Midlife Musings September 2024
Life Lately, Fragility, Fall Refresh
Happy September and welcome to my cozy corner on Substack. I hope you enjoyed your previous Midlife Musings editions (March & April & May & June & July & August) and have had a chance to peruse additional posts waiting for you here, too.
I’m thrilled to be back inside your inbox. As mentioned in this introduction post, monthly I’ll share midlife inspiration through this newsletter.
Wondering who’s midlife? Read more here!
Inside this month’s edition, you’ll find the regular peek into life lately plus insights on fragility, ideas for freshening up for fall, and a video highlighting what’s coming.
And now, let’s continue inside our seventh edition of Midlife Musings, love. I’m so happy you’re here!
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Life Lately: A Peek Inside
Please join me in taking a pause to consider your own life lately: highlights, observations, joys, and challenges.
What I’m working on:
10-Piece Paris Capsule releasing in October (waitlist here)
Season 2 of the Tranquility du Jour podcast releasing in October
Healing
What I’m loving:
Being part of Jamie Ridler’s The Crone Conversations Symposium
Interviewing many beloved ladies I’ve known since the early days of blogging (circa 2005) for Season 2 of the podcast
Packing for next week’s writing retreat with Cynthia Morris in Paris
What I’m consuming:
Watching Orangutan Jungle School and Only Murders in the Building
Eating olive hummus with Mary’s Gone Crackers and honey crisp apples with sugar-free peanut butter
Reading Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh for the Coterie September book club. Also enjoying On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen. Video here.
What I’m wearing:
Layers! ‘Tis the season to wrap ourselves in layers.
Pigs & Pugs custom script necklace gifted by a friend
Holly Golightly look for last week’s Film Costume Ball at the Library of Congress (shown above)
What I’m noticing:
A neglected body that has two more months of post-surgery rest to go
So much gratitude for getting the green light to take baths again
Excitement about spending the weekend with my parents who are visiting from Oklahoma
Fragility
The beauty of fragility.
Last month I went through surgery #3 on my left hip. After a hip replacement in 2022, I’ve had a variety of rare complications resulting in additional surgeries. The above photo was taken before I was wheeled into the operating room.
In February we said goodbye to our 16-year-old rescue pug, Gizmo, and I still can’t talk about him without crying. Around that same time I found out I’d need this third hip surgery and also started confidence-crushing weekly practices for shows at The Washington Ballet.
My ongoing hip troubles left me feeling vulnerable, unable to rest on my left side, and broken.
While having lunch with fellow dancers at the International Adult Ballet Festival last month, I was off kilter an hour before our dress rehearsal. I was quietly noshing on a salad when one of dancers asked how I was doing. You know, a basic inquiry. I teared up.
“I feel fragile,” I responded.
I’ve held onto that word ever since.
Somehow my ability to do a single pirouette had lapsed in the days leading up to my performance, my calves and Achilles tendons were suddenly screaming, my hip was, well, my hip, and I was feeling emotionally bruised.
Fragility is a word we often shy away from, yet it carries a quiet power. In midlife, we may feel more fragile—whether it’s noticing changes in our bodies, experiencing emotional shifts, or accepting the impermanence of things we once took for granted.
What if we recognized it not as a weakness, but as an invitation to honor our humanity? To be kinder to ourselves, to give ourselves permission to rest, to say no when needed, and to lean into the support of others. And to recognize that, yes, certain things are hard and jarring.
Our energy isn’t limitless. Fragility reminds us to be mindful of our capacity, to honor the rhythms of our bodies, and to accept that it’s therapeutic to be vulnerable. To pace ourselves and to be okay with tearing up at a lunch table.
May we use the feeling of fragility to live more tenderly, more honestly. To know that in the cracks and breaks, there’s room for light to come in. Even when our heart hurts from loss or we’re rolled into the operating room for a third time in two years.
Fall Refresh
Ideas on making small shifts along with the fall season.
One week after hip surgery, I hobbled into Mr. Beauty Operator’s salon. Since working together the past many years, I’ve come to adore our three hours every two months. We laugh, a lot.
He plays Air Supply, Guns & Roses, and Pink Martini for me. We sing along. We’re both INFJs. He serves me Tazo’s Zen green tea out of a glass mug and has a stash of chocolate and gummy candy at the ready. My belly always hurts by the time I leave because, well, I have no self-control.
“It’s time. Let’s cut off six inches!,” I declared as I plopped into his chair and tossed my bag onto the floor.
“Are you sure?!” He gave me that I don’t want you to regret this look.
“Yes, I’m ready for a refresh.” And I meant it.
I’d been growing my hair out for years and had only tiny trims to release the dead ends. My hair had become thin, dry, and, perhaps, tired. By letting go of the half-foot, I’d hoped to repair it while getting an updated look.
The photo above shows us after the refresh and his talented styling. As you can imagine, it hasn’t looked like that since I left the salon.
I see fall as an ideal time for reflection and renewal. After the fullness of summer, this season invites us to recalibrate. And release.
This transition also offers an opportunity to freshen up—both inside and out—by embracing the natural rhythm of letting go and welcoming change. I wanted to touch on a few simple ways to refresh this fall.
One way is through a seasonal wardrobe review. This doesn't necessarily mean buying new clothes, but rather thoughtfully curating what we have. Bring out those cozy layers, soft scarves, and chunky textures. Consider simplifying your closet with a capsule wardrobe and choose timeless pieces that mix and match. This seasonal shift allows us to make space and intentionally choose how we show up.
Another way to rejuvenate is by creating nurturing rituals. Think starting the day with a warm matcha latte, journaling or gentle stretching in the soft morning light, and settling in with a good book before bed. This is the perfect time to tune in to the changes happening both within and around us.
It’s also a good time to reignite our creativity. As the days grow shorter and the outside world quiets down, turn inward and explore artistic outlets that bring joy. Whether it’s picking up a paintbrush, knitting blankets, or art journaling our end-of-year dreams, creative expression is nourishing during this reflective season.
Finally, as the trees shed their leaves, consider how we can let go of what no longer serves us. Whether it’s trimming six inches, decluttering our home, streamlining our schedule, or releasing outdated beliefs, fall encourages release.
Let’s align with the energy of the season to refresh and let go.
Podcast Season 2
I'm thrilled to announce that Season 2 of the Tranquility du Jour Podcast is launching mid-October! As we celebrate our 19th year, we're unveiling a fresh new look, a captivating theme, and an infusion of inspiring energy.
This season, we’re diving deep into conversations with extraordinary women in midlife, sharing their stories of growth, reinvention, and wisdom. Prepare to feel inspired, empowered, and truly seen.
Available in all your favorite podcast apps.
Eco-Fashion Release
As the air chills, join me in the art of layering. I like to start with a soft, fitted base, then add cozy layers such as a flowing wrap tunic, oversized scarf, and tall boots.
Fall fashion is my favorite and I’m excited to announce the Shop Tranquility du jour’s soon-to-be-released 10-piece Paris capsule collection in all noir. It’s locally-sewn, comfy, chic and made in organic bamboo fabric.
There’s something timeless about wearing black—especially this time of the year. Whether it’s a pair of leggings, a wrap, or a classic dress, black adds elegance and versatility to any wardrobe. It’s perfect for transitioning from day to evening, black is always in season.
Visit the link in my bio to join the waitlist and be among the first to know when the capsule releases next month!
Latest Tea with Kimberly Video
In this episode I share a peek into what's on the horizon this season. Hint, lots! I'm thrilled to share these creative projects with you—Season 2 of the podcast, a micro-course on Paris, a capsule collection, and a digital course on tranquility in midlife!
You’ll find more Tea with Kimberly videos over on the Tranquility du Jour YouTube channel including recent ones on taking the stage of your own life and a bibliophile confession.
How I Can Support You
Listen to 624 podcast episodes
Join Tranquility Coterie
Watch Tea with Kimberly videos
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.