Thank you for joining my cozy corner here on Substack. I hope you enjoyed your inaugural editions of Midlife Musings (March & April) and have had a chance to peruse additional posts waiting for you here, too. I’m delighted to be back in your inbox again with May’s newsletter.
As mentioned in this introduction post, I’ll share an assortment of midlife inspiration in this monthly experience. This month includes life lately, ideas on midlife mental health, reflection on the Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris 1900-1939 exhibit, and tips to help you stay on track with your dreams.
Welcome to our third edition of Midlife Musings. I’m so happy you’re here!
Life Lately: A Peek Inside
Please join me in taking a pause to consider your own life lately highlights, observations, joys, and challenges.
What I’m working on:
New website (coming this weekend . . . if technology behaves)
Shared this post on my Paris trip PLUS a midlife “aha”
Ballet performances (June at Washington Ballet in DC & August at International Adult Ballet Festival in FL)
Book about midlife and adorable new midlife tees (coming soon)
What I’m loving:
Quiet nights at home
Begonias and birds in my patio garden
Tea meetups with friends
Peony season
What I’m consuming:
Read Midlife, New Life and The Creative Act
Microgreens from the farmers’ market
Pots of jasmine, rose, violet black tea from Maison Bourgeon
Reading Wherever You Go, There You Are and Real Self-Care
What I’m wearing:
Pops of pink neck scarves (ways to wear)
Bobby pins and sparkly barrettes
What I’m noticing:
Excitement around my 51st birthday next month
How glamorous (and easy) wearing a chignon feels
Stacks of books begging to be read
An ongoing effort to navigate shifting energy levels
Mental Health in Midlife
Please join me in exploring ways to nurture our mental health.
It’s Mental Health Awareness month and we all know midlife can be a bit of a roller coaster, right? It’s a time when many of us start reflecting on our past, thinking about what we’ve accomplished, and maybe even ruminating over what we haven’t (yet!). It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions during this second half of life. By focusing on self-care practices, social connections, and proactive strategies, we can make midlife (defined as 36-64 by the American Psychological Association) more manageable and meaningful.
One key way to keep mental health in check is by being present and, let’s be honest, brain fog doesn’t make it easy. Brain fog includes difficulty concentrating and mental fatigue often caused by factors such as hormonal changes, stress, and lack of sleep. The staples that we know help with managing the fuzziness include the basics of exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and stress management techniques like mindfulness and meditation. Consider incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine by taking a few deep breaths, going for a walk, spending time in nature, monotasking (yep, just one thing at a time), moving the body through sun salutations, or even just sitting quietly for a few minutes. Action step: Set your timer to pause and take five deep breaths throughout the week. These little moments of calm help us navigate life’s ups and downs with more ease.
Of course, many of us in midlife are juggling all. the. things. and may feel caught between caring for aging loved ones, still supporting kids, being good pet parents, and handling our own basic needs (hello, laundry, feeding ourselves, and maintaining a home). It may feel like being pulled in every direction possible. To nurture our mental health, we must make time for ourselves. A few minutes here and there goes a long way to provide a much-needed break and help you recharge. Do something you love—read, nap, bake, soak in the tub, garden, walk around the block, dance, write, craft. Action step: put “me time” on the calendar for this week. Those small, intentional acts of self-care can significantly enhance our overall mental health at every stage of life, especially now!
Connecting with a like-hearted community helps. Over the weekend I met up with someone I’ve known for 20 years and it felt so good to reminisce on our origin story (she took my yoga class in 2004), our evolution over the past two decades, and what we’re looking forward to in the future (lots!). Whether it’s friends, family, or support groups, having people who really see us can mean everything. Sharing experiences and hearing others' stories helps us feel less alone, offers new perspectives, and provides a solid support system. So, make time for those tea dates, join that book club, or just pick up the phone and call a friend. Action step: schedule a meetup with someone you adore via phone, FaceTime, or in person this week.
Another valuable tip for maintaining mental health during midlife is to embrace change (because it’s happening, honey!) and seek new opportunities. This period can be an ideal time to rediscover old passions or explore new interests. Perhaps it’s picking up a hobby you’ve always wanted to dabble in, reconnecting with a childhood passion (that’s ballet for me), enrolling in a class, learning a new language, or volunteering for a favorite cause—engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment can significantly boost our mental well-being. Action step: make a list of activities that light you up and then put at least one into your planner for this month.
Midlife is not just about dealing with challenges—it's also a time for growth, new experiences, and self-discovery. Embracing this mindset can help us navigate this stage with resilience and optimism. I truly am in love with my 50s and hope the enthusiasm is contagious. I feel like we’re just getting started!
Brilliant Exiles
Please join me in reflecting on ways to be our own version of a brilliant exile.
I’ve had my eye on the Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris 1900-1939 at the National Portrait Gallery since I first read about it coming to DC. I was left with chills after seeing it two weeks ago so, yes, I highly recommend it. Oh, and it’s free! Here’s the description:
During the early twentieth century, Paris was the destination of choice for talented and independent American women who were determined to move beyond the limitations that restricted them at home. As foreigners in a cosmopolitan city, they escaped the societal expectations and constraints of both the United States and France. Many used their newfound liberty as an opportunity for self-reinvention and discovery.
In Paris, American women explored a variety of options for making their mark on contemporary culture. They carried out transformative work in wide-ranging fields including art, literature, dance, publishing, music, and fashion. An impressive number not only participated in important modernist initiatives but led them.
By crossing the Atlantic to pursue their personal and professional aspirations, these “brilliant exiles” took a leap into the future. They experienced liberties, opportunities, and tolerances that were yet to be achieved in the United States. How much has changed since then? Have the freedoms and possibilities they sought become realities?
I’m obsessed with the 1920s and Paris both, so an exhibit highlighting ways American women moved to Paris during that time and not only challenged the status quo, but shaped modern culture is, well, everything.
Visiting the exhibit is like stepping into a world where creativity knows no bounds. This exhibit highlights the journeys of American women who found inspiration and freedom in the vibrant streets of Paris (as we do!). Each piece tells a story of resilience, adventure, and the pursuit of artistic expression. As you wander through the gallery, you can almost feel the energy. My heart raced the entire time. Their courage to break away from societal norms and explore their unique passions in a foreign land is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of art and the importance of following our dreams.
Each piece invites reflection on how these women’s experiences in Paris influenced their work and lives plus continues to impact ours today. As we admire their stories, we feel nudged to seek our own sources of inspiration, to embrace new experiences, and to express ourselves authentically. Brilliant Exiles is a celebration of the spirit of creativity and the possibilities that arise when we step outside of our comfort zones (similar to what I shared in this recent Substack note).
When moved by art, I like to think about the takeaways from the experience. To help us consider the women’s example and ways to become our own brilliant exiles, here are mine. Seek new experiences that push us beyond our usual boundaries. Embrace travel, whether it’s to a different city or country, or even exploring a new area in our hometown. Engage with diverse cultures, attend art exhibits, and immerse ourselves in creative environments. Allow ourselves the freedom to experiment with different forms of expression, whether it’s through painting, writing, music, or another medium that speaks to us. Build a supportive community of like-hearted individuals who encourage and inspire us.
Most importantly, let’s listen to our inner voices in midlife. What’s calling you?
By taking these steps, we may cultivate our own unique path of creativity and personal growth similar to the inspiring women featured in Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris. Below is my favorite, the stunning Anaïs Nin.
Tips to Stay on Track
Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and tune to this recent video where I share tips on how to stay on track with your dreams. I hope you enjoy it! You’ll find more tranquility tools over on the Tranquility du Jour YouTube channel.
How I Can Support You
Listen to 624 podcast episodes
Join the Tranquility Coterie waitlist
Watch Tea with Kimberly videos
About Me
Hello! I'm a psychotherapist in Washington, DC, author of seven lifestyle books (next one on midlife), and host of the Tranquility Coterie. In love with my 50s, ballet, pigs, pugs, and orangutans (random mix, I know!). My mission is to help women experience more balance, beauty, and tranquility during this second half of life. More on my website and on Instagram.