I'm a bit behind in everything this week. That's not unusual if I'm being honest. A busy life, 3 kids, and ADHD means I'm either ten steps ahead or ten steps behind. But that's ok, I've learned to make it work.
On last week's podcast episode with Kate Codrington, we talked about how creating rhythms and routines in midlife can help us feel more balanced when everything feels upside down, and I love this quote of hers.
"The best thing for me is space. I think and this, you know, this is often life is so busy, ridiculously busy, it often feels out of our reach. But space, spaciousness can be a moment, it can be a breath. It can be creating an extra five minutes between your Zoom meetings, where you do not scroll, where you gaze out of the window." - Kate Codrington, Episode 124
Have a listen and let me know what resonates with you.
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Making Space for Connection
Last week, my sister and I had an overnight getaway. We try to make space for day trips to the spa every couple of months, but rarely squeeze in an overnight. If you're not familiar with the European spa experience, it's nothing like North American spas. Think saunas, pools of various temperatures, and having lunch in your bathrobe. No phones allowed. It's glorious and I highly recommend it.
The spa we were visiting is near Nijmegen, which happens to be where Groesbeek, one of the largest Canadian War Cemeteries is located. We decided to make the most of the sunshine and perfect fall weather and pay it a visit. Funnily enough, I remembered that a friend's great-uncle was buried in this cemetery. After a quick message to my friend in Canada, we set out on our mission.
We quickly located my friend's relative in the cemetery index, but had a harder time finding the headstone. After wandering for a bit, we approached the only other person in the cemetery, who we assumed worked there as he seemed to know his way around more than we did.
Glenn did not work at the cemetery but was a Canadian veteran visiting from Alberta. He was preparing for a ceremony the following day to honour Indigenous veterans who died in the Second World War. Glenn helped us find the headstone, but he also helped us connect to our shared Canadian heritage, just days after Canada observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.
A lot of connection was carved out from the little bit of space we created that day. 😊
It's My Birthday (kind of)!
It's a big day! Today marks 3 years since I published the first episode of The Midlife Feast podcast. As I shared in this post on Instagram, I truly believe that I have menopause to thank for my little podcast, as I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I started the podcast in October of 2021, just a few months before my last period and the start of my post-menopausal life.
So, I wanted to end this newsletter with a big THANKS to all of you who have supported me and The Midlife Feast over the past 3 years and 125 episodes. 🎉 I appreciate and cherish every note, message and email you send, so please keep them coming!
And if you'd like to share your love of the podcast, a review on Apple, Spotify or YouTube is the best gift you can give!
That's all for now!
Jenn
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