Making the Most of Midlife

Sunday Inspiration: Wishes

2026-05-17T00:00:00.004-04:00

Thankful Thursday: May 14, 2026

2026-05-14T00:00:00.031-04:00

I Am Thankful For:

Blueberries

I got the interview!

A decent night's sleep

Wildflower seed

A heating pad for my aching back

French toast

Coffee and a bookstore with my daughter

A new book

My husband

Cheesecake

A mistake that makes me laugh at myself

Feeling positive

Blue skies

Sunshine

A delicious coffee drink made at home

Sunday Inspiration: Yesterday and Today

2026-05-10T00:00:00.005-04:00

Thankful Thursday: May 7, 2026

2026-05-07T00:00:00.033-04:00

I Am Thankful For:

A crowd of birds at the feeder

The first strawberry of the season from my plants

The full moon

Blackberry brambles in bloom

Clean puppy dogs

Planning for a new endeavor

Seeing progress

Waking up to a new day

The peonies are blooming

Banana pudding

Taking a chance

The smell of peonies

A rainy afternoon

The sound of thunder in the distance

Sunday Inspiration: Unseen Beauty

2026-05-03T00:00:00.014-04:00

Beauty exists all around us. Slow down and soak in the small, quiet moments that often go unnoticed. When you pay attention, even ordinary days reveal something extraordinary.

Make It A Memorable May

2026-05-01T00:00:00.127-04:00

Hello, May! The flowers are blooming, the days are brighter, and your calendar is practically begging to be filled with fun. Longer days, warmer sunshine, and a fresh sense of energy make it the perfect time to step out of routine and create moments that stick with you. This list of activities is here to help you make the most of May and turn it into a month you’ll actually remember.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Take care of yourself by incorporating one self-care habit into your day. A short meditation, prayer, gratitude journaling, or simple breath work can help relieve stress and improve your sense of wellbeing.

Kentucky Derby Day is May 2. Put on a big hat, your favorite summer dress, make a batch of mint julips or lemonade and watch the race.

May the Fourth be with you! Watch your favorite Star Wars movie(s) or binge them all in chronological order for a mega movie marathon.

Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday this year. (As if we needed an excuse to enjoy some tacos and margaritas)

Reset your morning routine. If your mornings are feeling stressful or stagnant, May is a good time to shake things up and create a new morning routine that works with the season of life you're living now.

Celebrate the mothers (or motherly-like) people in your life. Mother's Day in the US and Canada is Sunday, May 10th.

Enjoy longer evening hours of sunlight and warmer temperatures with a Backyard Happy Hour. Grab a glass of rosé, a summer cocktail or mocktail, or some iced tea and unwind after a long day.

Visit a Zoo or Petting Farm. May means baby animals, and who doesn't love seeing all cute little fuzzy creatures?

Go berry picking! Many areas have local "pick your own" berry farms. Select your own berries for snacking or a delicious Spring dessert

Refresh your skincare routine. Summer heat, humidity, air quality, and UV levels can leave our skin with some very different needs than rhe winter months we just left behind. Stock up on sunscreen, consider swapping out your moisturizer for something lighter, and/or adding a vitamin C serum for a boost of antioxidants.

Create a summer bucket list or vision board.

Like Yoda talk you must on May 21. (Talk like Yoda Day)

Revisit your childhood by Catching Fireflies. It's like having some magic little fairy lights in a jar. Just be sure to release them after a short time and before going to bed. (How many of us made that mistake as kids?)

And speaking of revisiting childhood... why not make (and enjoy) some popsicles!

Host, or attend, a Memorial Day cookout or picnic.

As you move through May, I hope you give yourself permission to slow down, try something new, and enjoy the moments that feel good to you. Just a few intentional choices can make this month feel special.

Thankful Thursday: April 30, 2026

2026-04-30T00:00:00.040-04:00

I Am Thankful For:

The ability to learn new things

Doing a craft with my daughter

A hot cup of tea

Rain

A break from the sinus headaches

A shower at the end of the day

Falling asleep with the love of my life beside me

A delicious grilled steak dinner

A quiet house

Crossing things off my to-do list

Early morning thunderstorms

Greek yogurt with blueberries and walnuts

Clean laundry put away

Sunday Inspiration: What You Might Have Been

2026-04-26T00:00:00.006-04:00

Right now is the perfect time to become the truest version of yourself. It’s never too late.

Thankful Thursday: April 23, 2026

2026-04-23T00:00:00.040-04:00

I Am Thankful For:

Spending the day with my daughter

Independent Bookstores

Takeout for dinner

Excedrin migraine

Trips to the garden center

My husband digging holes for my new plants

The smell of fresh rosemary

Making travel reservations

No damage to home or cars from fallen tree

Ice cream

Simple dinners

The first hummingbird of the season

My plants survived the cold snap

Sunday Inspiration: Flowers

2026-04-19T00:00:00.004-04:00

Thankful Thursday: April 16, 2026

2026-04-16T08:17:00.001-04:00

I Am Thankful For:

Dogwoods in bloom

New notecards gifted to me by a dear friend

The first weekend trip in our new camper

Watching the geese and ducks

Dinner cooked on the grill

Mornings

Flower seedlings

Snuggling up on the couch to watch TV

An afternoon nap

Iced coffee

The music of Stevie Nicks

Feeling a little better

Deer in the yard

Everything is suddenly green

Sunday Inspiration: Around You

2026-04-12T00:00:00.006-04:00

Thankful Thursday: April 9, 2026

2026-04-09T06:09:00.002-04:00

I Am Thankful For:

My daughter's dental surgery went well

Planning for a short getaway

A good cup of coffee

Fresh flowers

Cinnamon bread

New leaves on the trees

Easter Sunday

The rain stopped

Sitting out in on my deck

A spectacular sunset

My silly grandsons

My sinus headache went away

Another healthy dog check-up

Sunday Inspiration: Bloom

2026-04-05T00:00:00.007-04:00

Thankful Thursday: April 2, 2026

2026-04-02T05:23:00.001-04:00

I Am Thankful For:

Our new camper

Sunny days

Blossoms on my strawberry plants

The grand kid is feeling better

Phone conversations with my sister

Jelly beans

Warm showers

Glasses and contacts so I can see

Cute spring crochet project

Honey for my tea

Having two of the cutest little dogs ever

The pear tree in bloom

The full moon peeking at me through the clouds

Activities for April

2026-04-01T00:00:00.053-04:00

April arrives with longer days, lighter moods, and the feeling that something new is possible. But this month doesn’t require big plans or dramatic changes to feel meaningful. Sometimes it’s the smaller, more intentional moments that make April feel, well... like April. Things like a vase of Spring flowers, taking a moment to enjoy a cool morning, or a simple activity that fits into the life you already.

The ideas below are gentle, realistic April activities. Nothing here requires a big time commitment, breaking the budget, or a complete lifestyle change - just small ways to notice the season, savor it, and make space for a little more ease and enjoyment as spring unfolds.

Capture the month in photos. Challenge yourself to take one photo each day in April.

Buy yourself fresh flowers just because. Tulips, daffodils, or whatever’s on sale. Treat yourself.

Host an Easter egg hunt for your kids, nieces and nephews, or your friends!

April is National Poetry Month. Read a book of poetry. Attend a poetry reading. Or try your hand at writing your own verses.

Create a spring playlist to give every day routines a lift.

Enjoy a delicious baked cinnamon treat on National Coffee Cake Day (April 7)

Refresh your space. Add a few spring touches to your porch. Declutter your desk or nightstand. Or go even smaller and clear out one drawer or your purse.

Start an April reading stack. A couple books you might get to — or not.

Sit outside with your morning coffee. A warm mug and slightly chilly morning air is such a refreshing combination!

Visit a weekend farmers’ market. Stroll, sample, and leave with a farm fresh treat or two.

Start a Gratitude Journal. Each day make a list of a couple of things you're thankful for or write a few sentences about something that brings you joy. Need some inspiration? Check out my Thankful Thursday posts!

Make a simple spring dessert. Lemon loaf, strawberry shortcake, or anything that tastes like sunshine.

Donate clothes you no longer wear. As you switch to your warm weather clothing, take those winter items that never saw the light of day to your local donation center, thrift store, or charity shop.

Have a Spring picnic. It doesn't need to be Pinterest-worthy, just grab a sandwich and head outside to a local garden, park, or your own backyard. Maybe a PB&J for Peanut Butter and Jelly Day (April 2) or observe Grilled Cheese Day (April 12)

Find Your Joy in a book during National Library Week (April 19 - 25)

Whether you try one activity or a handful, let them serve as small invitations to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and appreciate the parts of spring that fit naturally into your life right now. Midlife is full, yes — but it’s also full of possibility. And April is the perfect reminder that even in busy seasons, ease and joy still have room to grow.

Sunday Inspiration: Forward

2026-03-29T00:00:00.017-04:00

Progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. Even small steps taken with intention can eventually lead to big transformations.

Thankful Thursday: March 26, 2026

2026-03-26T00:00:00.034-04:00

I Am Thankful For:

Watching the hawks soar over the ridge

Vanilla ice cream with hot fudge sauce

Falling asleep next to the man I love

A day trip to the other side of the mountains

More seedlings sprouting

A beautiful afternoon spent out on the deck

Tulips in bloom

That moment when the kitchen is completely clean

Waking up

A healthy breakfast

Our new camper

A delicious Bolognese

Sunday Inspiration: Spring

2026-03-22T01:00:00.003-04:00

Thankful Thursday: March 19, 2026

2026-03-19T00:00:00.029-04:00

I Am Thankful For:

A sunny day

Time with my grandsons

Margaritas

Laughter

Pepper plants have sprouted

Thunderstorms at night

Fog lifting off the mountains like smoke

When my dogs get the zoomies

A dusting of snow

Beef and Guinness stew

Holds available at library

Heated car seats

Music

When my son makes me laugh

Clean laundry

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

2026-03-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

May you always have walls for the winds,

a roof for the rain,

tea beside the fire,

laughter to cheer you,

those you love near you,

and all your heart might desire.

~Irish Blessing

Give Yourself Permission

2026-03-16T00:00:00.001-04:00

Somewhere along the way, many of us learned to wait.

We waited for approval.

For the “right time.”

For someone to tell us it was okay to do what we wanted to do.

We became experts at meeting expectations. At being dependable, capable, accommodating. We showed up for everyone else. And while that strength carried us far, it also quietly taught us that our own needs could wait.

We became the dependable ones. The helpers. The glue. We learned early how to be responsible, agreeable, and self-sacrificing. We learned that being "good" meant being quiet and keeping the peace.

Midlife has a way of challenging that belief.

It shows up as restlessness you can’t quite name. A sense that the life you built no longer fits the way it once did. A gentle but persistent feeling that something needs to shift.

And still, we hesitate.

We ask ourselves, Am I allowed?

Is it too late?

What will they think?

So let me say this with love: Give yourself permission.

You have been carrying a lot, and you no longer have to carry what isn’t yours. You are allowed to evolve. What made sense at 30 doesn’t have to define you at 50.

Choosing yourself doesn’t mean abandoning others. It means showing up whole instead of depleted. It means modeling what it looks like to honor your needs, your boundaries, your truth.

And yes, it may feel uncomfortable at first. Growth usually does. But something remarkable begins to unfold when you stop waiting for someone else’s permission.

This season of life isn’t asking you to become someone new—it’s inviting you to finally come home to yourself. You don’t need a dramatic overhaul. One small, brave step is enough.

So give yourself permission. To pause. To change. To choose yourself

You are allowed.

You are ready.

Give yourself permission.

Sunday Inspiration: Nature

2026-03-15T00:00:00.011-04:00

Nature never hurries itself, and it never apologizes for the season it’s in. Midlife asks the same of us—to stop measuring, stop comparing, and simply be where we are. It’s a season of gathering what we’ve learned and letting something new begin. A time to trust that new growth is still quietly taking shape, even if it’s subtle.

Thankful Thursday: March 12, 2026

2026-03-12T05:52:00.000-04:00

I Am Thankful For:

Sunshine

Smiles shared between strangers

Helping someone find a library book

Phone calls with my daughter

A day trip with my husband

Perogi and kielbasa from the Polish market

My cucumber and tomato seeds starting to sprout

Polish candies

A warm breeze

Iris bulbs

A great book club meeting

Handwritten letters

Puttering in my greenhouse

Reading in bed

The sound of rainfall

Sunday Inspiration: A Voice

2026-03-08T01:00:00.040-05:00

Midlife opens us to the freedom of thinking independently, speaking our truth, and contributing original ideas rather than simply repeating what others say or believe. In a world full of noise and imitation, stand for your values, even when it’s uncomfortable, and trust that your perspective matters.