Meno Mix Tape Vol. 10 Make Magic by Letting Go
Meno Tip - Make Magic by Letting Go
Have you ever noticed how some days (or maybe more often than not) your day is filled minute to minute or hour by hour? You have a list of things to do that feels so overwhelming you are paralyzed and have no idea where to start. If you feel this way sometimes, please know you are not alone. I am standing by your side and holding your hand, maybe even crying or in panic mode.
Now, the question is, have you ever thought about letting a few things go? Have you made space in your calendar to do nothing at all? Have you thought you could give a task to someone else or maybe not worry so much if something gets done or not? For years, the thought of any of this would make me cringe or down right just piss me off. Don’t tell me I can’t do it all. The second you tell me I can’t do something, you can bet I will do everything in my power to prove you wrong.
Until last week. There were SO MANY signs from the universe that told me I needed to chill the hell out. I heard the message loud and clear time and time again, all throughout the week. It could have been a meme that popped up or a conversation, a book rec from a friend, not too mention the general overwhelm and exhaustion I was feeling.
I decided to take some advice I had been hearing and allowed myself to make space in my day. I canceled a few plans. I sat and did NOTHING. Just sat. I napped. I did not even brush my hair on Saturday or get out of my jammies.
Then I decided I needed to restructure my days to make sure I had time to do the things I wanted and quite honestly need to do in order to feel good.
This week, I have prioritized things I need for my health and wellness. I have made time to chill and let go of things that are just not important. (That could be leaving dishes in the sink at night or letting go of a project I thought I had to do and wanted to begin immediately.)
I am trying to slow down, take a step back and figure out what is really important to do each day. So far, it feels pretty good. I am happy with how the universe seems to be responding.
On Sunday, I enjoyed a friend dropping by to chat. How lovely. I have enjoyed a little extra time to read, to go for a walk and even cook more. (By the way…I had a huge victory on Saturday night. HUGE! I cooked steak for the first time EVER…My kids said I gave Matt a run for his money. I was so excited to try something new. I had even called my dad and asked for help on how to cook it. YES! I asked for help. I tried something new and son of a gun, it worked out!)
You may be thinking what on earth does this have to do with menopause. Great question. I have no data. No statistic. All I know is that midlife can be a tricky time. This season can be hard and sometimes, letting go of the to-do’s and making space can be a gift. You never know what might pop up for you. A new idea, a visit from a friend, or inspiration to try something new.
Making space starts with a little mindset shift. It starts with the desire to change something that is no longer working well.
If you ever want to chat about this sort of thing, know I am here for you.
Quote of the Week
“Come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned.”
Book Recommendation
I recently heard about this book from two people. It has been ordered and I can’t wait to read it. This was part of the inspiration for me in making space.
Essentialism -The Disciplined Pursuit of Less By Greg McKeown
“A timely, essential read for anyone who feels overcommitted, overloaded, or overworked.” – Adam Grant
Have you ever:
Found yourself stretched too thin?
Simultaneously felt overworked and underutilized?
Felt busy but not productive?
Felt like your time is constantly being hijacked by other people’s agendas?
If you answered yes to any of these, the way out is the Way of the Essentialist.
Essentialism is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution toward the things that really matter.
By forcing us to apply more selective criteria for what is Essential, the disciplined pursuit of less empowers us to reclaim control of our own choices about where to spend our precious time and energy—instead of giving others the implicit permission to choose for us.
It’s about doing less, but better, in every area of our lives.
(This description was taken from Amazon and is not my review or description).
Fun Fact
Perfection isn’t the end game. Even if we achieved it, wouldn’t we be bored?
My Mix
Concerts are my love language. Being with thousands of people in one place, singing, crying, jumping, waving and dancing is one my greatest joys. When I attend concerts, I am fully present and soak in the experience. Concerts are a magical experiences.
Last week, having waited more than a decade, I had the gift of seeing Coldplay with my family in Nashville. The night was filled with magic, love and an energy that I want to carry with me each day. The joy that is felt with thousands of people is something I want to share with family, friends and even strangers.
This weeks mix is the setlist. Our concert featured two extra songs, Up and Up and Till Kingdom Come. The ladder was written for the great Johnny Cash to sing but he passed before he could record it. I hope you enjoy the playlist.
Wishing you a wonderful week. Thank you, as always, for being a part of this community and for your support.
XO,
Stephanie
PS. I kept practicing letting go when it came to the meno mix this week. I did not obsess over how things sounded and try to make it perfect or check grammar 100 times. I just wrote from the heart. I also did not freak out that it did not come out Monday morning. :) Baby steps.
