Hope - it still rises.
This past Sunday was Easter Sunday, the biggest celebration in the Christian community. At the Church I attend, the message was one of hope and how we can trust God to meet our deepest needs of security and provision. Even if you feel that you are more of a spiritual person than a faith/religious person, at some level we must all have trust and hope that our needs will be met.
And honestly, that is not some soft, fluffy idea people pull out when life gets uncomfortable. Hope is often the very thing that keeps a person standing when logic, energy, and certainty have all packed up and left the building.
We live in a world that is noisy, fast, demanding, and at times downright brutal. We are told to be strong, independent, productive, attractive, resilient, and successful, often all before lunch. But underneath the polished smiles, the full calendars, the mortgage payments, the school runs, the aging parents, the work deadlines, and the endless “I’m fine” routine, many people are carrying a quiet ache. It is the ache of unmet needs. Not just outer needs like money, shelter, food, and practical stability, but inner needs too. The needs that do not always show up on a bank statement, yet still shape the quality of our lives every single day.
We all have outer needs. We need safety. We need provision. We need rest. We need a roof over our heads and enough resources to live without constant fear. These things matter. Let’s not pretend they do not. When you are worried about paying bills, keeping your job, or caring for your family, that stress is real. Anyone who tells you otherwise is being naïve or trying too hard to sound enlightened.
But if meeting our outer needs were enough, then every person with a nice house, decent income, and a respectable social media profile would be deeply fulfilled. Clearly, however, that is not the case.
That is because human beings are not just practical creatures with shopping lists and responsibilities. We are emotional, spiritual, relational beings with inner longings that cannot be fixed with a promotion, a vacation, or a new kitchen countertop. Useful, maybe. Transformational, no.
Our inner needs run deeper.
We need acceptance.
We need purpose.
We need forgiveness.
We need love.
We need life itself to mean something beyond surviving another week.
These are not luxury items for the privileged. These are fundamental needs of the human soul.
Let’s start with acceptance.
Most people want to be accepted more than they are willing to admit. We want to know that we belong, that we are enough, that we do not have to constantly audition for our place in the room. Yet so many of us live as though acceptance is something we must earn. Be thinner. Be nicer. Be more successful. Be more spiritual. Be less emotional. Be easier to manage. Be more useful. Be impressive, but not threatening. Be confident, but not too loud. Be kind, but not inconvenient.
It is exhausting.
A lot of grown adults are walking around with the emotional bruises of rejection, criticism, comparison, and disappointment, still secretly wondering whether they are truly enough. And the sad part is many people become very high-functioning while still feeling deeply unaccepted. They perform well, achieve much, and help everyone else, yet inside they still feel slightly outside the circle.
Hope says you do not have to earn your worth.
Faith says your value was never up for negotiation in the first place.
That kind of truth changes the way a person lives. When you stop begging the world to validate you, you become a lot more grounded. A lot less desperate. A lot less likely to betray yourself just to keep the peace or win approval.
Then there is purpose.
Purpose is one of those words people throw around casually, but it matters more than most realize. Without purpose, life begins to feel like maintenance. You get up, do what needs to be done, tick boxes, solve problems, and repeat. On paper, you may be functioning. In reality, you feel flat.
Purpose is not always a huge dramatic calling with a spotlight and a soundtrack. Sometimes purpose is quieter than that. Sometimes it is found in how you love, how you serve, how you grow, how you endure, how you tell the truth, how you use your gifts, and how you bring light into places that have grown dim.
Still, without some sense of purpose, a person can begin to drift. And drifting is dangerous because it feels deceptively normal. You keep going through the motions and tell yourself this is just adulthood, this is just how it is, this is just life. But deep down, you know something is missing.
Hope reminds us that our lives are not random.
Even pain does not have to be wasted.
Even setbacks can teach us something.
Even seasons of waiting can build something in us.
That does not mean every difficult thing is good. Some things are just painful and unfair. Let’s not get cute about suffering. But hope allows us to believe that difficulty is not the end of the story. It allows us to trust that meaning can still emerge, that purpose can still be rediscovered, and that life can still be rebuilt from places that once looked broken beyond repair.
Now let’s talk about forgiveness.
This one is hard because it sounds lovely in theory and feels awful in practice.
Forgiveness is one of our deepest inner needs because guilt, bitterness, regret, and shame are heavy to carry. Some people need forgiveness from others. Some need to forgive others. Many desperately need to forgive themselves.
And here’s the rub!
A lot of people are outwardly functioning while inwardly haunted. Haunted by what they said. What they allowed. What they ignored. What they lost. What they failed to do. Haunted by choices made in fear, anger, loneliness, insecurity, or desperation. Haunted by the younger version of themselves who did not know what they know now.
Shame has a nasty habit of convincing people they are disqualified from peace.
Hope says otherwise.
Hope says redemption is possible.
Hope says your worst moment does not get to be your full identity.
Hope says there is still a future for you, even if your past has teeth.
Forgiveness does not always erase consequences. That is the grown-up truth. But it can break the chain that keeps you tied emotionally and spiritually to what has already happened. It can make room for healing. It can soften the hard places in you. It can teach you humility without crushing your spirit.
And if we are honest, many, many people are desperate for this kind of release.
Then there is love.
Not the cheap, sugary version. Not the kind that depends on convenience, image, or control. Real love. The kind that sees you clearly and does not run. The kind that steadies you. The kind that tells the truth. The kind that nourishes and uplifts you rather than manipulates you.
People are starved for real love.
You can see it everywhere.
Some chase it in relationships that drain or disappoint them.
Some settle for crumbs because they have forgotten what nourishment feels like.
Some avoid love altogether because they have been hurt and would rather stay guarded than risk disappointment again.
Some confuse attention with love.
Some confuse rescuing with love.
Some confuse being needed with being loved.
That confusion causes a lot of unnecessary pain.
Real love meets an inner need that nothing else can. To be known and still valued. To be seen and still welcomed. To be flawed and still loved. That does not mean every behavior should be excused or every boundary dropped. Love without wisdom becomes chaos. But love with truth has the power to heal.
Hope keeps love alive when cynicism wants to take over.
Because cynicism is seductive. It masquerades as intelligence. It says, “Don’t expect much. Don’t trust too deeply. Don’t open your heart. Don’t hope. It only leads to disappointment.”
But cynicism does not protect the heart. It hardens it.
And a hard heart may survive, but it does not truly live.
Which brings us to life itself.
Not just existence. Not just breathing and getting older. Actual life.
A lot of people are alive biologically but disconnected emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. They are surviving, but they are not fully living. They are doing what has to be done, but joy feels far away. Wonder feels childish. Peace feels temporary. Rest feels undeserved. They have been so busy coping that they have forgotten how to be fully present.
Hope calls us back to life.
It reminds us that renewal is possible.
It reminds us that numbness does not have to be permanent.
It reminds us that even after loss, disappointment, betrayal, illness, burnout, or failure, something new can still grow.
Easter carries that message powerfully for Christians. It says that death is not the end, darkness does not win, and despair does not get the final word. That is not a small message. That is a radical one.
And even for those who would not describe themselves as traditionally religious, there is something undeniably human and necessary in the belief that life can rise again after devastation. That meaning can come after pain. That peace can come after chaos. That love can come after heartbreak. That strength can come after surrender. That morning can come after a very long night and light comes after darkness.
We need that.
We need outer provision, yes. We need jobs, homes, health, community, and support systems. We need wise decisions and practical action. Hope is not a substitute for responsibility. Let’s be clear about that. You cannot “positive-think” your way out of every problem. Sometimes you need a budget, a doctor, a boundary, a new job, better habits, or a serious conversation. Practical steps matter.
But even when the outer pieces are being worked on, the inner needs remain.
You can have a full fridge and an empty heart.
You can have a nice title and no sense of purpose.
You can have people around you and still feel lonely or unseen.
You can be admired and still not feel accepted.
You can be busy and still feel lifeless.
This is why hope matters so much.
Hope does not deny reality. It dares to face reality and still believe that goodness, help, healing, and meaning are not only possible but achievable.
It is not childish.
It is not weak.
It is not denial.
It is strength with its sleeves rolled up.
Hope says, “This is hard, but I am not done.”
Hope says, “I cannot see the full path, but I will take the next step.”
Hope says, “I feel uncertain, but I will not surrender to despair.”
Hope says, “I am still loved, still held, still guided, even here.”
That kind of hope changes how we move through the world. It softens panic. It steadies fear. It keeps bitterness from becoming our permanent personality. It helps us hold on without pretending that everything is easy.
And perhaps that is what many of us need right now.
Not another fake pep talk.
Not another pressure-filled message to hustle harder.
Not another polished slogan.
But real hope.
The kind that sits with grief and still speaks life.
The kind that acknowledges unmet needs and still believes provision is possible.
The kind that knows we are not just bodies needing food and shelter, but souls needing acceptance, purpose, forgiveness, love, and life.
So maybe the question is not whether you are religious enough or spiritual enough or optimistic enough. Maybe the better question is this:
Where in your life do you need hope to rise again?
Where have you grown weary?
Where have you settled into survival mode?
Where do you need acceptance instead of performance?
Where do you need purpose instead of drift?
Where do you need forgiveness instead of shame?
Where do you need love instead of fear?
Where do you need life instead of mere existence?
These questions matter because ignoring our inner needs does not make them disappear. It just makes us more tired, more brittle, more reactive, and more disconnected from the life we were meant to live.
Hope still rises.
It rises in the quiet prayer of a tired mother.
It rises in the heart of the person rebuilding after loss.
It rises in the one who has made mistakes but refuses to believe they are beyond redemption.
It rises in the person who chooses trust over total control.
It rises when we open our hearts again after disappointment.
It rises when we stop numbing and start listening.
It rises when we remember that our deepest needs are not foolish or inconvenient, but profoundly human.
And maybe that is the invitation in this season.
To stop pretending we are only practical beings.
To stop acting as though our worth must be earned.
To stop ignoring the soul while managing the schedule.
To believe that provision is not only about what fills the cupboard, but also about what fills the heart.
Because a life with outer success and inner emptiness is still a hungry life.
But a life rooted in hope, grounded in love, shaped by purpose, softened by forgiveness, and strengthened by acceptance is a life that can endure a great deal and still remain beautifully, stubbornly alive.
Hope - it still rises.
And thank God for that.
Thank you for reading.
Before you sprint into 2026 with a new planner and a fresh set of promises about all the wonderful things you want to accomplish this year, I want to invite you to do something quietly powerful: pause and reflect. Yes, sit in a quiet space and just reflect.
Look back over the last 12 months with curiosity, not criticism. What did you survive that you’re proud of? What did you learn about your energy, your boundaries, your relationships, your resilience? What worked – consistently, and what or even who kept draining you on repeat?
Here’s a simple reflection trio:
- Keep: The habits that supported you (even in small ways)? Think: morning walks, hydration, weekly planning, prayer/meditation, reading before bed, saying “no” once in a while (smile).
- Change: Which habits are stealing your time, peace, energy or confidence? Think: overcommitting, late-night scrolling (ouch, that’s my Achilles heal) procrastinating the important stuff, people-pleasing, or letting your inner critic run the meeting.
- Start: What one habit would make the biggest difference if you practiced it most days? Think: Journaling, a 5 minute meditation, healthier meals!
Now for the fun part: start 2026 the way you want it to end.
If you want December 2026 to feel calm, then you begin January with calm choices. If you want to feel confident, you practice small brave actions now. If you want more joy, you schedule it like it matters—because it does.
Try this “end-of-year energy” question:
On December 31, 2026, what do you want to be able to say about who you became this year?
Then choose one positive habit that supports that identity. Not ten. One.
On December 31, 2026, what do you want to be able to say about who you became this year?
Then choose one positive habit that supports that identity. Not ten. One.
Here’s your first rep: tonight, write three wins from 2025, one lesson, and one promise you’ll keep. Put it somewhere visible. Your future self doesn’t need perfection they need momentum, support, and a plan that you follow through on.
Positive mindset isn’t wishful thinking. It’s built through positive habits: self-talk that’s kind but honest, routines that protect your health, boundaries that guard your peace, and follow-through that rebuilds trust with yourself.
And if you want a fast, eye-opening way to understand what’s really driving your stress (and what to do about it), take the PQ (Positive Intelligence) Assessment. It’ll help you spot your Saboteurs and strengthen your mental fitness—so you can move through 2026 with more clarity, calm, and control. Then book a FREE 20 minute consultation with me, so we can break it down.
PQ Assessment link: https://assessment.positiveintelligence.com/saboteur/instructions
FREE Consultation link: https://coachjeanette.com/book-a-call
Thank you for reading.
Happy Thanksgiving – Yikes! Let’s Be Honest: Thanksgiving is not the leisurely, heartwarming TV commercial moment for most women and for women over 50. Phew!, it can feel like a whirlwind of a time.
[PS - read to the end to see my "Holiday Reset Offer"]
Hey lovely,
It’s Coach Jeanette here.
It’s Coach Jeanette here.
Can we just say it out loud?
Thanksgiving is not the leisurely, heartwarming TV commercial moment for most women over 50.
It’s more like:
“Welcome to your part-time job (without the pay) as Head of Food, Feelings, Family Dynamics and Logistics, and of course Holiday Home Décor Planner & Installer".
“Welcome to your part-time job (without the pay) as Head of Food, Feelings, Family Dynamics and Logistics, and of course Holiday Home Décor Planner & Installer".
If you’re anything like many of the women I counsel (and honestly, like me), you’re the one who:
- Starts planning the menu weeks (or days!) in advance
- Texts or calls everyone to see who’s coming, who’s bringing what, and who’s suddenly “gluten-free-ish” this year
- Looks around your house thinking, “How did we accumulate this much… stuff?” and then power-cleans like a woman on a mission (oh only me, OK)
And while all of this is happening you might still be working a job, maybe checking in on aging parents, maybe supporting adult kids, grandkids, partners, neighbors, and that one friend who always calls right when you’re basting the turkey.
You, my dear, are the “filling in the sandwich generation” and around Thanksgiving, “You’re basically the stuffing too”. You hold everything together.
So let’s talk about how to get through this season with a little less stress, a little more joy, and an actual shot at enjoying your own holiday.
Then there’s the Morning you wake up and think, “Why Is Everyone Looking at Me?”
You know that moment. You wake up one day in November and realize:
“Oh wow! I am the Thanksgiving person now.”
People are waiting on you for the plan, the timing, the food, the vibe… the everything. You didn’t apply for this job, but the promotion is yours anyway.
This is where I gently remind most of the women I counsel (and now you): your wellbeing is allowed to come first, even during the holidays.
So, as you’re running around prepping, do one small thing for your body:
Keep a glass of water on the counter and drink it all day.
Keep a glass of water on the counter and drink it all day.
I’m serious. Just sip. Every time you pass through the kitchen, take a drink. Hydration sounds boring, but it’s like a secret superpower: fewer headaches, a bit more energy, and less of that “I feel like a dried-out cranberry” feeling by 3pm.
And when you finally sit down to eat? Before you dive face-first into the mashed potatoes, mentally say: protein and plants first.
No need to become the Thanksgiving nutrition police. Just quietly build your plate with a bit of protein (turkey, lentils, beans, whatever you’ve got) and a decent scoop of veggies, then go for the stuffing, mac and cheese, and rolls. Your blood sugar - and your mood - will thank you later when you’re not in a full-blown food coma while everyone else is arguing over football.
Oh, and this one’s fun: move your body in tiny, sneaky ways. Ten minutes of stretching while something’s in the oven. A walk around the block with your favorite someone after dinner. A kitchen dance break when nobody’s looking (or when everyone is, and you’re that one). You don’t need to “work out” — you just need to keep your joints and energy flowing.
Meanwhile, In Your Mind…
There’s this whole other Thanksgiving story happening inside your head, right?
The one that says: “The house has to be spotless.”, “Everyone needs to feel welcomed and comfortable.” “If the food isn’t perfect, it reflects on me.”
Hello, saboteurs.
In Positive Intelligence, we talk about these inner voices that create stress and self-judgment. The Pleaser, the Perfectionist (Stickler), the Controller, the Hyper-Achiever… they love the holidays. It’s like their Olympics.
The Pleaser whispers:
“Just say yes, you can handle it. You can host, cook, set the table, do the dishes and listen to everyone’s emotional baggage. That’s just who you are.”
“Just say yes, you can handle it. You can host, cook, set the table, do the dishes and listen to everyone’s emotional baggage. That’s just who you are.”
The Perfectionist says:
“Is that… a wrinkle in the tablecloth? And why is the gravy that color? Fix it. Fix all of it.”
“Is that… a wrinkle in the tablecloth? And why is the gravy that color? Fix it. Fix all of it.”
The Controller adds:
“If you don’t manage every tiny detail, this whole thing is going to fall apart.”
“If you don’t manage every tiny detail, this whole thing is going to fall apart.”
Here’s the truth: none of them are actually helping you enjoy your life.
So this year, experiment with something radical:
Set one clear boundary.
Set one clear boundary.
Just one.
Maybe it’s:
“I’m happy to host, but everyone needs to bring a dish.”
“Thanksgiving is officially from 2–6 pm. I love you all, but I need my evening to recharge.”
“No, I won’t be going out at midnight for Black Friday chaos. I’m choosing sleep in and save my sanity.”
And while you’re at it, claim 10 uninterrupted minutes for yourself that day. Not for cooking, not for cleaning, not for hosting. For you.
Maybe it’s sitting quietly with your favorite hot beverage before the house wakes up. Maybe it’s a few deep breaths outside, looking at the sky and reminding yourself you are a human, not a service provider. Maybe it’s lying on the bed in silence, staring at the ceiling, doing absolutely nothing (highly underrated).
Is it small? Yes.
Is it self-care? Absolutely.
You are sending yourself a message: “My needs matter, even today.”
Is it self-care? Absolutely.
You are sending yourself a message: “My needs matter, even today.”
And Then… Everyone Leaves
You shut the door after the last guest leaves.
You look around at the dishes, the crumbs, the half-empty glasses, the mysterious stain on the table runner. You feel that big exhale: It’s done.
You look around at the dishes, the crumbs, the half-empty glasses, the mysterious stain on the table runner. You feel that big exhale: It’s done.
This, my friend, is a magical moment.
Instead of collapsing into the nearest soft surface and immediately scrolling on your phone or tablet until your brain melts, try this: within the next day or so, have a little decompression date with yourself.
Grab a notebook or the Notes app and ask:
What actually went well? (Don’t skip this one. Your brain will rush to the negative.)
What completely drained me?
What could I change next year to make it easier on me?
This is not about blaming yourself; it’s about designing future holidays that don’t require you to sacrifice your sanity.
And if your body feels a little puffy or tired afterward (because of course it does), this is where we gently reset—not punish.
No “I was so bad, I need to make up for it.”
Try: “I enjoyed my holiday. Now I’m going to be kind to my body.”
Try: “I enjoyed my holiday. Now I’m going to be kind to my body.”
For the next few days:
Drink more water and herbal tea
Eat simple, nourishing meals—soups, salads, lean proteins, roasted veggies
Get a little extra sleep if you can
Take short walks or do some yoga or light stretching
Not because you were “bad,” but because you’re worthy of care.
Spotting the Saboteurs in the Rearview Mirror
Once the dishes are (mostly) done and the leftovers are labeled, it’s a great time to quietly ask yourself:
“Which voices were the loudest for me this Thanksgiving?”
Was it the Pleaser, agreeing to things you didn’t really want to do?
The Perfectionist, critiquing your cooking or décor?
The Hyper-Achiever, turning hosting into a performance review?
The Controller, unable to let others help because “they won’t do it right”?
The Perfectionist, critiquing your cooking or décor?
The Hyper-Achiever, turning hosting into a performance review?
The Controller, unable to let others help because “they won’t do it right”?
Notice how they made you feel. Tense? Resentful? Exhausted?
And then ask:
“What would my wise, loving, grounded self say instead?”
That wise part of you might say:
“Good enough is truly enough.”
“It’s okay to ask for help.”
“My worth is not measured in side dishes.”
“I deserve to enjoy my holidays too.”
This is the work I do with women all the time—especially women 50+ who are tired of carrying the emotional and logistical load of every season without feeling supported themselves.
You Don’t Have to White-Knuckle Your Way Through Another Holiday
If you’re reading this and thinking,
“Oh wow, this is me,”
consider this your sign to get a little support this season. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through another holiday. You can book a one-off Holiday Reset session with me—just you and me, looking at your specific situation and creating a simple, realistic plan that protects your energy, your health, and your sanity. We’ll map out how you can move through the holidays (and the rest of the year) with less stress, more joy, and a lot less guilt.
“Oh wow, this is me,”
consider this your sign to get a little support this season. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through another holiday. You can book a one-off Holiday Reset session with me—just you and me, looking at your specific situation and creating a simple, realistic plan that protects your energy, your health, and your sanity. We’ll map out how you can move through the holidays (and the rest of the year) with less stress, more joy, and a lot less guilt.
As a Thanksgiving thank-you, I’m offering this Holiday Reset session at a special reduced price for anyone who books before 11/25. If you know you don’t want to repeat the same overwhelmed holiday story again, reach out and grab your spot—I’d love to help you breathe easier and actually enjoy this season.
With love, a soft place to land, and possibly slightly lumpy gravy,
Coach Jeanette 🍂
Coach Jeanette 🍂
Thank you for reading.
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.
Read more...
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.
