For the last 6 years we have (mostly) stopped giving Xmas gifts and instead donate to a local charity, like Ben’s Bells. This practice evolved out of a desire to focus on experiences instead of “stuff” and supports our continuing journey of minimalism. Over time, people got the message and (mostly) stopped giving us things! […]
The most obvious sign of my impending menopause was putting on body fat, especially belly fat. Excessive belly fat is associated with increased metabolic syndrome and other disease. In my journey of letting go, one of the areas I wanted to address was the idea that aging needed to be a downhill slide into ill-health. […]
As I moved through the process of releasing my old self; a process that is never linear, I started relating to myself differently and have written about some of that process here and here. Over the last year or so, a new self has emerged and I am learning to embrace her. She is less critical, […]
Women reach menopause at many ages (and sometimes surgically), so I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like for someone else. I will simply share my story, in the hopes that it will inspire you into your own inquiry and reflection about how your menopause has changed how you think and feel about […]
This week, I will be starting a series of posts about menopause. I realize that “Enjoying Menopause” may be a dubious title to some, but there are many women who sail through menopause, so it is certainly not impossible. And even if you aren’t close to menopause, this series will serve you when you (or someone […]
Some of us learned to ignore our own needs…to put others first to avoid abandonment, that self-sacrifice is somehow spiritual or to prioritize money over health and happiness. The cost of not tending to ourselves can be high. Often the cost is higher, in terms of time, attention and money, than it would have been had […]
After more than a year away from writing blog posts, I finally feel ready to come back and share some of the things I have learned. I’ve spent much of this time in an introspective mode that helped me to clarify my values and desire to share myself more with others. Even though I hadn’t planned on a […]
As always, my garden provides never-ending inspiration and meditation. The “mystery” bush in our new front garden turned out to be this extravagantly flowered Star Magnolia. Isn’t she GORGEOUS? Healthy, grounded and delightful. Just how I want to be in my life. Like my garden, I am reaping the rewards of all the composting I did […]
Lest you think I have changed the focus of my blog (again!), let me assure you that this is not really a post about gardening! Though you may learn a few garden-y things along the way… Most long-time gardeners have learned that a healthy garden requires regular nourishment of organic waste and microorganisms. Though synthetic […]
Note: I wrote this post at the request of several friends who have left these “Women’s Wisdom Circles aka Women’s Gifting Circles aka Fire Circles, etc…” that have spread like a virus throughout the spiritual & personal development communities internationally. A great exposé of the “circle” culture can be found here. Perhaps you, like a […]