When I received a layoff notice five years ago this week, it was an unwelcome surprise. I was minding my own business, deep in thought at work when I got the knock at my door. I was told, “I need you for a meeting.” Even though I was caught off guard, I knew instantly...
Continue readingAre you stuck in the muck of your mind?
Many of us feel stuck from time to time in our lives. Midlife. Mind muck. Stuck. Yuck. Feeling stuck is soooooo common when we roll into our midlife transition years. You know, milestone birthdays, 40s and 50s, perimenopause and menopause. We’ve been told that it’s a time of great opportunity. That doors can be...
Continue readingThe case of the missing cheese grater—and midlife memory
The mini cheese grater is missing. Midlife memory? Or something else? It’s been missing for a week now and it’s driving my husband and me crazy. This cheese grater was not kept in the kitchen. It was the cutest little green MINI grater that’s used for things like garlic and spices. Or for grating...
Continue readingThe unusual combination of success, insecurity and being a woman
Insecurity was alive and well at a conference recently; I was surrounded by really successful women. It’s funny the way insecurity pops up in our lives. At this conference, no one looked particularly insecure. In fact, I thought everyone looked completely confident and happy. I would say they looked “normal.” Not any smarter than...
Continue readingThe power of old movies, memories and midlife
Memories from childhood are much easier with the help of old movies. Have you had the pleasure of watching old movies from your childhood? I did and it was amazing. My mom had the foresight to transfer all of the old 8mm movies to videotape in the late 80s. I lived about 500 miles...
Continue readingTurning 50? Lots of ways to leave your 40s
Turning 50 is so interesting. On just about every level. I hate the idea of a “bucket list when you turn 50.” Really, it turns me off. It’s not that I don’t want to embrace the fact that I’m growing older. I just don’t like the idea of talking about things I really want...
Continue readingMidlife on the farm
What do a couple of hair stylists, beautiful farmland and amazing animals have in common? The answer may surprise you. I had the pleasure of going to a B and B this weekend, in rural Ontario. It’s funny…the reason I was there with a girlfriend wasn’t because we had a great idea to get...
Continue readingAfraid to leave your “good” job because of golden handcuffs?
My job situation felt like golden-handcuffs. When someone referred to our work situation as “golden handcuffs,” I totally understood what she meant. My job was too good to leave. When I was 18, I had a summer job at a bank. My job was to verify income claims of credit card applicants. Because of...
Continue readingTime flies when you’re a super busy mom!
A little over 10 years ago, my mom and I had an enlightening conversation. “Well” she said. “It took me 30 years, but I finally did it.” “What do you mean?” I asked. “I finally lost my baby weight.” she answered. I didn’t know how to respond. I laughed of course….and then I paused....
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