Walking Away the Weight: Zone 2 Cardio and Midlife Transformation

Ready to transform your midlife journey from challenge to radiant opportunity? This episode delivers ten powerful strategies to help you glow from the inside out, no matter where you are in your reinvention process.

We begin by exploring how your social circle profoundly shapes your future, offering seven specific types of people every midlife woman should surround herself with—from mission-driven achievers to honest feedback-givers. This deliberate curation of relationships creates the environment where transformation becomes inevitable rather than impossible.

The wellness segment reveals why walking might be your most underrated ally, particularly zone 2 cardio that maximizes fat-burning without overtaxing your changing hormonal landscape. You'll discover practical strategies to incorporate this movement into your daily rhythm, whether through outdoor walks or an at-home walking pad on challenging days.

For those on a weight loss journey, I share the exact approaches that helped me lose 150 pounds (and counting), including celebrating micro-wins and eliminating liquid calories. These simple yet powerful shifts create sustainable momentum without deprivation or excessive willpower.

We explore how adopting a beginner's mindset and releasing outdated roles opens doors to rediscovering passion and purpose. The beauty segment details specific skincare game-changers for midlife, including the "sandwich method" for retinol application and a double-cleansing routine that respects your skin's changing needs.

The confidence, financial, and personal growth segments provide actionable frameworks for celebrating achievements, creating a values-aligned spending plan, and embracing failure as a pathway to growth. We close with a powerful midlife belief: walking away from what no longer serves you represents strength, not weakness.

Whether you're looking to transform your body, mind, relationships, finances, or purpose, this comprehensive episode offers both inspiration and practical tools for your journey. Remember—midlife isn't a crisis, it's your opportunity to glow brighter than ever before.

Chapters

• 0:00 Episode Introduction and Overview
• 3:42 Mindset: Your Circle Defines Your Future
• 6:54 Wellness: The Power of Walking
• 12:30 Weight Loss: Celebrate Micro Wins
• 16:40 Passion and Purpose: Adopt a Beginner's Mindset
• 20:24 Beauty: Two Skincare Game-Changers
• 26:03 Confidence: Celebrate Achievements, Share Expertise
• 30:54 Finances: Creating a Conscious Spending Plan
• 36:42 Life Coaching: Failing Forward with Grace
• 40:51 Midlife Belief: Walking Away with Grace

Transcript

Speaker 1: 1:02

Hey Glow Getters and welcome to Episode 10 of the Midlife Glow Report, your favorite midlife podcast, where we talk about all things mindset, wellness, confidence, career, finances, beauty and purpose, all wrapped in grace, humor and that radiant reinvention energy.

Speaker 1: 1:22

In today's episode, we're diving into some seriously powerful glow-up fuel. A Monday mindset minute on why your circle defines your future and how to curate a group that reflects the woman you're becoming. A wellness glow-up segment, all about the transformative power of walking, how zone 2 cardio works and how I'm using it to lose the next 90 pounds. A weight loss glow up and two game changing tips that helped me drop 150 pounds so far and how I'm still going strong. A passion and purpose chat on why you need a beginner's mindset and permission to release outdated roles. A beauty glow-up segment covering the two simple skincare shifts that completely changed my skin after 40. A confidence boost to remind you to celebrate your achievements and share your voice, because your story has power. A financial glow up about creating a conscious spending plan that aligns with your goals and joy. A midlife belief that will empower you to walk away from anything that no longer serves you with grace. And we're wrapping it up all with a life coaching chat about how to fail better, bounce back faster and glow up through the messy middle. If you've ever needed a reminder that it's not too late to transform your body, your mindset, your finances or your entire life, this episode is for you. Let's dive in and glow up together Now.

Speaker 1: 3:07

In today's Monday Mindset Minute. Here is a mindset shift that is simple, powerful and life-changing. Who you surround yourself with matters. The Roman philosopher Seneca once said associate with people who are likely to improve you, and, honestly, that wisdom still rings true centuries later. The truth is, your environment shapes your energy, your habits, your beliefs and your identity. So if you want to glow up your body, your mindset, your finances, your life, you've got to take a good look at your circle.

Speaker 1: 3:47

Here are seven types of people every midlife glow getter should surround herself with. Number one people on a mission. They're goal setters, vision builders and action takers. Being around people who are striving for more will naturally pull you forward. Number two grateful people. These folks see joy in the little things. They help you focus on abundance, peace and what's right, not just what's wrong. Number three people who bring out the best in you. They cheer you on, lift you up and believe in your glow up, even on the days you forget how powerful you are. Number four people with good energy. Because energy is contagious, make sure you're catching optimism, encouragement and high vibes, no drama or dread. Number five doers not just talkers. Talkers, dream doers execute. Surround yourself with action-orientated women who inspire you to move, not just muse. Number six problem solvers. They don't blame or complain, they look for answers, take ownership and find a way forward. That mindset is magnetic. And finally, number seven people who give honest feedback, the real ones, the ones who lovingly tell you the truth, even when it's uncomfortable, because they want you to grow.

Speaker 1: 5:21

Here's a little reality check to remember If you hang out with four successful people, you'll likely become the fifth. If you hang out with four fit, positive, financially smart and driven women, you'll rise to their level. But if you surround yourself with complainers, gossipers or energy vampires guess what? You become the fifth there too. So this week, ask yourself is my circle elevating me or draining me? Because your glow up isn't just personal, it's relational. Surround yourself with people who raise your standards, inspire your evolution and help you become the best version of you. You deserve that kind of energy and you can choose it. Let's make this week powerful, purposeful and full of aligned connection. You've got this, okay. Welcome to the Wellness Glow Up segment, where we talk about simple, sustainable practices that help you glow from the inside out.

Speaker 1: 6:28

Today, I want to talk about one of the most underrated, powerful and accessible tools in midlife wellness journey walking, that's right. Just putting one foot in front of the other can literally transform your body, your mind and your life. Why walking matters? Especially in midlife, as midlife women. We're not here to punish our bodies. We're here to nurture them, to keep our joints mobile, our hearts strong, our minds clear and our energy vibrant. And walking it checks every box. Here are just a few benefits Boosts cardiovascular health, supports healthy weight loss, improves digestion and gut motility, enhances mood and reduces anxiety, increases bone density and joint strength, supports hormone regulation during perimenopause and menopause and improves sleep quality and brain health. And here's the best part you could start right now no fancy gym, no complicated routines. Just lace up your shoes and move.

Speaker 1: 7:40

Every day, at 6 am, I head outside and get my walk-in. Why? Because it sets the tone for my entire day, it clears my mind, it jumpstarts my metabolism and it's me time before the world gets loud. Plus, I'm walking for accountability. I've got 90 more pounds to lose in my full body glow journey and walking is a key part of my daily rhythm. I'm sharing my walks every day now on Instagram stories and reels, not just to keep myself on track, but to inspire other midlife women to get out and move their bodies Because listen, it's never too late to live healthier, feel better and become the version of yourself you know you are meant to be.

Speaker 1: 8:29

Let's talk about zone two, cardio, because this is where the real magic happens. Zone two is the fat burning zone. It's a low to moderate intensity where you can still hold a conversation, but you're clearly moving with purpose. Hold a conversation, but you're clearly moving with purpose. Walking in zone two. It increases fat oxidation, aka your burn fat efficiently. It improves metabolic flexibility. It boosts endurance without spiking cortisol. It supports hormonal balance, especially in perimenopause and menopause. It's gentle on your joints but powerful for long-term results. It's ideal for midlife women because it doesn't overtax your body. It builds it up.

Speaker 1: 9:17

I personally use a refurbished Apple Watch I bought from Best Buy three years ago and it still works perfectly. It tracks my heart rate so I can stay in zone two my steps, my movement rings and activity goals. You can also use a Fitbit, garmin, whoop or your phone's health app. If you're just starting out, to find your zone two heart rate, a simple rule of thumb is 180 minus your age. Then subtract another 5 to 10 if you're just starting out or recovering from illness. So for a 47-year-old like me, zone 2 would be around 123 to 133 beats per minute. You can also ask ChatGPT how many steps should a 47-year-old woman weighing 240 pounds take per day to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week? This will give you a personalized range based on science and metabolism.

Speaker 1: 10:21

If your walk feels boring, let's fix that. Create a walking playlist minds full of empowering bops and 90s throwbacks. Listen to a podcast, maybe the Midlife Glow Report. Walk with a friend, a neighbor or even your dog. Change your route. Explore new parks, neighborhoods or trails. Use your walk as meditation in motion. No music, just breath and presence. And when the weather doesn't cooperate, I got a solution for that too. I use a walking pad on rainy days and it's been a total game changer. And here's my advice Get one with a handlebar. Many walking pads are narrow and if you're curvy, tired or new to movement, having that balance bar makes it safer and more comfortable. You can walk while watching TV, scrolling your phone or even while working at a stand-up desk.

Speaker 1: 11:22

Movement doesn't have to be all or nothing. Every step counts. So here's the truth you don't need to run, you don't need to overtrain, you just need to walk. Every step is an act of self-respect, every step says I'm still in this, I'm not giving up on myself, and every step brings you closer to the healthiest, happiest version of you. So walk for your body, walk for your brain, walk for your future and walk for the woman you're becoming. Let's lace up and glow up together.

Speaker 1: 11:55

So now it's time for weight loss glow up segment, and today I want to share two simple, powerful tips that have helped me lose weight. Listen, this journey has not been perfect. It's been real. It's been full of recommitments, mindset shifts and showing up again and again for me. But these two strategies game changers. Let's start with the first one.

Speaker 1: 12:22

Tip number one celebrate micro wins. Look, we are wired for progress, but often we only give ourselves permission to celebrate the big milestones when I lose 50 pounds, when I fit into those jeans, when I finally hit that number on the scale. But midlife has taught me this. If we want lasting transformation, we need to reward the process, not just the outcome. That's where micro wins come in. Every time you choose the walk over the couch, every time you make a nourishing meal instead of giving up, every time you talk kindly to yourself in the mirror instead of picking yourself apart, that's a win. And when you celebrate it, you reinforce the habit with dopamine, the brain's little high-five chemical For me. I use a bead jar, yep, like a kid One bead for every good choice I make. When I see that jar start filling up, I feel my progress, even when the scale is slow. And I use pretty iridescent beads real pretty in a glass jar. It's visual, it's fun and it reminds me that success is built on thousands of micro decisions, not one big finish line. So what's your best version of a bee jar? Is it a calendar sticker, a note in your journal, a little dance in the kitchen? Find your way to cheer yourself on daily, because that energy keeps the momentum going. Now on to tip number two Don't drink your calories.

Speaker 1: 14:16

This one may sound basic, but wow, did it make a massive difference in my journey. We don't always realize how sneaky liquid calories are. A fancy coffee here a juice or smoothie, there that soda we grew up on sipping. It all adds up, and quickly. Once I cut out sugary drinks and prioritized water, beef, bone broth, black coffee, green tea and sparkling water, everything started to shift. My blood sugar balanced out, my cravings calmed down and, honestly, my skin started glowing too. Now I sip water every day. I add lemon or electrolytes in the morning, I enjoy my black espresso like a boss and I use sparkling water with a lemon wedge when I want something fancy. It's simple, it's doable and it works.

Speaker 1: 15:17

So if you're just getting started or you've hit a plateau, try this one shift. It doesn't require a gym, it doesn't take willpower, just awareness and a little love for your future self. So there you go Celebrate micro wins like they matter, because they do and ditch the sugary drinks. Your metabolism will thank you. You don't have to overhaul your life overnight. You just have to keep stacking small wins with love, intention and grace. And remember if I can lose 150 pounds in midlife whilst you're learning and growing, so can you. We're in this together and you're worth every drop of effort.

Speaker 1: 16:05

Okay, now on to the passion and purpose segment, where we dig into what really lights your soul on fire in this beautiful midlife chapter Today I've got two tips that have completely shifted the way I reconnect with my own sense of purpose. They aren't big, dramatic changes. They're gentle mindset shifts that can open doors you didn't even know were still waiting for you. Let's jump right in Tip number one adopt a beginner's mindset. You know what midlife is not about pretending to have it all figured out. In fact, some of the most powerful glow-ups happen when we give ourselves permission to be beginners again.

Speaker 1: 16:53

Think about it. When we were kids, or even young adults, we tried new things because they looked fun. We weren't worried about being the best or making money from it or whether we'd be good enough. We were just curious. And that curiosity, it's still in you. It's the key to unlocking dormant dreams, the ones you've shelved because life got busy or you were raising a family or climbing the career ladder. Curiosity reactivates creativity. It reawakens joy. So try something new this month. Take a class, pick up a hobby, visit a museum, try a new type of book or podcast. Let yourself flow with that tug of interest without needing to justify it. You don't have to know where it's leading, you just have to start walking, because sometimes the path to purpose doesn't start with clarity, it starts with curiosity.

Speaker 1: 18:01

So now, tip number two let go of outdated roles. This one's big. We spend years, decades, being everything to everyone the mom, the wife, the caregiver, the reliable one, the workhorse, the peacekeeper. But here's the truth you are not just who you used to be, you are allowed to evolve. So many women hit midlife feeling restless, not because they're lost, but because they're growing beyond the boxes they've lived in for so long. And guess what? Outgrowing something doesn't mean you're ungrateful, it means you're alive, it means you're becoming. Letting go of outdated roles makes space for who you are now and who you are still becoming. So ask yourself what roles am I still playing that no longer fit? Where have I been performing instead of living? It's okay to shift, it's okay to redefine, it's okay to say that version of me served a season, but I'm stepping into something new now. This is where purpose is born, not from who you were, but from where you are ready to be. So remember, stay curious like a beginner and release the role that doesn't fit you anymore, because you are not too old and it's not too late. You're just getting started. And that's the second act. It might just be the most meaningful chapter yet.

Speaker 1: 19:49

So now the beauty glow up segment. My favorite Now listen, midlife skin. It's a whole new vibe. What worked in our 20s and 30s just doesn't cut it anymore. And that's okay, because now we get to elevate, not just cover up. We're after glow, bounce and confidence, and today I'm sharing two simple beauty shifts that made a huge difference in my skin after 40. Let's break it down.

Speaker 1: 20:21

Tip number one use a retinol to your night routine. Tip number one use a retinol to your night routine. Okay, if you've been waiting for that sign to use a retinol, this is it. As we age, our cell turnover slows down, which means dullness, fine lines, rough texture and uneven tone start to creep in. Retinol are powerful ingredients that actually speed up that cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and help your skin look brighter, smoother and more youthful. Now you need to start slow. Your skin is powerful, but it's also evolving. My favorite combo it's a French Girl Skin Care Secret, a 313 Retinol Pomade with La Lucette Hydroconic Acid Cream. These two paired together are magic.

Speaker 1: 21:17

When you use the sandwich method, what I do first is cleanse my skin. Now that's. In tip number two We'll cover that it's cleanse my skin. Now that's in tip number two. We'll cover that. Apply a thin layer of Lalu-Set. It's pure hydro-laconic acid, ultra-hydrating and plumping. Add a pea-sized amount of A313. It's a vitamin A derivative. That's strong but elegant. Finish with another layer of La Lucette to seal in moisture and reduce irritation.

Speaker 1: 21:51

This sandwich method keeps your skin hydrated, calm and glowy while still getting all the retinal benefits. I learned this sandwich method from my dermatologist and, yes, you can grab both of these on Amazon. I'll link them in the show notes for you Remember. Use it one to two nights a week to start. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and always wear SPF the next day. This tip alone has changed the texture and tone of my skin in just in a few months. So now beauty. Tip number two Use a gentle hydrating cleanser and double cleanse.

Speaker 1: 22:38

Always, let's talk about washing your face because, I promise, how you cleanse is just as important as what you put on after it. In midlife, our skin loses moisture faster, becomes more reactive and often needs some more TLC. That's why we say goodbye to harsh stripping cleansers and hello to hydration. To harsh stripping cleansers and hello to hydration. Here's a system that keeps my skin calm, clean and glowing. Step one use a balm or oil cleanser to remove sunscreen, makeup and daily grime.

Speaker 1: 23:18

My go-to Banila Co Clean it Zero Firming Cleansing Balm this Korean beauty classic melts off everything, including waterproof mascara, while leaving your skin soft and bouncy, not greasy. It's made with moringo, ceramide and panthenol to soothe, nourish and protect your skin barrier, and panthenol to soothe, nourish and protect your skin barrier. Then step two follow, with a gentle foaming cleanser to deep clean without stripping. I swear by using La Roche-Posay Tolerane Purifying Foaming Cleanser. It's oil-free, soap-free, packed with niacinamide and ceramides, and totally safe for sensitive skin. It gives a fresh, clean feeling without the tight, dry aftermath. Together, this duo respects the skin barrier so it can actually heal, repair and glow. Both of these cleansers are on Amazon and you can find it there.

Speaker 1: 24:28

Double cleansing is no longer a luxury. It's a necessity in midlife skincare. So, to recap, start using a retinol paired with La Lucette, using the sandwich method, and double cleanse, first with the Vanilla Co Balm, then with La Roche-Posay's Gentle Foaming Cleanser. You don't need a 10-step routine. You just need the right products, the right technique and the right mindset. You are glowing because of how you care for yourself, not in spite of your age.

Speaker 1: 25:04

Midlife Beauty isn't about chasing youth, it's about celebrating radiance. So get that glow girl, and, don't worry, I've got the Amazon links. If you don't see the show notes, dm me on Instagram at Jack Sties and I'll send the list your way. And I'll send the list your way Until next time. Keep glowing inside and out.

Speaker 1: 25:31

So now here are two midlife confidence boosters you can start today. Let's be honest. Confidence in midlife it hits different. It's not about being loud or perfect or polished. It's about knowing who you are, owning your worth and refusing to shrink yourself just to make others comfortable. In this chapter of life, confidence isn't just a vibe, it's a lifeline. So let's dive into two confidence boosters. I swear by Once you can start today to build that inner glow and feel more grounded, powerful and magnetic.

Speaker 1: 26:11

Tip number one confidence booster celebrate your achievements, all of them. I need you to hear this you are doing way more than you give yourself credit for Seriously, how many times do we accomplish something and immediately move on to the next thing, barely even pausing to acknowledge it? We say things like, oh, it was nothing or that's just what I had to do. But here's the truth. Every win matters. But here's the truth. Every win matters. Every healthy choice, every boundary honored, every step forward, even if it's tiny.

Speaker 1: 26:52

Celebrating your achievements rewires your brain to see yourself as capable. It strengthens the neural pathways connected to confidence and motivation. It boosts dopamine. It makes your habits stick. So how do you do this? One simple way start sharing. Post your progress on social media, even if it feels vulnerable. It's not about bragging. It's about owning your effort and you never know, it may inspire others in the progress.

Speaker 1: 27:26

Maybe you walked five days this week. Maybe you meal prepped for the first time in months. Maybe you finally had a hard conversation, started journaling or got dressed in something that made you feel fabulous. Share it, speak it, celebrate it. Want to keep it private? Write it in a journal, make a glow list Text a trusted friend, do a happy dance in the kitchen, but don't skip the celebration. It tells your brain I matter. What I do matters. Confidence booster.

Speaker 1: 28:04

Number two share your expertise. Now you've got wisdom, life experience, life lessons, the hard way, skills, stories and insights that no one else on the planet can duplicate, because no one else is you. And one of the most powerful ways to boost your confidence Share it. Start small. Maybe you write a blog post. Maybe you record a voice note, maybe you go live on Instagram, teach a class or just talk about something you've mastered with a group of girlfriends.

Speaker 1: 28:43

Every time you teach or share what you've learned, you reinforce your own value. You start to see yourself as someone who has something to offer. And guess what you do? Here's a personal example. When I started sharing my own glow-up journey weight loss, mindset shifts, wellness habits I didn't feel like an expert. I just felt like a woman figuring it out. But the more I shared, the more confidence I gained, because I realized my story is helping people. It's helping others remind us of our power. So what do you know? What have you lived through? What could you share that might help someone else? It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be true. So let's recap Celebrate your achievements, big or small.

Speaker 1: 29:41

Train your brain to see yourself as the success you already are. Train your brain to see yourself as the success you already are and share your expertise. You've got value to offer and every time you show up and speak your truth, your confidence grows. You don't have to wait until you arrive to be confident. Confidence is built along the way, in the doing, in the sharing in the celebrating. So go ahead, be your own biggest hype woman, because when you believe in yourself, everything changes.

Speaker 1: 30:19

So now we're on to the financial segment segment and in today's podcast, this is step three of a continued series from the two previous podcasts, and step three is create a conscious spending plan. This isn't your grandma's budget. This is not about deprivation or tracking every penny like a hawk. This is about aligning your money with your values so you could spend on what matters and glow up your financial life without guilt. What is a conscious spending plan? Think of it as a glow-up version of budgeting. It's not about cutting out your coffee or never going on vacation. It's about choosing intentionally where your money goes so you feel empowered, not restricted.

Speaker 1: 31:16

When we hit midlife, our priorities shift. We've raised families, juggled careers, supported others and now it's time to center on us again. The conscious spending plan gives you clarity and freedom to say this is what I care about, this is what lights me up, this is what I'm done wasting money on. It's both a mindset and a method, and it's one of the most powerful financial tools I've used in my own reinvention. So why is this so beneficial for midlife women? Because midlife is when we start waking up to a lot of financial truths. We're often still catching up with decades of caregiving or under-earning. We may be recovering from debt, divorce or career pivot and we finally are ready to focus on us, our goals, our dreams and our freedom. But most traditional budgets don't feel empowering. They feel restrictive. A conscious spending plan puts you in control. It helps you spend guilt-free on what brings you joy, while cutting ruthlessly on what doesn't. It creates financial peace, clarity and confidence and that, my friend, is the midlife magic.

Speaker 1: 32:47

How to create a conscious spendings plan? Step by step. Let's break it down. Step one know your monthly take-home income. Start with clarity. What actually hits your bank account each month after taxes and deductions. That's your foundation. That's your foundation.

Speaker 1: 33:04

Step two identify your four core categories. This is where we get intentional. Every dollar you spend should fall into one of these four categories Fixed costs, goals, joyful spending and flex. Fixed costs are like rents, mortgages, utilities, insurance, car payment. They're the basics. Goals, debt, payoff, savings, retirement, investing, joyful spending, dining out, beauty, fashion, self-care, vacations and flex other Unexpected stuff Kids, pets, gifts, gas. Give yourself a buffer.

Speaker 1: 33:50

Step three Do a 30-day audit. Print your last month's statement and highlight each transaction in a color-coded system. Ask yourself did this bring me joy? Was it aligned with my goals? Am I spending more on convenience than intention? Am I spending more on convenience than intention? You'll be shocked at how much you can realign without feeling deprived. Step four make a plan that reflects you. Now decide how much you want to allocate to each category, based on your life values and glow-up goals. Example fixed costs 55%. Goals 15%. Joyful spending 20%. Flex 10%. Make it work for you.

Speaker 1: 34:36

Step five automate what you can. Set up automatic transfers to savings, investments and bills. Use a prepaid debit card or a second account for your fund money. The less you have to think, the easier it is to stay aligned. Step six review monthly and adjust accordingly. This is not a one and done process. You are evolving, so your plan will too. Check in monthly, celebrate progress, tweak what's not working and my final thoughts.

Speaker 1: 35:15

Creating a conscious spending plan is not about restriction. It's about liberation. It's saying I know what I want, I know where I'm going and my money is working for me now. So if you've ever felt overwhelmed by budgeting or guilty for spending or unsure of where your money goes, this is your moment. You can glow up your finances the same way you glow up your mindset, wellness or style, with clarity, intention and with love. That's it for today's financial well-being glow-up segment, and I hope this helped you Share it with a friend, or screenshot and tag me at jacksize on Instagram.

Speaker 1: 36:03

Now on to a life coaching tip with an exercise. Today we're diving into something most of us were taught to avoid fear or even be ashamed of Failure. Yes, I said it, and I want you to lean in close because what I'm about to say might just change how you see yourself and your midlife reinvention journey forever. If you want to thrive in midlife, you've got to get really, really good at failing. I know you might be thinking, but I've already failed enough. I'm too old to start over and risk failing again. But, friend, failure is not the enemy. What is failure really? Failure is simply the absence of an unexpected result. That's it. It doesn't mean you're not worthy. It doesn't mean you're behind. It doesn't mean you're broken. It just means you tried something and it didn't go exactly as planned. And here's what most women over 40 do they stop trying, they shrink their dreams and avoid feeling disappointed, embarrassed or ashamed. But those are just feelings, and feelings come from thoughts. You get to choose how you respond to failure.

Speaker 1: 37:31

This is my 30-day challenge real-life failure. Let me give you a personal example. I just completed my 30-day midlife glow-up walking challenge, which I documented daily on social media. One of my goals was to lose 15 pounds in those 30 days. I lost 12. Now some people might call that a failure, but not me, because I showed up for myself. I practiced wellness and walking every day and other daily challenges for 30 days. I move my body with love. I committed to my wellness and I inspired others along the way. I didn't fail. I grew and I'm proud because I learned, I evolved and I kept going, and so can you.

Speaker 1: 38:25

Perfectionism you need to let it go. That's just fear in disguise. It whispers. Don't try unless you're guaranteed to win. Stay safe, stay small, don't mess up. But that's not where the glow up happens. Your radiance is born in the trying, in the courage, in the messy middle, in the decision to rise again Next time something doesn't go.

Speaker 1: 38:54

Plan, try this. This is the loving way to fail. Pause and breathe. Notice your thoughts. Are they kind? Choose better ones instead of I failed and say to yourself I learned. Celebrate the effort, because effort is proof of commitment. Keep showing up with grace, with grit, with love. Failure is not something to fear, it's something to practice, because the more we practice failing with love, the stronger, bolder and more stoppable we become.

Speaker 1: 39:31

Final thought this is huge difference between failing and never trying. One expands you, the other shrinks you. One says I'm brave, the other says I gave up, so don't play it safe. Show up, try the thing, launch your dream, speak up, apply, fall down, learn, rise again. You are not too late, not too old and not too far gone. You are becoming and sometimes becoming looks like failing forward with grace, guts and glowing self-love. You've got this.

Speaker 1: 40:12

Finally, the last segment, the midlife belief for the week. I can walk away with grace when something no longer serves me, serves me. Here it is I can walk with grace with something no longer serves me. Let's take a deep breath with that one, because for so many of us, especially as women, we were taught to stay, to stick it out, to be the fixer, to settle, to feel guilty if we said no or walked away from something that once felt right but now feels heavy. But here's what midlife has taught me, and maybe it's taught you too we only get one life and in this season we are reclaiming our time, our peace and our power.

Speaker 1: 41:09

Walking away doesn't mean failure. It doesn't mean we're weak or selfish or flaky. It means we've grown, it means we've checked in with our values and realized this isn't aligned anymore. And, guess what? That's okay. In fact, it's more than okay. It's essential, because when we cling to what no longer serves us whether it's a job, a relationship, a toxic friendship, a habit, a version of ourselves we block the magic that's trying to make its way in.

Speaker 1: 41:48

Graceful exits are powerful. They're rooted in self-respect, emotional maturity and love, not just for others, but for yourself. And here's the beautiful thing about midlife you don't need permission about midlife. You don't need permission. You don't need a dramatic exit. You don't need to explain your worth to anyone. You just need your truth, your peace, your decision to walk forward with grace.

Speaker 1: 42:19

So if something's been tugging at your soul lately, if there's a situation, a role or a routine that feels like it's draining you more than it's fueling you, I want to lovingly remind you. You're allowed to outgrow things. You're allowed to choose peace over pressure. You're allowed to say this no longer serves the woman I'm becoming, and you can do it with a soft heart and strong boundaries. That's what grace looks like. You are not starting over, you are starting new. And say it with me I can walk away with grace when something no longer serves me. Let that be your belief for this week, let it be your compass, let it open the door to what's next, because the second half of life isn't about shrinking or staying stuck. It's about rising with intention, with clarity and with grace. So, glow Getters, that's it.

Speaker 1: 43:25

Thank you so much for spending part of your day with me here on the Midlife Glow Report. I hope today's episode gave you some inspiration, encouragement and a few new tools to keep you glowing up in your mind, body, life and future. If this episode lit a fire in you, or a simple made you feel seen, please do me a favor. Leave an honest review. Hit that save button so you can come back to your favorite segments and share this episode with a friend who's also on her midlife reinvention journey. This podcast only grows because of women like you sharing, reviewing, showing up and letting me walk alongside you in this powerful season. You are not alone, you are not behind. You are right on time and the best is yet to come right on time, and the best is yet to come. Until next time, keep rising, keep glowing and remember midlife isn't a crisis, it's a glow-up. Love, jax.