much of my time, I feel like I didn't do anything fun or meaningful for five years and I got anxious of being static, of people my age (35) being further along with long term partners and I just have a string of break ups... But then I remind myself this is my path to walk , and I go watch some content from people my age and older navigating life with a community of friends and family and I have now lots of images of stuff to look forward to. Here's to life!
Im not planning on babies, but I love watching you live your "normal" life! Sure, its cool to see someone who goes on fancy trips all the time, but I dont ever expect my life to be like that. Its comforting to see people who feel "regular." I'm also 1000% here for gardening and house reno (I'm 30).
You are NOT too old for youtube!!! I don’t want to be watching teen/young adult creators forever! Specially in the future! People grow up and want grown up content 🥺
Danu's Irish Herb Garden.
It's a channel by an older Irish Lady (I would say in their 60ies) and she makes videos about living in the irish country side, tending her garden with her dogs and often talks about plants and other home remedies for ailments.
You should keep posting for the rest of your life. Period. Btw I'm 22 and I love your videos. I have been watching you for 10 years and they all help
A liittle late to comment, but I'm catching up on my RUclips watchlist. I remember the very first video I watched of yours was a Zooey Deschanel make-up tutorial, needless to say I wouldn't be researching the same thing now 😅. What I'm trying to say is, your audience grows with you. 5 years ago, I wasn't a homeowner or gave a hoot about plants; but it's now a peak interest of mine. There will always be a place for you, niche or not. To be honest having such a variety of interests and topics in your videos is what makes your lovely channel so watchable and relatable 💚
A thought about story arcs - when you were talking about it I immediately thought of how some of my favorite book series (the first one that came to mind is The Clifton Chronicles) follow people through their entire life. I think that when you really relate to a character you want to know where life would take them. It might also have to do to the sucess of fanfiction. So maybe a good metaphore for a youtube channel (or for life) could be a series of books, each of them with its own arc.
To be fair, I'm 24 and you're one of a very few "maturing" youtubers I watch. Your life is helping me to prepare for aging myself because it's inevitable anyway but might seem kinda scary from the point of my current self. All that kids talk (even though relatives keep bothering you about that your whole life😶), being more responsible, dealing with a lot of adult stuff, etc. So I'm really happy you share many things honestly. It's just so human
Loved this video! Representation is SO important. For race, disability, gender, and AGE! It's been incredibly important for me to follow influences and RUclipsrs who are 30+ including Danae Mercer, Sarah at The Birds Papaya, and Luisa at The Silver Lining.
Also it is refreshing and comforting hearing you talk about ageing because my granny has been going through a rough patch with her health and it has made me think a lot about ageing and I feel scared. I know it’s a privilege to age but to think how much you change, how you become more physically limited and dependent from other people to do stuff is so scary. I’ve been feeling like this since I passed the 25 years old mark lol from 25 and on you feel like you age faster
I totally hear you and also feel like a year ‘feels’ faster the older you get! I remember reading this is all perception, like when you are 6, 1 year is 1/6th of your whole existence so far so it seems like a long time but at 50, it is 1/50th which ‘seems’ less and this can feel quicker! Things that help slow down perception of time = breaking out of routine and trying new things, practicing mindfulness and being present etc 💚 They definitely work! I think looking after ourselves as much as we can while young is the best way to stack cards in our favour as we age - physically mentally emotionally! “When we worry we suffer twice” as they say, I really don’t want to worry about illness because some people live very healthy lives right up to their 70s 80s even 90s, we can absolutely stir the boat in the right direction! And treatments are always improving ❤️
We LOVE YOU Melanie...I watch your videos since the beginning, you were the first youtuber I ever subscribed to. And I wanted to do this not only because of your content but mainly because of your strong character and your wonderful, sensitive personality. I am a leo too and I see so many similarities between you and me. I am much older than you (I turn 41 in 29 of July), but I admire you so much and I think you are such a WONDERFUL mother. If God wants me to have kids one day, I want to be a mother like you...loving, sensitive, protective and so dedicated. Hook and Lion King are the movies I have cried THE MOST in my whole life, so I deeply understand how you felt when you read the comment about Hook. I just want you to know how much we all love you and we are beside you, supporting you in every decision you make. Because I think THAT is the meaning of true, unconditional love. Sending ALL my love from Greece to you and your lovely family...🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙
CRYING AGAIN 😭😭😭💚 Such a beautiful comment Kelly thank youuu! 🥹❤️
@@melaniemurphyofficialNoooo....please don' cry my sweet Melanie... 🥹 Sending you a big big hug and ALL my love...🌷
Thank you for this video, it's really relevant to my life. I enjoy my 30s more than I did my 20s. There's a lot of joy and meaning to be found in the mundane
I really enjoy these chats!! Where did you get your nail polish? I love the colour.
I love this conversation. I’m 35, my first child is a teenager and I feel like my life is still in the beginning stages. I have a whole life ahead of me after my children are raised. I would love to watch videos of you going though this journey of motherhood.
Also, Chelsea from The Financial Diet says she only follows older influencers and I love this idea. Let’s be influenced to be excited to get older!