Tranquility Du Jour

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

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

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Amanda Sloat on: Embracing a Midlife Sabbatical After nearly two decades in high-intensity government roles, Amanda made the bold decision to step away, put her belongings in storage, and embark on a year of solo travel. She shares how this period of exploration has given her space to rediscover joy, creativity, and a sense of adventure. Prioritizing Experience Over Waiting for the ‘Right’ Time Amanda emphasizes the importance of pursuing dreams now rather than delaying them for an uncertain future. Inspired by personal loss and a deepening awareness of time’s finiteness, she set out to fulfill lifelong aspirations—like seeing orangutans in the wild—before it was too late. Finding Wellness and Balance on the Road Traveling long-term presents challenges, but Amanda has maintained her well-being through daily yoga, mindful eating, and long walks. She shares how small, consistent habits—like a simple 10-minute morning yoga practice—have helped her

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Alisa Kennedy Jones on: Redefining Midlife as The Empress Age Alisa introduces the concept of The Empress Age—a powerful phase between career/motherhood and the so-called crone years. She reframes midlife as a time of immense creativity, wisdom, and generative energy, rather than decline or invisibility. Navigating the Complexities of Perimenopause With over 30 possible symptoms, perimenopause can be a confusing and isolating experience. Alisa emphasizes the importance of being your own advocate, finding knowledgeable healthcare providers, and recognizing that each woman’s journey is unique. The Power of Connection and Confidence in Career Midlife brings professional reinvention, but also moments of doubt. Alisa shares her strategies for overcoming self-doubt, including borrowing confidence from role models, trusting that her future self will solve problems, and leading with curiosity in career transitions. Finding Tranquility in the Midst of

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Lesley Ware on: Creative Evolution and Bold Reinvention Lesley shares how she transitioned from an office job to a full-time creative career, embracing fashion, writing, and entrepreneurship. She highlights the importance of taking risks, following curiosity, and allowing creativity to evolve over time. Navigating Change with Self-Compassion Through major life transitions—including career shifts, personal loss, and shifting energy levels—Lesley emphasizes the power of self-care, therapy, and giving herself grace. She shares how tuning into her needs has helped her stay grounded through uncertainty. Embracing Personal Style at Any Age Lesley encourages midlife women to experiment with fashion and self-expression without hesitation. She reminds listeners that style isn’t just for the young—it’s a lifelong form of creativity and confidence that should be explored and enjoyed. Prioritizing Peace and Intentional Living From decluttering her space t

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Jamie Cat Callan on: Embracing Midlife as a Creative Renaissance Jaime shares how midlife is an opportunity to reconnect with past passions and reinvent oneself. Whether it’s revisiting teenage interests like art or dance, or shifting career paths, she highlights how this stage of life offers a chance for rediscovery and personal growth. Navigating Change with Grace and Trust From career shifts to personal loss, Jaime reflects on the challenges of midlife and emphasizes the importance of trust, adaptability, and a positive mindset. She encourages embracing change rather than resisting it, knowing that even difficult transitions often lead to unexpected gifts. Cultivating Everyday French-Inspired Beauty Living with intention and ceremony, Jaime infuses her days with Parisian charm—savoring small pleasures like tea in fine china, fresh flowers, and red lipstick. She reminds us that beauty is found in the details and that a cultivated, mindful life

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—

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Belinda Alexandra on: Midlife Resilience and Reinvention Belinda shares how she navigated a decade of major life shifts, including leaving a long-term relationship, caring for her aging father, and evolving her career. She reflects on how facing these challenges head-on has led her to a deeply fulfilling stage of life. Staying True to Your Creative Vision As an author for over 20 years, Belinda discusses the importance of following her artistic instincts rather than chasing market trends. Her latest novel, The Masterpiece, set in post-war Paris, reinforces her belief in writing about human resilience and the beauty of the human spirit. The Power of Intentional Living Through meditation, inspired action, and self-awareness, Belinda emphasizes the importance of stepping back, reassessing, and allowing life to unfold without desperation. She highlights how shifting personal energy can lead to better opportunities and alignment. Surrounding Yourse

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Sacha Cohen on: Reclaiming Passion and Prioritizing Joy Sacha shares her journey back to freelance writing after running a strategic communications company for over a decade. She highlights how midlife has shifted her focus from ambition to joy, choosing projects and pursuits that truly fulfill her. Navigating Perimenopause with Awareness and Adaptation Experiencing perimenopause since 2018, Sacha emphasizes the importance of education, community, and self-care. She discusses dietary changes, strength training, and meditation as key strategies for managing this phase with resilience. A Love for France and a Future Abroad Sacha and her husband are slowly transitioning toward spending extended time in France, with hopes of making it a more permanent home. She shares insights into the joys and challenges of planning an international move, from navigating bureaucracy to embracing the adventure. Finding Beauty in the Everyday From baking Bundt cake

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Amanda Hirsch on: 1. Midlife is About Improvising, Not Following a Script Amanda's background in improv comedy deeply shaped her approach to life—teaching her to say "yes, and" to unexpected twists instead of resisting them. Midlife, she believes, is the ultimate improv exercise—one where we let go of rigid expectations, make choices moment by moment, and embrace reinvention. 2. The Importance of Solo Time & Self-Discovery A solo trip to Tobago in her 20s was a pivotal moment for Amanda—one where she felt deeply in tune with herself. She reflects on how moments of solitude have always provided clarity and connection to her inner voice. Spending time alone isn’t loneliness; it’s a way to truly hear ourselves. 3. Perimenopause & Midlife Health Challenges Require a New Relationship with the Body Amanda has faced health challenges in midlife, including migraines and hormonal shifts, which have pushed her to reframe her relationship with her body.

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Jane Tara on:     1. Seeing Ourselves Clearly in Midlife is a Journey Jane’s novel, Tilda is Visible, was inspired by a misdiagnosis of a degenerative eye condition that made her question what it truly means to "see." She realized she had spent years being invisible to herself—critical of aging and disconnected from her true self. This sparked a powerful shift in how she embraced midlife, recognizing that aging is not something to erase, but something to honor. 2. The Most Rebellious Act? Liking Yourself as You Are In a world that encourages women to fight aging, Jane sees self-acceptance as an act of rebellion. While she respects personal choices about appearance, she encourages women to sit with the discomfort of aging and embrace the wisdom, power, and beauty it brings. Loving oneself, wrinkles and all, is a radical act. 3. Midlife is a Time of Deep Healing and Reinvention Jane describes midlife as “crawling through the flames”—a period of up

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Linda Wilson on:     1. Midlife Can Be a Catalyst for Reinvention Linda’s midlife transformation began when her family forgot her 40th birthday—a moment that sparked her decision to reenter the workforce and pursue a fulfilling career in education. Her journey from stay-at-home mom to teacher is a reminder that midlife is not an ending, but a powerful beginning for self-discovery and growth. 2. Embracing Change Leads to Unexpected Joy From moving to the country (which she initially resisted) to traveling internationally, Linda found that stepping outside her comfort zone led to some of the most rewarding experiences of her life. Whether it was earning her master’s degree, becoming a teacher, or finding peace in rural living, she embraced each shift with curiosity and gratitude. 3. Relationships & Community Matter—At Any Age Linda emphasized the evolution of relationships, sharing how she rekindled connections with her sister and childhood be

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Latoya Peterson on: Embracing Midlife Reinvention Latoya shared how turning 40 brought an unexpected total life reset, including career transitions, personal loss, and major changes. Her story emphasizes the importance of viewing midlife as a time of renewal, possibility, and transformation rather than decline. The Power of Community and Friendship Latoya highlighted the value of investing in and leaning on friendships, particularly during challenging times. Her close-knit network of friends and community provided the emotional grounding she needed during periods of grief and change. Creativity as a Lifelong Journey Latoya’s evolving creative journey—from writing to television to video game storytelling—demonstrates that creativity is cyclical. She reminded listeners that life’s seasons, including challenges, fuel creativity and that there’s always time to rediscover and redefine one’s artistic voice. Finding Tranquility in Small Rituals In th

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Karen Wright on: Embracing Change and Midlife Growth: Karen shared how midlife, for her, is about embracing change and maintaining curiosity. From letting her hair go gray to finding freedom in evolving roles as a mother and professional, she views growth as a constant and necessary part of life. The Power of Saying Yes (and No): Karen emphasized the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities that bring joy and meaning while also learning to say "no" to expectations that don’t align with your values. This balance helps create space for more fulfilling experiences. The Accidental Alpha Woman Framework: In her book, Karen introduces a framework (R.E.C.E.I.V.E.) to help women navigate overwhelming responsibilities. It includes tools like managing energy, finding your voice, and seeking ease while learning to accept help and resources. Finding Tranquility in Nature and Travel: Karen spoke about the rejuvenating power of being near water, whether

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Cyndi Lee on: Embracing Self-Kindness in Midlife: Cyndi highlights the importance of being kinder to yourself as you age. She shares how letting go of self-judgment and perfectionism has transformed her perspective, enabling her to outgrow old patterns and embrace a more peaceful mindset. Reinvention Through Change: Reflecting on her journey, including closing her yoga studio and relocating, Cyndi emphasizes the natural process of reinvention in midlife. She encourages embracing ungrounded moments as opportunities for growth and exploration, even when they feel unsettling. Sustainable Practices for the Body: As her body changed, Cyndi adapted her movement practices, transitioning from intense yoga to sustainable approaches like strength training and walking. She underscores the importance of listening to your body and finding ways to move that feel nourishing. The Power of Connection and Community: Cyndi stresses the value of maintaining meani

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Jamie Ridler on: The Freedom of Midlife: Jamie emphasizes the joy of giving fewer "Fs" in midlife, embracing the freedom to express yourself authentically, and letting go of societal pressures. This stage of life offers a chance to show up more boldly and unapologetically. Creativity in Everyday Life: Creativity isn't confined to the arts—it’s in daily choices like what to wear, how to arrange your space, or even how you express yourself in conversations. By noticing and nurturing everyday creativity, you can reconnect with your sense of beauty and joy. The Power of Movement and Play: Jamie highlights the importance of moving your body daily, whether through dancing, walking, or yoga. She encourages exploring small, playful practices like dancing to a single song as a way to foster joy and keep your body and mind engaged. Finding Tranquility Through Silence: In the midst of constant stimulation, Jamie found tranquility by embracing silence and

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Caren Magill about: Embracing Midlife Evolution: Caren shared how midlife brings a sense of clarity and peace, with less focus on superficial concerns and more energy directed toward meaningful relationships, health, and personal growth. The Power of Late ADHD Diagnosis: Caren’s ADHD diagnosis in her 50s, influenced by perimenopause and external circumstances, was a turning point. She highlighted the importance of understanding your unique brain, focusing on strengths, and designing a life that works for you. Intentional Living: Midlife offers an opportunity to be more discerning with relationships and activities, shedding people and pursuits that no longer align with your values. This intentionality fosters a deeper sense of self-awareness and joy. Prioritizing Wellness and Resilience: Caren emphasized the importance of sleep, mindfulness, and movement as foundational practices for overall well-being and navigating midlife challenges with gra

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Julie Leung on: 1. Ballet Dreams in Midlife Julie discusses how midlife women often reconnect with their childhood or lifelong dream of learning ballet. She emphasizes creating a supportive, judgment-free environment through her online program, allowing women to learn at home without the intimidation of traditional studios. 2. Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence Julie shares how her own experiences with fear and vulnerability, such as starting singing lessons despite intense anxiety, inform her empathetic teaching approach. She highlights the importance of breaking down challenges and building confidence in manageable steps. 3. Translating Ballet Lessons Into Life Skills Ballet is more than physical movement; it’s a way to confront fears, develop resilience, and embrace imperfection. Julie emphasizes how the lessons learned at the barre—like perseverance and focus—can extend into other areas of life, helping women tackle challenges with grace. 4.

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Christine Mason Miller on:   1. Creative Evolution Through Midlife Christine shares how her creative journey has evolved, from the Swirly Girl days to her current textile art. She emphasizes trusting the flow of creativity and embracing change as she navigates new artistic expressions, culminating in an upcoming exhibition at Art Basel. 2. Clarity and Values as Guides Midlife has brought Christine a deep sense of clarity about her values, including family, creative work, and her spiritual connection to God. She uses these values as a framework for making decisions and maintaining balance in her life. 3. The Power of Acceptance and Presence Christine highlights acceptance and presence as essential tools for navigating midlife challenges, including personal loss and the inevitability of change. She reflects on being present during the sacred process of loss and the importance of trusting that each next step will be revealed. 4. Gratitude as a Daily

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Ananda Leeke on: 1. The Power of Surrender in Midlife Ananda discusses the importance of embracing surrender as a key tool for navigating midlife changes, grief, and the challenges of postmenopause. She highlights how surrender fosters growth and acceptance in the face of life’s uncertainties. 2. Mindfulness as a Lifeline Ananda shares her lifelong journey with mindfulness, from discovering meditation in her late 20s to integrating practices like yoga, Reiki, and journaling. These tools have evolved into a central part of her thriving midlife approach, promoting grounding, self-awareness, and emotional resilience. 3. Creative Evolution Through Decades Creativity remains a core part of Ananda’s life. From art and writing to exploring new hobbies like crochet, she embraces creative expression to honor her ancestral connections and celebrate personal growth through mixed media projects and storytelling. 4. The Soft Life and Self-Care Practices Ananda emp