Pic credit: Ange Cleary

There are so many layers to you as a person and nothing is set in stone. Dig deep and start to approach life as your own story. You’re the writer, the director and the star. You can rewrite, rescript and re-route at any stage. When you unlock your personal power and believe you are worthy you set a standard for yourself and others. Think of yourself as a blank piece of canvas ebbing and flowing through all these colourful chapters of your life. You can create any look, mindset and attract what you open your heart to and direct your energy towards. It’s time to shift your inner narrative to uplifting and loving… notice the change when you start to invest in yourself and your inner-happiness.

MORNING REFLECTION

Long story short, it’s up to you. Each day you wake up you have the power and the ability to decide how to manage the day well and feel your best. Whether it’s meditation, dream journaling, stretching or simply allowing yourself a little longer to enjoy your cuppa and programme your mind with positive affirmations. These free and simple habit-forming activities won’t magically make the day perfect but essentially put you in the best frame of mind to manage what is going on in your world right now. For me personally I reach for my favourite essential oil face spritz on my bedside table to awaken my senses, followed by a small gratitude mantra and a cup of warm water with squeezed lemon. Joy is often found in the most simple and unexpected places. Lead the day with trust rather than expectation.

MINDFUL EATING

With mid-life changes come possible shift in your shape, weight and digestion. This is all due to hormones, lifestyle and age. Notice the effects of different food and drink on your body: Pay attention to how different foods make you feel physically and emotionally. This can help you make more informed food choices that support your well-being. Take the time to chew your food well, which will in return aid digestion and help you enjoy the flavours more fully, contributing to a sense of satisfaction. Also, consider where your food comes from, how it's prepared, and the effort that went into making it. This can foster a greater appreciation for your meal. Be aware of emotional triggers that may lead to eating for comfort rather than hunger. Mindful eating involves recognising these triggers and finding alternative ways to address emotions. Be Patient and Non-Judgmental with yourself and approach your eating practices without guilt. Try eating without multitasking—like watching TV, working, or scrolling through your phone. Integrating these practices can help you develop a healthier relationship with food, enhance your enjoyment of meals, and improve your overall well-being.

SELF CARE - STYLE & BEAUTY

Don’t get caught up in other people’s stories or allow the fashion and  beauty industry or social media to dictate who you are or what you’re worth. Clinging to the past, a workplace identity or comparison to others will keep you stuck in time. This becomes a habit stack, and you will ultimately end up shutting down your ability to shine plus the ability to adapt to change. Change is so important for growth and self-love. Our greatest asset in life is self-love and without it you will question everything from your worth, your visibility, your style and value as a person. You will ultimately end up morphing into some sort of alter ego version of yourself. Appreciate all that you are and invest in yourself and allow yourself the time to put together a great outfit for the day or splurge on a beauty product that will make you feel invigorated inside and out. Add a splash of colour like a bold nail polish or lipstick to your finished look. It’s our self-worth and value that cops a beating in our minds, so make sure each day you are giving yourself permission to shine and be the absolute best version of yourself. The key to transforming yourself and levelling up instantly in life, is upgrading yourself image.

SEEK HELP, KNOWLEDGE AND GUIDANCE

I have personally transformed my life by investing in my personal growth. I was once told “You’re the greatest project you will ever work on” There are so many avenues available for you to gain knowledge, clarity, tips and tools from mentors and experts in their field. Make your own magic and up skill your mind, body and soul. Short courses, reading, therapy and coaching are all worth exploring. Especially if you’re feeling unseen or lost. Career change, sea change, tree change, divorce, anxiety, depression, illness and empty nesting are all possible experiences through mid-life. Here are a handful of experts in their field available to guide you.

• Ange Davies - Corporate wellbeing, helping you determine your personal value, path and purpose in the workplace.
• Tracey Burns - Become her: For the women ready to expand into her full authentic expression, navigating all relationships, change and past trauma.
• Helen Jacobs - A spiritual guru to reconnect you to yourself, your intuition and live on-purpose. Helen offers short courses, one on ones and mentorship.
• Tiffany Jackson - Meditation teacher and wellness facilitator, creating inner calm, clarity, creativity and joy.

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME FOR A CAUSE

Another interesting fact when you reach mid-life is that you may realise that being busy doesn’t equal being successful. No matter your wealth, your status, your social media followers or your job title. All these things do not make you a better person or happy within. True purpose and gratitude come from kind acts of service, giving unconditionally and helping others. In a selfish world it’s always refreshing to act selfless and give. Find out what you care about or perhaps where you can offer your skill set and give your time to support others. There are so many organisations and charities out there that need more volunteers. Not only is it giving unconditionally but the emotion and sense of worth you will feel from doing something like that is rewarding and uplifting.

CREATIVE EXPRESSION AND LAUGHTER

Inspiration comes from creativity. Engaging in a creative hobby, a fun workshop or being silly with friends helps you reconnect with your inner-child and release the daily grind and all that tension that zaps the joy out of your life. What playful activities brings you the most joy? and how can you incorporate that into your routine? A fun salsa lesson or zumba class, A sip and style session with friends, a glam makeup course, Art lessons or theatre workshop. Anything that ignites play and laughter allows our minds to relax and rejuvenate. Play is not just for kids it’s a powerful form of self-care, brain stimulation and producing all those good endorphins that prevent ailments and illness as we age. Mental and emotional health are two of our top factors when it comes to ageing well.

Inspiration from ANGE CLEARY.