Story Session: Perimenopause, Boundaries, & the Power of Self-Care Rituals in Midlife with April MacKinnon
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Midlife can feel like one long identity shift, especially when the old tools for managing stress, staying energized, or finding joy stop working. In this story session, I sit down with entrepreneur, mother of three, and longtime friend, April MacKinnon, to unpack what nearly a decade of perimenopause has taught her about boundaries, body image, and the power of simple rituals.
We explore how resistance training helped April through anxiety when running no longer worked, how skincare evolved from function to connection, and why saying “no, thank you” with no explanation might be one of the best midlife skills of all.
This honest conversation is a reminder that growing into ourselves doesn’t always mean doing more. It often means redefining what matters most.
You'll Learn:
- How anxiety showed up early in perimenopause and how April found ways to manage it
- Why resistance training helped more than other methods
- What it means to reconnect with your body through skincare, rituals, and rest
- How friendships and parenting shift in midlife—and why boundaries matter more than ever
- Why honoring the transitions of midlife means letting go of outdated identities
Key Quotes:
“It’s like I cracked out of an eggshell and I don’t know what the next step is—but I’m turning into something new all over again.”
“I used to need to explain why I was saying no. Now, it’s just 'No, thank you.’ Period.”
“Midlife is busy, but I’ve started ritualizing small things—like ‘fancy sleep’—to give myself comfort and care in the chaos.”
“Being okay with being in a bigger body because I’m stronger? That’s been a whole new mental narrative.”
Ditch the “I’ll be good today” loop in 5 days with the Midlife Morning Makeover Email Challenge: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/morningmakeover
Connect with April MacKinnon
Instagram: @anointment
Website: anointment.ca/
Magnesium Products: nourishedmagnesium.com
Like what you learned? Check out these other episodes!
- Rest to Reset: Redefining Rest and Self-Care
- How to Stop the Burnout Train in Midlife with Dr. Leigha Saunders, ND
- Why You Need to Put Capacity, Self-Compassion, & Self-Care on the Menu
- How to Appreciate Your Changing Menopause Body with Dr. Charlotte Ord
Thank you for listening!
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