JANE'S MINDFUL MUSINGS

As women move through midlife and beyond, it becomes increasingly important for us to focus on a well-rounded approach to physical wellness that includes not just regular activity but also intentional stretching and strength training. 

Joy spotting is the intentional practice of slowing down, noticing, and actively seeking out those small, delightful moments in your everyday life. It is the act of looking for things that spark your joy.

In a fast-paced world that often demands too much, it's easy to lose sight of what we're missing or how things could be better. But imagine if the true transformation we seek comes not from chasing more, but from recognizing and appreciating what we already have. 

How is it that even the slightest amount of stress can create an overwhelming feeling of anxiety as I enter what is supposed to be the best years of my life? 

There is tremendous power in finding your way to forgiveness towards others. We all have been hurt by the words or actions of another at various times in our lives. Forgiveness can help free you from the control of the person who harmed you.

Most of us try to be nice to people, but being kind is more profound. Kindness conveys that we genuinely care. There is a depth to being kind that isn't required when being nice.

How can we reclaim words like "Crone" and use them to emphasize and celebrate the wisdom and lessons learned throughout our lives? By doing so, we can remind ourselves and others that our voices and wisdom count, regardless of age.

Not prioritizing ourselves can leave us depleted and unfulfilled especially in midlife and beyond and we may not realize the terrible impact it has on us. Let go of the shame and guilt when the time comes to say no!

Music has therapeutic qualities that can help us heal from mental and physical ailments. It reduces stress and anxiety, eases pain and trauma, and releases dopamine, which boosts our mood and make us feel happy. Therefore, music is often used in therapy to aid in the healing process.

One of the most significant life lessons I've learned is that I can't control how others behave. I used to set expectations for others, and when they didn't meet them, I felt disappointed and blamed myself. But I've come to realize that I can't control how others act, and it's unfair to put that burden on myself.

Into adulthood, that shyness manifested into a social anxiety whenever the opportunity to attend a social gathering was presented. For many years that fear controlled my life, finding ways to bow out at the last minute or avoiding learning new skills in a group setting. And yet, at the same time, I learned to dig deep and find the courage to push through if it was something that I truly desired.

Do you ever feel, after you accomplished something, self doubt about your abilities and achievement? This is called Imposter Syndrome. Many of us struggle with these feelings despite our accomplishments.

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.