Midlife Musings November
Life Lately, Calm in Chaos, Video
Happy November and welcome to my cozy corner on Substack!
I’m honored to be back inside your inbox with this latest edition of Midlife Musings and hope it will offer a dose of soul balm. As mentioned in this welcome post, monthly I’ll share midlife inspiration through this newsletter, plus weekly releases of Tranquility du Jour Season 2 podcasts on all things midlife.
Inside this month’s edition, you’ll find:
a regular peek into life lately
ways to find calm in chaos
an invitation to Sunday’s free community event
And now, let’s continue into our ninth edition of Midlife Musings. I’m delighted you’re here! Please hit reply and let me know what’s resonating most here.
PS I hope you enjoyed your previous Midlife Musings newsletters and have a chance to peruse additional posts waiting for you here, too.
PPS Clicking the heart at the top or bottom of this email makes it easier for others to find Midlife Musings. 💗 Oh, and it also warms my heart!
PPPS Wondering who’s midlife? Read more here. In short, I view it as 35+. All are welcome, of course!
Life Lately: A Peek Inside
Anyone else carry everything and the kitchen sink to the office? You know, all those ‘just in case’ items. When I arrived to work with three brown bags and my purse, I simply had to capture the ‘look!’
Now, please join me in taking a pause to consider your own life lately: highlights, observations, and challenges.
What I’m working on:
Sunday’s Living La Vie Belle in Uncertain Times free event
Slowly returning to ballet classes
Carrying less bags everywhere
What I’m loving:
Progress on 2024 creative dreams—La Vie Parisienne & 10-Piece Paris Capsule
Interviewing many lovely ladies for Season 2 of the podcast
The joy of cozy evenings spent fireside
What I’m consuming:
Watching Nobody Wants This on Netflix
Eating scoops of all-natural peanut butter and mini vegan chocolate chips
Reading How To Be Authentic: Simone de Beauvoir and the Quest for Fulfillment by Skye Cleary
What I’m wearing:
A knit hat and armwarmers
Too many bags, obviously (evidence posted above)
Layers of all-black topped with patterned wraps
What I’m noticing:
Mookie, my pug, showing increased signs of aging
Surprise that the holidays are nearly here
A heaviness in the air
Your turn. What are you working on, loving, consuming, wearing, and noticing?
Calm in the Chaos
Ideas for finding calm right now.
Midlife often feels like a whirlwind—a beautiful, messy mix of responsibilities, transitions, and aspirations. Add the uncertainty of the world around us and it’s easy to feel like we’re juggling all the things (and more!). Despite the chaos, there’s also a chance to pause, realign, and infuse our days with practices that soothe the soul and nourish the nervous system.
As we navigate these uncertain times, it’s those mindful moments that create the greatest sense of calm. I’ve been teaching on everyday tranquility for 25 years and find that balm for the soul sometimes comes down to the simplest of rituals. Savoring a morning cup of tea, stepping outside to feel fresh air on your skin, or journaling thoughts before bed. These small rituals act as anchors to help us stay grounded among the chaos.
When life feels especially overwhelming, rooting practices can help reset and regulate the nervous system. A simple sigh—a deep inhale followed by a long, audible exhale—can instantly release tension. The butterfly hug is another favorite: cross your arms over your chest, rest your hands on your upper arms, and gently tap each arm alternately.
For a more physical release, try full-body shaking. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and shake out your hands, arms, and eventually your entire body to let go of stagnant energy. This practice helps reset your nervous system, plus it’s fun and surprisingly energizing!
Or, tap into the soothing power of sound by humming a favorite tune or simply a steady hum to stimulate the vagus nerve. For a quieter approach, lie on your back with your legs up the wall. This restorative yoga pose is a go-to.
Even just pausing to breathe slowly and deeply, focusing on a long exhale can reduce stress in moments of overwhelm. These small, intentional practices remind us that calm may be just within reach. Add these to your tranquility toolkit for those moments when you feel particularly stuck or restless.
In Sunday’s event, Living La Vie Belle in Uncertain Times, we’ll dive deeper into these ideas. Together, we’ll explore how to savor life’s simple pleasures, create mindful rituals, and curate a style that feels both effortless and calming. I’ll also share highlights from the La Vie Parisienne course, including a cozy preview of the 10-piece Paris Capsule Wardrobe, designed to simplify daily choices and bring a touch of charm to your routines.
This isn’t just about finding calm. It’s about redefining how we approach our days. It’s an invitation to embrace beauty, balance, and tranquility. I can’t wait to walk you through this (and more) on Sunday.
Save your spot here. Bring your journal, your favorite tea, and an open heart as we explore ways to create la vie belle (the beautiful life) despite what’s happening around us. It starts from within.
Recent Tea with Kimberly Video
In this episode of Tea with Kimberly, I share ways to align with the shifting season. Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and be inspired to soften into this time of the year. You’ll find more Tea with Kimberly videos over on the Tranquility du Jour YouTube channel including recent ones on midlife tranquility (a four-part series).
How I Can Support You
Tranquility Coterie yearlong program (doors open late December)
About Me
Hello! I'm a psychotherapist in Washington, DC, author of seven lifestyle books (next one on midlife), and host of the Tranquility Coterie. I’m in love with my 50s, ballet, pigs, pugs, and orangutans (random mix, I know!). I support women in finding more balance, beauty, and tranquility during this second half of life. More on my website and on Instagram.
A portion of all offerings support Pigs & Pugs Project, Borneo Orangutan Survival, and 1% for the Planet. Thank you for making a difference!