Let’s be honest, life after 50 can feel like someone picked up your own personal snow globe of your world and gave it a good shake! The kids (if you have them) are grown, (and possibly doing their own things with maybe their own families), careers are shifting, relationships are evolving, and suddenly you find yourself asking: Now what?
It’s exciting, yes! But it can also be a lot, and I mean a LOT. And if you’ve been feeling stretched in all directions or feeling overwhelmed about well, everything, you’re not alone. So many of the women I coach tell me they’re ready to simplify, to let go, to breathe again. They’re tired of “managing” life and ready to live it.
Following these 5 steps could help you begin to live a life with less stress, more calm, clarity, and joy, all while we figure out what’s next.
1. Create Space Before You Create Plans
Most of us have spent decades taking care of everyone and everything else before we even consider taking the time to care for ourselves. So, before you jump into your next big project, take some time to pause, reflect, and breathe. Don’t rush to fill the quiet moments; that’s where clarity begins. Take walks without your phone. Journal. Sit with a cup of tea and let your mind wander. The next chapter won’t come from forcing it; it’ll come from listening to yourself in stillness and quietness and calmness.
2. Simplify What You Can Control
Stress thrives in clutter; it finds clutter a proving ground and goes to work, no matter whether it’s mental clutter, emotional clutter, and physical/special clutter. Simplify by starting small. Clear one drawer, one relationship, or one “should” off your list. Ask yourself: Does this still serve me? If the answer’s no, it’s time to let it go. Simplicity isn’t about having less; it’s about making space for what truly matters!
3. Nourish And Soothe Your Nervous System
Your body’s not just a vehicle, it’s your ally, your temple. Support it. Move gently every day. Try yoga, stretching, or simply breathing deeply between Zoom calls. Eat foods that give you steady energy (you know the ones). Rest like it’s your new full-time job, maybe meditating, getting regular massages (or doing mini massages on, say, your feet, or massaging your head. You can’t think clearly or make big life choices from a body that’s running on fumes.
4. Reconnect: With Yourself and Others
Sometimes, the biggest stress comes from feeling disconnected from who we were, who we are, or from meaningful relationships. Starting with the one with yourself, Block your time on your calendar, and spend time in pursuit of things that make you happy, whether it’s a long bath, listening to music, or reading curled up in your favorite chair. The important thing is to reconnect with Yourself. To reconnect with others, reach out. Join a book club, a walking group, or a class where laughter is part of the curriculum. Community doesn’t just soothe the soul, it reminds you that you’re still growing, still vibrant, still needed.
5. Redefine “What’s Next”
There’s absolutely no rule that says the next chapter has to look like your last one. Maybe “what’s next” is smaller, slower, or softer. Or maybe it’s bold and brand-new. Either way, it’s yours. You’ve earned the right to design and redefine a life that fits who you are now, not who you were ten or twenty years ago. You can create a new redefined you, one day at a time.
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin, and that’s ok. Stress melts away when you stop trying to prove something and start honoring your own pace. Trust that your path is unfolding, just as it should.
You’ve weathered storms, raised families (or not), built careers, and shown up for everyone. Now it’s time to show up for you.
So I ask you to take a breath, a long, deep breath, and breathe it out slowly. Loosen your shoulders. The next chapter isn’t waiting for you to plan it. It’s waiting for you to live it, with less stress and more joy.
Thank you for reading.
Today, I'm going to invite you to slow down with me, get a sip of your favorite beverage as you sit down to read this post. Sometimes, we just need to take a break in this busy world of "Always On" to take a pause so we can refresh, reflect, and take stock of our lives.
I don't know about you, but I've discovered there's a certain kind of magic that happens when I take a moment in any day to well, just, reflect - do absolutely nothing apart from sip on my favorite beverage of the day, a peace comes over me and it's in that peace that I start to get a handle on all the busyness of my life and gain perspective. Now it takes me about 15 minutes (with the phone hidden in another room, of course) before I start to get into real reflection mode, something that if I don't do on purpose is only saved for vacations!
You may ask yourself why it is important to reflect. Well, that’s when we can get clarity and perspective on our lives about the things that really matter to us, which is sometimes hard to find when we’re always on the go. It’s a way to reconnect with what really matters, not just tasks and your job/career, but in connecting to your inner joy, values, and purpose.
Taking pause is a direct link to many of the midlife challenges we face. The challenges of stress, caregiving, transitions, and feeling stuck.
Why do we reflect
It’s in moments of reflection that we get insights about our energy, our relationships or desires not yet met. We develop gratitude the more often we practice reflection, even if it’s in small ways. Also, we get a certain level of empowerment that comes from noticing life’s nuances rather than ignoring them.
You Deserve This Pause
Reflection is a kind act to yourself; it’s not selfish, it’s simply self-care. Self-care is a wonderful way to reward yourself, and pausing for reflection doesn’t cost you anything but can give you some big rewards, such as self-growth, confidence, and a peace that is all your own.
Simple Ways to Create Space for Reflection
- Carve out 5-15 minutes daily for quiet time.
- Journaling or writing yourself gentle letters.
- Practicing Breathwork, a favorite of mine because it can be done anywhere.
- Meditation, find a quiet spot, close your eyes if possible, and if thoughts come into your mind, let go of as many as possible.
- Be intentional, not perfect. This takes time.
What Will You Do?
Now that you have a better idea of why taking a moment of pause and self-reflection is so important, let me encourage you to:
- Take 5-15 minutes daily for quiet time.
- Ask yourself, “What’s going well in my life right now?”
- Reflect on “Where do I feel stuck, and what’s one small step forward?
- Every time you reflect, ask yourself, “What am I grateful for today”.
Thank you for reading.
Hey there, Let’s have a real talk about something I see all the time with my clients - and, to be honest, something I’ve struggled with myself. Perfectionism. Oh yes, that sneaky little gremlin that whispers, “If it’s not flawless, it’s not good enough.” Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: nobody is perfect, and we all know it. But that doesn’t stop many of us from trying. Striving for excellence is a fantastic trait - it can fuel our success, build confidence, and help us create amazing things in our lives. But, like a fine glass of wine, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Too much, and suddenly, you’re drowning in stress, self-doubt, and exhaustion.
So, let’s consider what perfectionism is, the good, the bad, and what we can do to make sure it’s working for you, not against you.
Ah, the middle years! That magical time when we finally care more about what we’re thinking about more than caring what other people think, especially when it comes to them thinking about us. A time when we start prioritizing ourselves, hopefully and let’s be honest for most of us start to discover that Spanx are both a blessing and a curse, if you know, you just know! If you're a woman in her fabulous 50s, 60’s or beyond, you might be feeling a mix of freedom, uncertainty, and a slight obsession with collagen powder, face fillers and even vitamins vowing to keep us youthful.
As the year comes to a close, reflecting on personal growth and setting resolutions for happiness is common. Positive Intelligence (PQ) coaching offers a transformative approach to achieving a more fulfilling life. By focusing on internal factors, PQ coaching helps individuals shift their mindset to enhance their overall happiness.
Happiness is largely an internal process, with research indicating that only 10% of happiness variations are influenced by external events. The Positive Quotient (PQ) score measures how frequently one operates from a Sage mindset, characterized by empathy, curiosity, creativity, purpose, and decisive action. Strengthening these mental attributes can significantly boost one's happiness score.
PQ coaching assists in silencing the inner saboteurs that fuel stress and self-doubt, guiding individuals towards embracing a Sage mindset. This shift allows for handling challenges calmly, exploring opportunities with curiosity, and making decisions with confidence and clarity. To begin this journey towards greater joy and fulfillment, take the free saboteur assessment test at https://assessment.positiveintelligence.com/saboteur.
Read more...In this blog post, we explore the importance of customer feedback in growing a successful business. The article explains how listening to and acting upon your customers' opinions can lead to improved product development, increased customer satisfaction, and ultimately, business growth. It emphasizes the need for businesses to actively collect and analyze customer feedback, using various channels such as surveys, social media, and online reviews.
The blog post highlights the benefits of leveraging customer feedback to make data-driven decisions and implement necessary changes. It emphasizes the role of feedback in identifying areas for improvement, identifying customer pain points, and recognizing new opportunities for innovation. The article concludes with practical tips for effectively managing and utilizing customer feedback, such as promptly responding to reviews, tracking feedback trends, and prioritizing customer satisfaction.
Overall, this blog post serves as a valuable reminder of the crucial role customer feedback plays in driving business success, pointing out that constantly listening and acting upon customer opinions can help businesses stay ahead of the competition and build lasting customer relationships.
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Especially dark leafy vegetables and berriesIIncorporating fruits and vegetables into our daily diet is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to enhance our overall health and well-being. Among these nutritional powerhouses, dark leafy vegetables and berries stand out as superstars, packed with essential nutrients and health benefits. Let's explore ten compelling reasons why you should prioritize these colorful wonders in your meals.
- Rich in Nutrients: Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are teeming with vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like iron and calcium. Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, which support various bodily functions.
- Heart Health: Both dark leafy vegetables and berries have been linked to improved heart health due to their high potassium content and ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Improved Digestion: The fiber in these fruits and vegetables aids digestion, supports gut health, and helps prevent constipation, promoting a healthier digestive system.
- Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, dark leafy greens and berries can help with weight management by promoting satiety and reducing overall calorie intake.
- Brain Boosters: Berries, especially blueberries, have been shown to enhance cognitive function and memory, while dark leafy vegetables contain brain-boosting nutrients like folate and vitamin K.
- Enhanced Vision: Dark leafy greens are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that promote healthy vision and reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Berries and dark leafy vegetables contain anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body, benefiting overall health and disease prevention.
- Skin Health: The abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in these fruits and vegetables contribute to radiant and youthful skin, promoting a natural glow.
- Strong Bones: Dark leafy greens provide a good dose of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
- Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases: Regular consumption of dark leafy vegetables and berries has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions.
Incorporating dark leafy vegetables and berries into your diet doesn't have to be complicated. Add a handful of berries to your morning cereal or yogurt, blend them into smoothies, or enjoy them as a refreshing snack. Dark leafy vegetables can be sautéed, added to soups, or used as the base for delicious salads. Embrace the power of these nutrient-packed wonders and experience the remarkable impact they can have on your health and vitality. Remember, a little color on your plate can go a long way in enriching your life!
Thank you for reading.
Why Yoga? let's dive into the world of yoga, stretching more specifically a practice that not only nourishes the body but also nurtures the soul. As a yoga instructor, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of stretching through yoga, and I'm excited to share its virtues with you.Yoga stretching isn't just about touching your toes or performing impressive poses; it's about honoring your body's natural range of motion, cultivating flexibility, and fostering a deep connection between mind, body, and spirit. Here are some compelling reasons why yoga stretching is a must for keeping your muscles supple and your movement fluid:
- Enhanced Flexibility: Regular yoga stretching sessions gradually increase your flexibility by lengthening and elongating muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This newfound flexibility not only allows you to move more freely but also reduces the risk of injuries and improves overall movement performance, this is especially true as we age, making daily activities such as bending, reaching, and turning more effortless and enjoyable.
- mproved Range of Motion: Have you ever felt stiff or restricted in your movements? Yoga stretching helps expand your range of motion, enabling you to reach, bend, twist, and turn with greater ease and grace. Whether you're reaching for a high shelf or practicing your favorite dance moves, increased range of motion enhances your daily activities and quality of life. Further, by lubricating joints, reducing stiffness, and increasing range of motion, yoga helps alleviate joint discomfort and enhances mobility, allowing you to move with greater ease and comfort.
- Relief from Tension and Stress: Tight muscles are often a sign of accumulated tension and stress. Yoga stretching releases muscular tension, promotes relaxation, and calms the nervous system. The gentle, mindful stretches in yoga help soothe both body and mind, leaving you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more resilient in the face of life's challenges. Regular practice promotes better sleep, reduces anxiety, and enhances overall well-being.
- Better Posture: Sedentary lifestyles and long hours spent sitting can take a toll on your posture. Yoga stretching corrects postural imbalances, strengthens core muscles, and encourages proper alignment of the spine. By lengthening tight muscles and supporting optimal posture, yoga contributes to a healthier, more balanced body structure. Yoga stretching improves core strength, stability, and body awareness, which as we age becomes more critical for maintaining optimum health.
- Enhanced Circulation: The rhythmic flow of yoga stretches promotes circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, organs, and tissues. Improved blood flow not only boosts energy levels but also supports faster recovery from workouts and promotes overall cardiovascular health. Oh, and it’s great for you sex life too!
- Mind-Body Awareness: Yoga stretching is not just physical; it's a journey of self-discovery and mindfulness. As you move through each stretch with awareness and intention, you cultivate a deeper connection with your body's sensations, emotions, and inner wisdom. This mind-body awareness translates into greater self-care, self-compassion, and overall well-being.
Incorporating yoga stretching into your daily routine is a gift you give yourself—a gift of flexibility, vitality, and inner harmony. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, exploring the joys of yoga stretching opens doors to a healthier, more vibrant life. So roll out your mat, breathe deeply, and stretch your way to wellness! Cheers to vibrant health and radiant living at every age! Namaste.
Thank you for reading.
Discover the transformative power of breath, an often overlooked yet essential aspect of our daily lives. From the effortless breathing of infants to the disciplined techniques of marathon runners and free divers, learn how mastering your breath can significantly enhance your quality of life. Explore simple yet effective breathing exercises that promise to calm your mind, reduce stress, and boost your sense of self-reliance. Dive into this insightful post to unlock the secrets of breathing correctly and experience the profound benefits it can bring to your everyday well-being.
Read more...Discover transformative ways to unwind and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul in this must-read guide to ultimate relaxation.
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