Awaken & Bloom in Midlife Newsletter with Jax - July 2025
Published 6 months ago • 14 min read
Awaken & Bloom in Midlife Newsletter with Jax
July 2025
Hello to you,
It’s oficially summer and I will tell you I am so here for it. I love the warmer temps, the early sunshine, and the late sunny nights. This is defeinitly my glow season and I couldn’t be happier! How about you?
This summer I have plans to make this the best summer yet. I am going to try to do all the things:
✅ early morning walks
✅ outdoor office sessions
✅ tanning breaks
✅ patio dinners
✅ beachside strolls
✅ ice cream breaks
✅ Charleston vacation to wrap things up…
Right now, I am completing a Mid-Year Review…which is me reviewing my goals I set forth back in January and I am reviewing what I have accomplished, what I haven't, and I am refocusing, re-establishing and calendering my to do goals in order to accomplish my end-of-year goals.
One of of my goals set back in April was to loose 100 lbs by the end of year. Which is a HUGE undertaking. I am not going to reach that goal. It is very difficult for me to loose weight I belive becasue of my age and the medication I am on. I have already lost 145 lbs…but that took me 3 years.
Not sure if you saw my instagram stories. I created and started a 30 Day Midlfie Women’s Glwo-Up on June 23, which does include me trying to loose 15 lbs in 30 days. One of the the daily tasks I complete is weighing in daily. I began at 250.4 and that was the begininng of the 30 day Glow-Up on 06-23-25. Now I weigh 246.4 and its June 30. I lost 4 lbs. in one week, so I am on track. I also revamped my supplements and added new ones, recalculated my macros, dedicated myself to meeting them daily and checking in by logging meals in the nourish app, walking every moring, and hitting a minumum of 10,000 steps on work-days. Nonwork-days aiming for 15,000 steps. I also bought an ab machine from Amazon and I am excited to start using it today. Oh I bought wrist weights, have been using them while walking instead of the weighted vest. Finally I am concentrating on meal prepping and following a food protocol daily, eating with intention, and hitting my water goals.
Follow my instagram stories, for the 30 Day Midlife Women’s Glow-Up Challenge and check out the highlight for previous days saved there.
I do have a Instagram Chat called Awaken & Blook in Midlife 💬 and I do share daily chats, voice notes and links to my favorite items. Check it out if you get a chance.
Finally, I am so excited my son and I are vacationing to Charleston, SC Labor Day week again, which is also my birthday week. I swear half the joy of vacations is the anticipation. We are staying at the same condo as last year in Folly Beach which is on the ocean and we absolutley loved it there. Hoping for the weather to cooperate that week, becasue it is hurrican season. I did purchase travel isnurance just incase.
Hope you are planning an amazing summer wherever you are. I hope you can make this summer the best one yet!
Now onto the fun stuff of this newsletter…
Love,
Jax
☀️ July Mantra:
“Suns out, goals aligned, joy on repeat—I’m glowing up one intentional step at a time.”
Podcast is Going Strong!
The Midlife Glow Report Podcast
Wherever you listen to podcasts. Every Monday morning an episode is released.
Coaching Corner
Let’s sit down for a little heart-to-heart today. Grab your coffee or tea,this one’s personal and powerful.
Let’s talk about goal setting,but not in the rigid, hustle-till-you-drop, pressure-filled way that burned us out in our 20s and 30s.
Nope. This is about something deeper. Goal setting in midlife is a spiritual practice.
It’s one of the most compassionate, loving things you can do for yourself.
Why Goals Even Matter (Especially Now)
You might be thinking, “But I’m fine just getting through the day.”
I hear you. But I want to gently nudge you: What if “getting through” isn’t enough anymore?
What if your soul is whispering: “I want to grow. I want to evolve. I want more.”
That whisper? That’s your truth.
And the way we honor that truth? We give it direction.
We set goals not because we aren’t enough as we are,but because we are enough, and we’re ready to become even more of who we are meant to be.
Your Brain Needs a Job
So Your brain is like a loyal employee,it wants to be told what to focus on. If you don’t give it a task, it defaults to fear, self-doubt, old patterns, and worst-case-scenarios.
But when you set a goal, you give your brain a map, a mission, a new narrative.
It stops wandering aimlessly and starts gathering evidence to help you succeed. That’s neuroscience, babe—not woo woo stuff.
You can literally change your brain by deciding what you want and telling it what to focus on.
Goal Setting from Abundance, Not Scarcity
So many of us have spent our lives wanting from a place of lack:
“I want to lose weight because I hate my body.”
“I want more money because I’m broke and scared.
“I want love because I feel so alone.”
But that’s not where the magic lives.
We don’t dream well from fear. So let’s flip that script.
So Try This:
Make a list of 25 things you want.
Now go back through the list and every other item should be something you already have that you’re grateful for
✨ I want glowing skin.
✨ I already have amazing friendships.
✨ I want to travel solo to Italy.
✨ I already have the courage to try new things.
See what we did there? You’re blending desire with abundance. You’re reminding your nervous system: we’re safe AND we’re growing.
This is how midlife women set goals like queens.
Step-by-Step: My Midlife Goal-Setting Practice
Step 1: Dream Again
Do you even let yourself dream anymore? Like really want something?
It might hurt at first,especially if you’ve been stuck in survival mode. But the pain is just a sign that you’re waking up.
Let yourself want, friend. Without judgment.
Step 2: Get Specific
Write your goal in first person, present tense like it’s already happening.
“I wake up each morning in my beautiful Charleston condo on the beach feeling strong, vibrant, and 100 pounds lighter.”
Make it vivid: the smells, sounds, date, location, emotions. Don’t worry about how. Just the what and when.
Step 3: Expect Resistance
When you set a big, bold goal,guess what? Shame, fear, doubt, and imposter syndrome will absolutely show up.
That’s not a sign to quit. It’s a sign you’re stretching.
Your brain loves the familiar. Goals are unfamiliar. So your survival wiring freaks out.
Let it.
Step 4: Do a Thought Download
Write down all the thoughts that come up around the goal.
“What if I fail?”
“People will think I’m crazy.”
“I’ve tried before and it didn’t work.”
Now, go to your future self, the version of you who already achieved the goal. Write from her perspective.
What would she say back?
This is where you’ll start to uncover your action plan. This is your “how.”
Step 5: Reverse Engineer
Start from the end (your goal complete) and work backwards. Break it down. What had to happen?
What did you learn? Who did you become?
Write down what you know to do—and get curious about what you don’t know yet. You’ll grow into that part.
Step 6: Create Your DO GOAL
This is the cherry on top.
A do goal is an action goal, something you can actually check off.
Walk 8,000 steps today
Drink 100 oz of water
Apply for 2 new jobs this week
Send an intro email to a podcast host
These small “do goals” build your confidence and momentum. They prove to your brain: See? I follow through now.
A Quick Word of Love
Midlife is not a crisis. It’s your creative rebirth.
Your goals aren’t about fixing yourself, they’re about finding yourself again.
You are already whole, already worthy.
And you’re allowed to want more, dream bigger, and become the woman you were always meant to be.
So today, take out a notebook, light a candle, put on your favorite playlist, and try this:
• Make your 25 things list
• Write your specific goal in present tense
• Do your thought download
• Channel your future self
• Create your do goal for this week
I’m right here cheering you on, always.
Mindset Magic
From the second your feet hit the floor in the morning until your head hits the pillow at night, your mindset is the mission control center for your entire day. Seriously,your thoughts are the fuel behind every action, reaction, and decision you make.
So let me ask you this: What kind of conversation are you having with yourself today?
Because here’s the truth, the most important conversation you’ll have all day is the one you have with yourself in the mirror.
Not the emails. Not the group chat. Not the scroll on Instagram. That mirror talk? It sets the tone.
Are you hyping yourself up, or tearing yourself down?
Because your mindset? It shapes how you show up in the world, how you handle stress, chase goals, and glow through challenges.
It’s the root of your confidence, your energy, and yes, your glow.
And let me just say this: if you’re still starting your mornings with the news, we need to break up with that habit. The stats don’t lie, news is overwhelmingly negative. And girl, that’s not how we glow up. That’s how we spiral down.We don’t need more noise. We need more intention.
I’ve dpn't engage in arguments online and in real life, I let people “win”. Not because they’re right, but because my peace is more valuable than being right. Protecting your energy is grown woman magic.
So here’s your glow-up reminder for today: Your mindset is your superpower.
Nurture it. Speak life to yourself. Choose thoughts that build, not break.
And if you do one thing today, just one, start your morning with a powerful thought, an affirmation, or a smile in the mirror. That tiny shift? It can change everything.
Wellness
Sleep Like a Queen: Bedtime Glow-Up Secrets
Alright, let’s talk about wellness…something we all need but so many of us struggle with, a good night’s sleep. Especially For us women over 40, getting a good night’s sleep often becomes more challenging.
There are a few reasons for this…hormonal shifts, especially during perimenopause and menopause, they cause drops in estrogen and progesterone, which play a big role in regulating sleep. These changes can lead to hot flashes, night sweats, and even anxiety, all of which mess with our rest.
Another reason is that our stress levels can rise in midlife. Juggling careers, caregiving, aging parents, and our own dreams can make it harder to shut the brain off at night.
Finally, our body’s natural melatonin production decreases, which means we may not fall asleep or stay asleep as easily as we used to.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you.
This week, I’m sharing a few science-backed sleep tips that can help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed.
Tip #1: Make Over Your Mornings
Believe it or not, better sleep starts first thing in the morning. Yep—your circadian rhythm is heavily influenced by your morning habits.
So here’s a morning routine that's doable and easy to implement
• Wake up at the same time every day, yes, even on weekends.
• Get some daylight on your face as soon as you can. Natural light cues your internal clock. I use the Happy Light I bought from Amazon on early mornings when it's still dark. It simulates morning light.
Happy Light
• Eat a breakfast packed with protein and fiber, think eggs and spinach, Greek yogurt or oats with chia seeds.
• And move your body a bit in the morning, even a quick walk counts!
Soo..
Tip #2: Set the Mood with Lighting
As the sun sets, your lighting should soften too. Switch to amber or red-toned lights in your bedroom, salt lamps or smart bulbs are perfect for this. These gentler hues support melatonin production, your body’s natural sleep hormone.
Also, be sure to switch your phone, tablet, and laptop to night mode. And if you can, cut screen time an hour before bed. I know it’s hard, but it makes a real difference.
Tip 3
Take a warm bath or steamy shower about 75 to 90 minutes before bedtime. This is why…. The heat raises your body temperature temporarily, and then the cooldown afterward tells your body it’s time to rest. It’s a simple yet powerful cue to your system that its time for bed
Tip #4: Use Your Imagination
I literally use my imagination before bed, try a short nature visualization or peaceful meditation. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a calm, beautiful place, maybe a beach, a forest, or up in the mountains. Tune in to all five senses. What do you see, hear, smell, feel, taste? This soothing mental escape can calm racing thoughts, lower stress, and help your body fall asleep. Or sometimes I Even listen to a calming sleep story by using the Calm app. This Puts me right to Sleep every time.
So there you have it, some sleep tips to try out this week. Try one or two of these tips and let me know how it goes.
Weight Loss Tips
Here are 2 of my Weight Loss Tips for this month. 1st Tip
Planning is Golden. Plan your meals ahead, plan the week ahead, plan your grocery items, use curbside if need to save time and and to stop temptation.
Meal prep on Sat. or Sun mornings. Get it done and out of the way. You could meal prep your food for M-TH, Go out on Friday, make something quick on Sat. and have a family meal on Sunday.
I highly suggest you plan all these spontaneous meals as well. I call this your food protocol.
For example, if you are going to a restuarant look online at their menu earlier that day and map out your game plan of what you are going to order to stay on track. Planing…I can’t say enough how much this benefits in weight loss. It was a huge gamechanger and still is.
Tip 2
Eat enough whole foods that are rich in Fiber ... your fruits and vegetables. It helps control sugar, keeps you full longer and keeps you regular.
Not to give to much TMI, I love fiber and aim for 25 grams per day. It helps me go number two every morning like clock work and I feel lighter and less bloated.
Style Recap
Beauty Recap
Here is your beauty find of the month and this is a good one. So I don't know if any of you use this, but you use castor oil on your face and skin I have for quite some time and it totally made an improvement. Castor oil is a deep moisturizer. It's a fatty acid and it's very helpful for dry and mature, skin, boost collagen, and elastin production. It smooths inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces acne and blemishes it's non-comedogenic. If it scars and dark spots, it help heals chapped lips and crack skin. It's a natural make up remover and it evens out skin tone.
You should use cold pressed hexane, free castor oil, which is the pure quality and that's what I've got for you and a total easy way to apply it. It's called. Grandma Flows Natural Organic Castor Oil with a rose quartz roll on it for face and body. It's in a glass bottle cold pressed hexane, free unrefined and also if you don't know this castor oil stimulates hair growth so I rub this all over my brows my face, my neck and I go to bed like this every night and I absolutely love it. My skin is moist and soft every morning and I get ready for my day. You could find grandma flows natural organic castor oil on amazon.com and it's $24..
Grandma Flo's Castor Oil
Book Review
I have a new section on my website under the Blog tab called Book Review. After I read book I write a review so you all can read it and if it's something that peaks your interest you can actually read the book. I am a BIG book reader, mostly self-help, self-improvement books. Here are the links to some of my recent book reviews:
If you see my reels on instagram you will see I meal prep every weekend. I typically wiil prep early Sunday mornings. I thought I'd share with you my 2 favorites from this past month. Here they are...
If you are looking to reinvet and glow-up your finances now in midlife like I did, you should try to cut expenses. These following tips will be super helpful on your financial glow-up journey and will help you cut those grocery and food bills.
Tip 1 Meal Prep: this does not only help stay on your food protocal and saves time, but it can save on spending. And why you are at it cook in batches and freeze meals. You can buy whats on sale and this also can save money.
Tip 2 Pantry Staples: buy your pantry staples in bulk at places like Costco, Sam’s Club of BJ’s. You can really save money buying in bulk on everyday food items.
Tips 3 Create a List: don’t go off the rails and make it a free for all at the grocery store. Create a full detailed list for your groceries every week and stick to it.
Tip 4 Generic Brands: buy store brands instead of name brands. This can be a good amount of savings
Tip 5 Do Your Own Prep: skip pre-cut store cut produce. Cut, grate and shredd your own produce. This is a money saver and anyways the food is fresher when you do it yourself.
Confidence Booster
Dress For Your Confidence Not Others
I know that dressing for your own confidence,rather than trying to please others, can really boost how you feel about yourself. When you wear clothes that make you feel strong, comfortable, and true to who you are, your brain gets the message that you’re in control. This helps you feel more confident, less worried about what others think, and more ready to show up fully as yourself in midlife.
Celebrate Aging Gracefully
I know that celebrating aging gracefully can help boost your confidence in a big way. When you accept and honor your age instead of fighting it, your brain feels calmer and more positive. This self-acceptance builds a stronger sense of worth and helps you focus on what really matters, like your wisdom, strength, and beauty at every stage of life.
Don’t forget to join Awaken and Bloom in Midlife Facebook group! It’s a growing community where we share daily motivation, thoughts, successes, and even struggles. My vision is to create a space where midlife women can connect, support each other, and thrive together.
I have a new Instagram chat called Awaken & Bloom in Midlife Chat. I share daily chats, voice notes, words of encouragement, links to my favorite, whats new..plus much much more.
Don't forget about my new podcast, The Midlife Glow Report out every Monday morning.. Give it a listen. It is a work in progress!
Thank you so much for being here and sharing your energy with me. I’m so grateful for your support and excited to grow alongside you. Let’s make midlife the most magical chapter yet!
Until next month, remember: Now is your time. You have confidence, you know who you are, you have been ther and down that... Make this your best season yet!
