Tranquility du Jour #23: Taking Up Space

Season 2

Welcome to Season 2 of Tranquility du Jour, where we explore the joys and challenges of midlife. Join us for inspiring guests, practical tips, and space for meaningful reflections.

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Lucia Shaw on:

• Taking Up Space with Confidence
  Lucia reflects on how midlife has brought her a sense of freedom from past insecurities. She shares how embracing new experiences, letting go of perfectionism, and showing up fully—without apology—has been transformative in both her personal and professional life.

• The Power of Performance and Embodiment
  Participating in the International Adult Ballet Festival was a life-changing experience for Lucia, helping her connect with her body, overcome fear, and step into confidence. She describes how performing on stage unlocked a fearless approach to networking, creative expression, and even professional headshots.

• Finding Courage to Be Seen and Heard
  Lucia discusses the importance of asserting her identity, whether through correcting the pronunciation of her name or allowing herself to take up space in daily life. She encourages women to stop minimizing themselves and instead embrace their presence fully—whether it’s rolling a noisy suitcase unapologetically or walking into a room with self-assurance.

• Tranquility in Motion
  For Lucia, tranquility isn’t about stillness—it’s about movement. She finds peace through ballet, music, time in nature, and activities that engage both body and mind. Whether practicing arm movements in her kitchen or hugging a tree to reset after a stressful day, she highlights the importance of physical connection in cultivating inner calm.

Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon.

Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more and Substack for shownotes.

Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in for this week’s inspiration.

Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #23: Taking Up Space

Our Guest: Lucia Shaw

Lucia Haynes is a screenwriter and former journalist, based in the UK. Over two decades, she has written for crime dramas, including Vera, Annika, The Marlow Murder Club and The Good Ship Murder, and has 12 credits for continuing drama – or soaps. Lucia enjoys writing for children and young people and has worked on several shows for CBBC and CBeebies, operated by the BBC.

Lucia’s expertise in storytelling has led her to being invited to be a jury member for BAFTA (Scotland), on three occasions, adjudicating on their prestigious annual awards. She has two Master’s degrees – in French language and literature (including French cinema) and in Radio and TV Scriptwriting.

As well as commissioned work, Lucia is currently writing feature length scripts in the grounded sci-fi genre. She enjoys compelling, entertaining stories which explore contemporary issues.

In her spare time, Lucia is passionate about ballet and creative paper engineering projects. In 2024, she danced in the International Adult Ballet Festival, in Florida.

Find Our Guest

• LuciaHaynes.com

Mentioned in the Show & Announcements

• Join us on Saturday, April 12 from noon - 2 pm ET for our seasonal virtual retreat experience. Reflection, community, creativity. Includes a beautiful 20-page workbook PDF, two hours of live programming, a replay, a playlist, and lots of love. Think soul balm and connection! Save your spot here.

The Art of Midlife: A Transformational In-Person Salon Series. Gather in a cozy circle of kindred spirits—midlife women seeking support, connection, and growth. Starting April 3 in Dupont Circle, Washington, DC, this intimate four-week series is designed to help you navigate the joys and challenges of this next chapter. Join us to share, reflect, and evolve in a nurturing space. Spots are very limited—save your spot here!

• Year of Tranquility digital course: 52 weekly lessons aligned with midlife

• Join the Substack Private Collection for five monthly tranquility tools to support our midlife journey plus my month in review with resources, and occasional extras for only $1.90/week ($99/year)

Podcast Host: Kimberly

Kimberly Wilson is a psychotherapist, author of seven lifestyle books, and host of the Tranquility du Jour podcast. She also serves as president of the Pigs & Pugs Project.

With over 25 years of experience, Kimberly is dedicated to helping midlife women find balance and beauty in their lives. She holds master’s degrees in Women’s Studies and Social Work and has been featured in publications such as Huffington Post, The Washington Post, and Cosmopolitan.

Living in Washington, DC with her rescue pugs and longtime partner, Kimberly shares her passion for tranquility, ballet, loving her 50s, and more at kimberlywilson.com.