JANE'S MINDFUL MUSINGS

We can choose to use our mirror image as an invitation to self-love. An invitation to be accepting and kind to ourselves. To embrace the moments that have brought us to this time in our life journey, that makes us who we are as we acknowledge our reflection in the mirror.

This time of year can be extra challenging; I miss my family and the traditions that we created. Now that I don't have family living nearby, we don't celebrate Christmas. So, midlife has changed my traditions, but who says the changes can't be for the better.

Our words carry energy. They have the power to comfort or wound, to encourage or discourage, to build bridges or create distance. The more aware we become of the way we communicate, the more intentional we can be with one of the greatest gifts we've been given—the ability to speak to one another.

My circadian rhythm starts to sync with the lack of daylight. I sleep longer and deeper, especially when the rain is drumming its white noise outside my open window. Slowing down gives me the grace and rest to ambitiously plan for the light half of the year.

Internal dialogue can sculpt how we narrate our own stories. The stories we tell ourselves aren’t always a reflection of what happened, but how we interpreted it. We can become “stuck” in a cycle of negative internal narratives. 

 

At different moments in life we find ourselves standing at a crossroads, wondering which direction will lead to a more fulfilling life. In midlife and beyond, the wisdom we’ve gathered can guide us — if we are brave enough to listen to our inner voice and walk our own path with courage and authenticity

Rituals allow us to shift our attention to where we need it most and help us shift our focus from the day to day requirements of life and create quiet space to push the reset button and foster feelings of control.

It's a strange feeling heading into a new decade, especially the dreaded decade when one is classified as a senior. I expected to have an existential crisis hitting this milestone birthday but in the weeks leading up to the day all was mentally calm. 

This world that we live in is more interconnected than ever. With the rise of a global community wherein many people are choosing to relocate from their place of birth, our daily interactions are becoming more diverse. How do we embrace, accept and recognize the beauty in our differences?

When we think about the act of courage, we recognize that even in the face of fear, we can still choose to act. Everyone aspires to be courageous, as it is viewed as a positive trait that earns us the respect of others. So let's break down the six types of courage!

From the moment we are born, we are judged—first by our families, then by friends, teachers, employers, and eventually complete strangers. And if we're honest, we also judge others.

Being a woman adds another layer altogether.  It can sometimes feel as though we simply can't win.

This is a time when many of you may be thinking of downsizing, preparing to travel more, or making life simpler; harboring feelings of anxiety at the thought of letting things go is a waste of our precious time. But don't worry; we all go through this, and it is normal.

Over the years, we have often spoken in Sole Sisters about the "sandwich generation"—that season of life where we find ourselves raising our own children while simultaneously caring for ageing parents. It is a curious role reversal. The people who once cared for us become the ones who need our care.

Sometimes the profound can be so simple! The resulting effects were immediate! Free from quizzical judgment, a sense of deep, abiding peace and calm resounded in every pore of my being.

I've come to the conclusion that we need to embrace closure with gratitude for the experiences that helped in shaping us into who we are now. A closing is not an end but a continuation of our life journey. Hold onto all the life lessons and memories and let go of any negativity as you move forward.

I started thinking about my struggles with being comfortable in my naked body. You may be happy and feel no need to express your nudity but for me it is a journey of releasing my own body shaming and taking my power back.

Every woman's experience is different. For some, desire declines, while for others it flourishes. Many of us find it ebbs and flows as we adjust to the physical and emotional changes of midlife. Although our sex lives may evolve, they don't have to end. 

Setting intentions is not just a philosophical concept but a practical tool that requires conscious efforts to steer our thoughts in the desired direction. Set your intentions, big or small, and discover the joy in living fully and mindfully in the present moment.

Why is it that so many of us struggle with accepting a compliment but will fully embrace any criticism that is lobbed at us? We take criticism, hold it close in our hearts and minds, turning this way and that and analyze it in minute detail.