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Finding community in midlife, feeling stronger in body and mind and changing how I feel in my 50s.
I promised to write about midlife in real time, so here’s what’s happening with me right now. I know I’m getting older, and I’m okay with that. What I’m not okay with is feeling older.
I’ve come to grips with the fact that the mirror isn’t going to show me everything I want to see, and my clothes may not fit the way they used to. What I can do is feel younger and stronger. I want to be able to do all the things with my kids, and someday their kids, and to get up and go as best I can at 52 and beyond.
Grief is what inspired me to start writing, and I’ll always remember why I started and who I’m writing all of this in honor of. It’s not all grief and loss, however. This year I learned that finding community at this point in life can make a real difference in how you feel, and that’s what this post is about.
It isn’t only about physical strength, either. It’s about mental strength, too. I think we tend to take a bit of a back seat as we get older, assuming we’re not as up on technology as the younger crowd. Maybe we’re not, but we have wisdom and experience they don’t have yet. This year, a few communities helped me feel stronger in body and mind, and they reminded me that we’re capable of anything we want, whether we’re 52, 62, 72 or 82.
So this post is my thank-you. Here is what (and who) changed my year, and why I think they might help you too.
Who Changed How I Feel: Mackenzie Wells Fitness
Who knew I’d be excited to wake up early and work out before my workday? Two months ago I found Mackenzie Wells and her fitness app, and it has truly blown me out of the water.
She records her live workouts each day right through the app, so all I have to do is press play and follow along. The app gives you everything you need in a simple way, from the daily workouts to monthly meal plans and a calendar to track it all. I follow along five days a week before work, and I even find myself wanting to do them on the weekends. She even creates challenges and I’m in the middle of one right now.
I’ve also never stuck with something this long. I feel better than I have in a long time, and I know a big part of that is Mackenzie herself. She is truly fun, inspiring and such a positive influence, and you can feel it in the size of her community, both in the app and on her Facebook page. Everyone there is all in. I’ve seen so many women transform, and it’s so motivating to be part of it.
If you’ve been looking for something that finally sticks, this is the one I’d recommend to everyone.
Since I am a member of her app, I earn a small referral commission if you sign up through my link. I’d share this either way, though. I truly love this program, and it makes me feel so good that I want everyone to experience it! Just check it out. There is a 7 day free trial at sign-up!
Get 20% off the Mackenzie Wells Fitness app subscription here.
Who Changed My Blog: Restored 316
When I started this blog, I was starting from step one with no experience at all. I chose a Restored 316 theme for my site because it was beautiful and easy to use, but what I found was so much more than a theme.
There are options for wherever you are in your online business. You can buy a theme and install it yourself with their free tutorials, or have their team handle the installation and even your branding. They also offer courses, lunch and learns, and one-on-one guidance with the owner, which helped me more than I can say.
The part that has helped me tremendously, though, is their Facebook group. Anyone can ask a question, and the team and members chime in with real answers and encouragement. It’s like a gold mine for bloggers or any type of online business owners. They truly provide with heart, and you can feel it in everything they do.
If you have a blog, online business, or a little dream of starting one, this is where I’d tell you to begin.
Full disclosure: I’m an affiliate for their themes, so I earn a small commission if you purchase through my link. I’d recommend them either way, because this community has been such a big part of my journey.
Explore Restored 316 themes here!
Who Changed My Why: You
When I first started writing, I thought I was doing it for myself. Then I started hearing from a few of you, and I realized how many of us are walking through the same things, from loss and grown kids to aging parents and wondering who we are now.
You are the reason this blog grew into something bigger. All of this writing and sharing has really been about connection, about finding women who get it and hopefully relating to those who want to feel less alone in all of it. Every time a woman tells me she’s been there too, it reminds me why I keep going.
The Little Things That Made Everyday Life Better
I love to shop, and I love finding things for the people in my life even more. These are a few favorites that made my everyday life a little brighter this year, the kind of things I’d happily give or keep for myself. You’ll see it might be all about the cozy things and make-up for me.
- CRZ Butterluxe Yoga Pants: I seriously live in these. They give soft compression without being too hot and thick.
- Soft Bubble Faux Fur Throw Blanket: Just cozy and a teensy bit less expensive than the others.
- Luminara Flameless Pillar Candle Set of 3 LED: I’ve had these forever on my mantle for every season of the year. Remote control operated. They are absolutely a must for my house and make a beautiful gift.
- e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil Glimmer, Candy Coded: This is on my lips and in my bag at all times. This exact light color has such a pretty shimmer. It’s the perfect topper over my favorite Charlotte Tilbury Lip liner and my favorite Revlon Lip color.
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: There’s nothing better than reading a good book on the couch or wherever you go. This is by far the best gift I have received in a long time. The charge lasts so long, it’s easy to read in any lighting, and I can throw it in a bag and take it anywhere.
If you’re shopping for someone special this season, my full Amazon gift guide has even more ideas for everyone on your list.
See my full Amazon holiday gift guide here!
Looking beyond Amazon? I keep some favorite brands and their current holiday promos all in one place.
See my favorites and Holiday Promos here!
What All of It Taught Me
When I look back at this year, the biggest changes didn’t come from one big moment. They came from taking small steps each day, along with encouragement and inspiration from my family and others, even the days when I was tired, busy, or not feeling it at all.
That’s what made Mackenzie’s workouts stick when nothing else had. It’s what kept me writing when I wasn’t sure anyone was reading. It’s also the reason I created What Counts Today, a simple guide to help you decide what truly matters on the day you actually have, so small wins can add up to real change.
If you’d like to start even smaller, my free 3 Days to Feel Like Yourself Again challenge is the place to begin. Over three days, you’ll choose one small goal that’s yours and take simple steps toward feeling more like you.
Join the free 3-day challenge here!
None of us should do this alone. Your communities are out there too.
Thank you for being one of my people this year!
