Sunday Inspiration:

 

Thankful Thursday: May 28, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

A text from a friend checking in on me

Moving on to the next phase of the hiring process

The first iris bloom

Some much-needed rain

A slight break in the heat

Overnight thunderstorms

Hard work

Neapolitan ice cream

When my hair behaves itself

Rainy days at the library

A cold drink of water

An afternoon nap

When the internet comes back on

Some good news

A change of plans

Aging Isn't One-Size-Fits-All

Aging is a deeply personal experience. We each journey through life with our own experiences, values, and beliefs. These shape how we think and feel about the aging process.  Instead of critiquing how others navigate it, what if we chose respect, support, and allowing every woman the freedom to age on her own terms?

Recently, I saw SO many social media posts criticizing Madonna for dressing and behaving in what some people feel is inappropriate for her age while appearing onstage at Glastonbury. Within days of that wave of criticism, there was an article that came out ridiculing Cameron Diaz because she has apparently forgone cosmetic procedures and is choosing to age "naturally".  

Aging for women seems to be a no‑win situation. We’re expected to look youthful but ridiculed if we try too hard. If we choose to age "naturally" with no cosmetic procedures or dying our hair to hide the grays, then we're letting ourselves go. We're made to feel invisible yet still judged for everything from our appearance to how we act. All this keeps us constantly second‑guessing ourselves and feeling as though we're never getting it right.

The worst part is how, all too often, the harshest critics of how older women act, look, or dress are OTHER women. Ladies, we have to do and be better! 

If someone else is choosing to age in a way you wouldn't consider for yourself, that's her prerogative. We should each be allowed to age in whatever way is comfortable for us. Whether that's dying our hair or letting our silvers shine. Having a few procedures or deciding to age naturally. Staying active and taking risks or choosing to settle into a quieter lifestyle. Wearing fun, colorful, or  offbeat outfits or dressing in a more modest and subdued way.  

How another woman chooses to live her own midlife and beyond has no bearing or effect on your own. And if it does, maybe we need to examine that on a personal level instead of being so openly judgemental about it.

Rather than criticizing, let's support and lift each other up for expressing our individuaity and being our authentic selves. Or at the very least, remember the old saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say; don't say anything."

Sunday Inspiration: Dreams

 

Thankful Thursday: May 21, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

Road trips

An evening by the campfire

Smores

Time with my oldest grandson

Good news

Seeing something new 

The sounds of nature

Slow mornings

A safe trip home

Fresh cherries

Learning something new

A productive day

My own cheering squad

Summery pasta dishes

Interview done

Sunday Inspiration: Wishes

 

Thankful Thursday: May 14, 2026

 

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

 

Thankful Thursday: May 7, 2026

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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