Posted on by Midlife Made Easier

Gray Divorce After 50: Why It’s Happening & 3 Steps to Heal a Broken Heart

Hello and welcome to the Midlife Made Easier, a supportive space where midlife women prioritize their healing, reclaim their power, and build a life they love. This is your place to take charge of your well-being, find your voice, and feel seen, supported, and strong.

I want to share a free resource that might help you on your journey: the Midlife Reboot Workbook. It’s designed to help you reset, refocus, and reclaim your joy in this next chapter of life.

My Story: Divorce, Starting Over, and Healing

I am going through my own gray divorce. After decades of marriage, I suddenly found myself facing the unimaginable, starting over in midlife. It was more than just dividing up our stuff and having to move back home; it felt like losing a part of my identity.

At first, the heartbreak was all-consuming. I cried daily, my body ached, and I even struggled with my health. Stress showed up as exhaustion and anxiety. There were days I didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror. But slowly, I began to heal. I committed to taking care of both my physical and mental health, one step at a time. I started walking every morning, journaling my feelings, eating healthier meals, and leaning on a few trusted friends. Over time, I realized divorce wasn’t the end; it was the beginning of a new chapter.

My healing journey gave me a new perspective: midlife is not too late to start again. In fact, it can be the perfect time to step into your power and create a life that finally feels aligned with who you are today.

What Is a Gray Divorce?

“Gray divorce” refers to the rising trend of couples over 50 ending long-term marriages. These separations often come after 20, 30, or even 40 years together. While divorce is always painful, the midlife version can feel especially overwhelming because lives are so deeply intertwined, emotionally, financially, and socially.

Why Is Gray Divorce Happening?

Here are three key reasons gray divorce is becoming more common:

  1. Empty Nest & Identity Shifts
     Without the shared focus of raising children, couples sometimes realize they’ve drifted apart and no longer share the same values or dreams.
  2. Long-Term Dissatisfaction
     Midlife often brings clarity. Patterns of neglect, lack of intimacy, or unresolved conflict that were once tolerated become impossible to ignore.
  3. Greater Independence
     Today, many women are financially independent and living longer, healthier lives. With new confidence and options, they feel empowered to pursue happiness on their own terms.

The Pain of a Broken Heart

Regardless of who initiated the divorce, the grief is real. Sadness, loneliness, and even physical pain are common. These feelings can interfere with your health and daily life if left unaddressed. But healing is possible, and it begins with intentional action.

3 Crucial Steps to Healing After a Gray Divorce

1. Remove Physical & Emotional Reminders

Clear out mementos, photos, and digital connections. By creating physical space, you give your heart and mind room to heal.

2. Prioritize Self-Care

Instead of numbing the pain, nourish your body and soul. Eat well, move daily, try new hobbies, and surround yourself with supportive people.

3. Prepare for Encounters

Your first inclination might be to confront or berate, but if you run into your ex, keep the interaction polite, brief, and calm. Practicing composure honors your dignity and protects your energy.

Healing Is Your Midlife Superpower

Healing a broken heart isn’t easy, but it’s possible. I’m living proof that you can move through the grief, rebuild your health, and come out stronger. Divorce doesn’t define you; it opens the door to rediscovering who you truly are, and please remember, something I have to remind myself of on occasion, midlife is not too late; you are just getting started.

Well, my friend, that is all I have for you today. Please share this post with someone you love. Let us know in the comments how you’re navigating midlife transitions and what helps you feel supported. 

With Peace & Love,
Renee


Ready to Reclaim Your Spark in Midlife?  Free guide The Midlife Reboot Workbook
If you’re prepared to wake up excited again, reconnect with your purpose, and feel like you again, this workbook is for you. Until next time, take care of yourself and each other. 

✨ Check out other empowering resources below to support your midlife journey:

📘 FREE – The Midlife Reboot Workbook
 Feeling stuck in the middle of life? You’re not alone. Download this uplifting and straightforward guide to reconnect with yourself and take the first step toward a life that feels entirely your own.
📥 Download the FREE workbook here

🎁 Need a little inspiration you can hold onto?
 Explore the ‘It’s Not Over Until I Win’ Collection from Renee & Rubys, a bold and beautiful line of journals, mugs, tees, and gifts that remind you (or someone you love) that your story isn’t over – it’s just getting good.  Enjoy 20% off your entire order with code ENJOY at checkout! Click here to shop the collection and spark your daily inspiration

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How to Survive Summer with Menopause: Real Talk, Hot Flashes, and Smart Strategies

Hello and welcome to the Midlife Made Easier blog, where we help midlife women embrace this powerful season of life, rediscover their voice, put their healing first, and create a life they love.

Let’s talk specifically about menopause and how to survive it during the sweltering heat of summer.

I had a hysterectomy at 48. Because of my family’s high cancer risk, I opted not to pursue hormone replacement therapy. That decision, while the best one for me, thrust me headfirst into surgical menopause. And let me tell you, the hot flashes were no joke.

I remember doing a home visit with a colleague. We were reviewing a client’s case plan when I felt an intense internal heat starting to rise from my chest. Within seconds, sweat began pouring from my upper lip. I saw the look on my colleague’s face, and even our client looked concerned. I was mortified. But I smiled, pretended nothing was happening, and powered through like it was business as usual.

Menopause is tough, but it can be managed. And while I wouldn’t wish those flash floods of heat on anyone, they’ve taught me to approach midlife with humor, honesty, and a whole lot of grace.

Below are some of the strategies I (and many of my coaching clients) use to maintain our sanity and dignity even in the middle of a summer scorcher.

🌞 How to Survive Summer with Menopause

1. Dress to Destress

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Loose-fitting clothes allow your skin to breathe and help you stay cool. Pro tip: Keep a small fan in your bag or on your desk for added comfort.

2. Hydration Is Your Best Friend

Hot flashes and night sweats can leave you dehydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere. Add slices of cucumber, lemon, or mint for a refreshing twist.

3. Cool Your Sleep Environment

Sleep disturbances are real during menopause. Use cooling sheets a fan, and keep the thermostat set to a lower temperature at night. A cold pack under your pillow can work wonders.

4. Avoid Hot Flash Triggers

Spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and stress can make symptoms worse. Notice what sparks your flashes and tweak your routine accordingly.

5. Prioritize Movement

Gentle movements, such as walking, yoga, or swimming, can help regulate mood and manage weight, both of which are often affected by menopause.

6. Create a Mindful Moment

Meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in silence for 5 minutes a day can help lower cortisol levels and keep you centered.

7. Talk About It

You are not alone. Connect with other women going through the same thing. Community is powerful, and so is sharing our stories.

Well, that’s all I have for you today, my friend. Please share this post with someone you love who might be sweating through this season of life right along with us. Let us know in the comments: What’s your go-to survival strategy for menopause in the summer? 📝

✨ Check out our new workbook: Ready to Reclaim Your Spark in Midlife?
 The Midlife Reset: 21 Days to Reignite Your Energy, Confidence & Joy is now available as a pay-what-you-can digital download, starting at just $4.99. If you’re ready to wake up excited again, reconnect with your purpose, and feel like you again, this workbook is for you.

Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.

With Peace & Love,
Renee

✨ Explore more empowering resources below to support your midlife journey.

📘 FREE – The Midlife Reboot Workbook: Feeling stuck in the middle of life? You’re not alone. Download this uplifting and straightforward guide to reconnect with yourself and take the first step toward a life that feels entirely your own.  📥 Download the FREE workbook here

🎁 Need a little inspiration you can hold onto?
 Explore the ‘It’s Not Over Until I Win’ Collection from Renee & Rubys, a bold and beautiful line of journals, mugs, tees, and gifts that remind you (or someone you love) that your story isn’t over – it’s just getting good.  🛍️ Enjoy 20% off your entire order with code ENJOY at checkout!  ✨Click here to shop the collection and spark your daily inspiration

Posted on by Midlife Made Easier

How to Plan the Perfect Mental Health Day (And Why You Deserve One Every Season)

Hello and welcome to the Midlife Made Easier blog, where we help midlife women embrace this beautiful chapter, rediscover their voice, prioritize their healing, and create a life they truly love. I’m so glad you’re here.

At least once every three months, more often if I need it, I schedule a mental health day. It’s a day just for me. A day to relax in silence, write without judgment, take restorative naps, eat nourishing food, and ease my mind with calm and quiet. No meetings. No obligations. No noise. Just space to breathe.

I’m someone who feels deeply. My emotions can be intense, and sometimes, they get the better of me. I work a full-time job, I’m building a soul-uplifting business that energizes me, and I’m constantly nurturing relationships with my children, family, and friends. I pour a lot out, and that’s why it’s so important that I pour back in.

Sometimes, I just need to unplug.  And I’ve taught my children to do the same.

My son Matt, a middle school teacher, never minces words when it comes to protecting his emotional health. He’s learned the value of pressing pause and tending to his inner world. That makes me proud.

We’ve come a long way as a society when it comes to talking about mental health. There’s more openness now, less stigma. But we still have room to grow, especially when it comes to taking action on what we know.

Mental Health vs. Emotional Health: What’s the Difference?

While we often use these terms interchangeably, there are subtle but significant differences:

  • Mental health refers to our cognitive well-being, how we process information, make decisions, and manage stress. It involves our thoughts, patterns, and mental resilience.
  • Emotional health focuses on our ability to express and regulate feelings, such as anger, sadness, joy, and fear. It’s about acknowledging emotions without being overwhelmed by them.

Together, they make up our whole self. And to heal holistically, we need to address both. It’s not just about eating well or exercising, though those matter, too. True wellness encompasses how we think, how we feel, and how we respond to life’s challenges.

What Does a Mental Health Day Look Like?

A mental health day is unique to each person, but here’s what mine often includes:

  • Stillness – I start the day slowly. No alarms. Just breathing. No technology.
  • Journaling – Writing helps me release thoughts and emotions that have been crowding my mind.
  • Rest – I give myself permission to nap or simply do nothing.
  • Good Food – I nourish my body with something homemade and comforting.
  • Nature or Silence – I go for a walk or sit quietly outside to reconnect with myself.
  • Zero Guilt – Most importantly, I don’t feel bad about any of it. This day is medicine.

This ritual has become essential. It resets me. It reminds me that I am allowed to pause, even when life is busy, especially when it is.

Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re in the thick of raising a family, navigating a demanding career, or simply feeling stretched thin, you deserve a day to refill your cup.

Hey, could you do me a favor and share this post with someone you love? Let us know in the comments your best tip for managing your mental and emotional health.

Check Out Our New Workbook:  Ready to Reclaim Your Spark in Midlife?
 Grab The Midlife Reset: 21 Days to Reignite Your Energy, Confidence & Joy. If you’re ready to wake up excited again, reconnect with your purpose, and feel like you again, this workbook is for you. It’s pay-what-you-can, starting at just $4.99.

✨ Explore more empowering resources below to support your midlife journey.

📘 FREE – The Midlife Reboot Workbook: Feeling stuck in the middle of life? You’re not alone. Download this uplifting and straightforward guide to reconnect with yourself and take the first step toward a life that feels entirely your own.  📥 Download the FREE workbook here

Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.
With Peace & Love,
Renee

Resources for Your Midlife Journey:

🎁 Need a little inspiration you can hold onto?
 Explore the ‘It’s Not Over Until I Win’ Collection from Renee & Rubys, a bold and beautiful line of journals, mugs, tees, and gifts that remind you (or someone you love) that your story isn’t over – it’s just getting good.  🛍️ Enjoy 20% off your entire order with code ENJOY at checkout!  ✨Click here to shop the collection and spark your daily inspiration

Posted on by Midlife Made Easier

The Courageous Woman’s Guide to Stop Thinking Like a Victim

Download Your Copy Here

So please share with you all the second book in the Courageous Woman’s Series, The Courageous Woman’s Guide to Stop Thinking Like a Victim.  This eBook and workbook bundle is for the woman who wants to stop living in the past and understands that she cannot give her present and future the attention they deserve until she changes how she thinks.  Plus, you will get a free 45-minute call with me; together we will create a plan to map out your future.

I get it; you are a grown woman and realizing that you are walking through life thinking like a victim can make you feel weak and vulnerable.  But the truth is until you put your past to rest, you will never be able to create a life filled with peace, love, and joy.

This ebook and workbook bundle is designed to help you figure out the thought patterns affecting your ability to make wise decisions, build lasting relationships, and accomplish your goals.  In addition, I will show you how to move through the pain of trauma, disappointment, and betrayals, how to forgive others and yourself.

It is time to shift your mindset so that you can go deeper, higher, faster you know that you were created to something more in your life; if you are tired of feeling stuck and overwhelmed, download the Courageous Woman’s Guide to Stop Thinking Like a Victim and create the future you want. 

You will regret tomorrow for not starting today. 

With Peace and Love,

Renee

Download Your Copy Here

PS We are healing ourselves and helping others.  $1 of your purchase will be donated to the Atlanta Mission; our goal is $700 to help them continue the incredible work in housing, clothing, and supporting homeless mothers and their families.  Thank you for your support.

Posted on by Midlife Made Easier

Before you Say Take This Job and Shove It! Five Ways to Manage A Job You Hate

Listen to episode 59 of The Welcome to Your Life Podcast: Before you Say Take This Job and Shove It! Five Ways to Manage a Job You Hate

     I, like many of you, have had to work a job that raised my stress and anxiety levels every day I had to go in, which is sad because, “for many of us, a large portion of our days are spent at work; in fact, the average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime.” So, what do you do when you find yourself working a job you just cannot stand? This can happen for a myriad of reasons; it might be your job duties, your work environment, the commute, or the personality of your supervisor. But even though you need the paycheck every two weeks, it gets harder and harder to force yourself to go to work.

      Before you use up all your sick and vacation time, avoid the temptation to just quit. The situation might be salvageable. However, even if you decide to leave, it is best to do so with a plan. You can empower yourself to face a job that no longer serves your needs with the right strategy.

Before you give in to the urge to quit, consider these tips:

Understand exactly why you do not like your job. If you can pinpoint the challenges of your current position, you might be able to resolve them. At the very least, you can ensure the next job you take does not have the same issues. So, take time to sit quietly and make a list of what you do not like? Be specific!

Boss?

Hours?

Work environment?

Pay?

Co-workers?

Your job description or duties?

Change what you can. Do you have the power to change the aspects of your job that you do not like? For example, you might be able to alter your schedule or move to a different cubicle. There might be other positions within the company that would be a better use of your skillset. Whatever you do, avoid being a victim and look for ways to change your situation.

Develop your skills. There might be aspects of your current position that you simply cannot stand. But that does not mean you cannot learn valuable skills or get the necessary experience to move to the next level. List the benefits of your current position? What existing skills can you improve? What new skills can you learn?

Be grateful. I know this sounds hard, but gratitude is a great tool to help you get through the rough spots in your life. Make a list of all the benefits of having your job. Looking for the good in any situation will give you the strength you need to hold on until you can make a change.

Plan your exit strategy. We have all dreamt of flipping over a table and yelling; I quit as we walk gallantly out the door but do not make this move too quickly. Instead, take time to identify your options. What is the best choice you can make for your long-term future?

List the qualities you are looking for in your ideal job, boss, and co-workers.

What specifically do you not like about your current position?

What companies interest you? Why?

Will you need additional training to get your ideal job?

Will your current employer pay for that training?

When was the last time you updated your resume or CV?

Who can you reach out to for advice or job leads?

What is your current financial picture?

How long will you be able to pay in bills without your current paycheck?

     The most important tip I have for you is to be patient. Patience is a virtue and much needed during this time of transition. When you make decisions too quickly, you might regret them later. Taking your time will ensure that you are making the right move for yourself and your family. It might be uncomfortable now, but you will save yourself the wasted time and heartache when you do not plan your next move.

     Everyone has dealt with a job they do not like; this would be a great time to reach out to a friend or trusted colleague and ask for their advice.  Just know you are not alone, and before you quit, you can take a deep breath and plan your escape with intention and grace.

With Peace and Love,

Renee

Posted on by Midlife Made Easier

Five Ways to Let Go of Being a Victim and Gain Control Over Your Life

      Listen to Episode the Welcome to Your Life Podcast Episode 58: Five Ways to Let Go of Being a Victim and Gain Control Over Your Life

Our new E-Book and Workbook selection from The Courageous Woman’s Book Club is entitled The Courageous Woman’s Guide to Stop Thinking Like a Victim.  This book was difficult for me to complete; as I worked through the exercises myself, I began to release the mind demons holding me captive. Finally, I realized that my thinking like a victim had helped me settle into my role as a casualty of my life way too comfortably, and it cost me money, time, relationships, and dignity. So, I wrote this book and workbook to help other women reclaim their lives from the trauma, disappointment, and betrayal that threatened to take them out.

     My question to you is, is a victim mindset keeping you from living up to your full potential and delaying your life’s purpose?  Do you feel that people get in your way and are plotting to keep you inside your current situation?  Do you feel because of past circumstances, you are not meant to succeed? Or have you been let down so often by others that you have lost your self-confidence?  I am here to tell you that despite the frustrations, setbacks, and the lack of trust you may have in others, you can change how you think and create the life you want to live.

     Thinking like a victim is not an isolated event; it can negatively permeate every area of your life, including your career, family, and other relationships. It can have a destructive impact on your ability to succeed at anything and trap you in a cycle of unhappiness and pain.   Besides these soul-crushing effects of thinking like a victim, there is another negative consequence I would like you to consider. When you think that you’re always the victim, you might avoid taking responsibility for anything, and if that is the case, you also feel like there’s nothing you can do to solve your challenges.

     Today I want to share with you five strategies that you can start using now to take back your life by taking responsibility for your situation and gaining the power to control how you react to your circumstances! Remember, change is scary even when trying to do something positive in your life, so let’s be brave; acknowledge that tackling your mindset is not easy, but it is necessary for a powerful life.    

     When you decide to try these strategies to dislodge your negative thinking and uproot your feelings of being a victim, you will set yourself free, and no one can do that for you except you.  These strategies will help you to increase your awareness and stop feeling sorry for yourself. 

  • Increase your awareness. if you think like a victim, you cannot help but feel sorry for yourself.  Feeling sorry for yourself is a heavy emotional weight to carry each day it drains your energy and blinds you to the positive things in your life.  What you are aware of, you can control and change. You will become more intentional in how you live.  When you feel your thinking steering you towards a thought of “why does this always happen to me,” you can recognize the belief and change course.
  •    Stop waiting for someone to rescue you. If you have followed me for any time, you know I believe in creating a village to support you while you are on your healing journey, but you shouldn’t expect your support system to solve all your issues.      If you’re bound by a victim mindset, you may be searching for someone to save you. However, this strategy can lead to more hurt feelings.  So, while it may be tempting to turn to your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors for help.  It is unfair to put the weight of your recovery on the shoulders of others.   You might believe that you cannot change without the assistance of other people.   The truth is that you have the strength and power to change your own thoughts, but it will require you to recognize your inner courage and use it to change how you think. No one else can do this for you.
  • Be sure to take responsibility.   Don’t take the easy way out of blaming your circumstances on other people.  To heal this type of mindset, you must take control and acknowledge your own responsibility.  Taking responsibility for how you think will move you one step closer to eliminating the victim mindset. This is how you take back your power and your life.
  •  Try Prayer or meditation.  Prayer and meditation is a powerful tool.  It can calm the anxiety that change often brings and help you find peace. It can also help you turn inward, increase your self-awareness, and see your victim mindset.  Both will help you to realize how your mind and body react to negativity or stress. This allows you to focus your energy and change your thought process.  Now you can become an observer, find closure, and stop the victim cycle.
  • Discover and implement your favorite stress-relieving activity.  Stress only perpetuates thinking like a victim.  Meditation is one option I help my clients initiate for coping with stress. You may want to try yoga, swimming, running, walking, boxing, or other types of exercise. In addition, you can manage your stress by doing hobbies you love, such as knitting, reading, or drawing.  Managing your stress will empower you and help you create a new mindset that is stronger and healthier. 

     You can reclaim your power as you experiment with different stress-relieving activity.  In time you will learn how to avoid or diminish negative thinking in your personal space.  Your first response will not be to blame others, your luck, or your circumstances.  Instead, you will manage your emotions with calm and ease.  It is time to regain your power.

With Peace and Love,

Renee

Hi guys, my name is Renee.  I am a Certified Coach and Yoga teacher host of the award-winning Welcome to Your Life Podcast and the Courageous Woman’s Book Club founder.      Thank you so much for checking out today’s post.

This month our goal is to raise $700 for the Atlanta Mission to help support homeless moms and their children-download The Courageous Woman’s Guide to Stop Thinking Like a Victim E-Book and Workbook Bundle. You get both for only $5. Take control of your circumstances and create the life you want to live. We donate $1 from every purchase.

Join the Group: Ready to heal, connect, and grow? Join the free Welcome to Your Life! Facebook Group for training, support, and love

Check out past episodes of the Welcome to Your Life Podcast. Don’t forget to follow.

Posted on by Midlife Made Easier

Five Things Every Single Mom Should Consider Before Dating Again

Click here to listen to Episode 57 of The Welcome to Your Life Podcast-Five Things Every Single Mom Should Consider Before Dating Again

Hey, I get it; being a single mom can be lonely and scary.  Like everyone else, single moms want to be in a stable, loving relationship.  The problem happens when we try to manifest those relationships before we’ve gotten ourselves, our children, and our households in order.  When I learned that my ex-husband had started dating, I jumped headfirst into the dating scene.  After 20 years of being with one guy, I thought how hard could it be for me to find someone new; he did it, so I tried to meet guys on dating apps, in clubs, and through mutual acquaintances.  But I wasn’t ready, and my children weren’t ready.  Maybe, like me, after seeing your ex with a new partner, your first inclination is to find someone new; I had to learn the hard way that whether I was dating or not, my household was complete.

      Today, I want to share five things every single mom should attend to before they start dating.  These are the things I wish someone had told me before I tried to start dating again.  Now, as with any advice, you can take it or leave it, gleam what works for you and leave the rest.  But, I promise you that if you take your time and work through this checklist when you decide to start dating, you will feel less overwhelmed, more in control, and just plain happier, and so will your kids. You will enjoy the experience more and choose partners who have what you want and not just because you are desperate to be part of a couple.

 1.  Heal:  Make sure that you have healed from your past relationship. Break-ups are hard.  Often, we blame the other person as much as we blame ourselves, and as painful as it is, we must allow ourselves to feel the pain of this loss.  In my 12 years of working with single moms, I have found that it doesn’t matter how atrocious the relationship had become, or if the break-up was a mutual decision and you parted as friends, we still need to grieve.  So, allow yourself time to go through the grieving process.  The time is different for everyone; ending a relationship in which you have invested time, energy, and love will be hard on you emotionally, physically, and possibly financially.  One surefire way to sabotage a new relationship is to bring the unpacked baggage from your old relationship into your new one.

2. Make Sure Your Kids Are Adjusting: Break-ups are hard on kids like you; they have come to depend on the other person being in their life. They need your assurance that everything is going to be okay. Sit down and speak with your children, answer their questions, and explain how things are going to work from now on, including visitation, living arrangements, and who will pick them up from school. Your child may be dealing with some anger and grief now that you and your ex have called it quits. Make sure that you have a stable routine, and don’t be afraid to find some professional help. As a Parent Advocate and Case Manager, I helped moms and dads find a licensed professional counselor to help their kids dealing with anxiety and depression. Some kids have a hard time processing this change in their family and begin to act out at home and school. It is impossible to deal with a brand-new relationship while trying to ensure that you and your children are adjusting well.


3. Organize Your Household: Create a morning and evening routine for yourself and your children. Routines help children to feel safe and more in control. It will decrease the amount of overwhelm you feel when trying to get through your day and deal with your feelings and their feelings. Get out the calendar and assign household chores, schedule homework, mealtimes, after-school activities, visitation, and family time. To make your mornings less stressful, you can layout everyone’s outfits for the following day, make sure backpacks and lunches are packed, sign all school-related paperwork, and set the table for breakfast the next day. As moms, our #1 job is to ensure that our children feel safe and secure in their environment. I promise when they feel safe and secure, you will be much happier.


4. Get Your Finances in Order: Use this time of uncoupling to organize your finances, create a simple budget that includes your income, debts, and savings. No matter how bleak your financial outlook appears, it’s crucial to handle the money that is going in and out of your home with care. I learned this the hard way. In the early years of my single parenting journey, not having a budget cost me thousands of dollars in late fees. I don’t want that to be your financial story. You may need to find a new job or go back to school to learn a new skill. But you will never get a handle on your finances until you get the courage to make a budget and write things down. The worst mistake I see single moms making is finding someone to help them with their household expenses. If someone is helping you financially-they are going to want a say in how your household operates and how you raise your children. Ask yourself, am I ready to share or give up control. Think of this as a time to simplify your life and focus on yourself and your children. You are a strong and capable woman able to take care of yourself and your children.


5. Create Your Village: “Children who have single parents will also have many supporters.”  You can do this alone, but you do not have to do it alone. I do not know where my children and I would be right now if I did not support my family, friends, and church family. Raising children as a single mom is hard work; it can be physically, emotionally, and financially exhausting. You need someone in your corner to support you and your children. You need someone to vent to, relax with, and someone who will gladly watch your kids so that you can have some “me” time. Your village will include help for you and role models for your kids, so make sure that you vet everyone who comes into your circle to make sure that you share the same values.
I know that single parenting can be lonely, and I would never tell you not to date again, but you can never be too careful with children in the mix. When flying solo, you only had to worry about your broken heart if things didn’t work out; as a mom, you now must watch out for the little hearts under your charge. Following one or all five tips will help you be sure that you and your children are ready when you invite a new personality into your household.


What’s your advice on single moms and dating? Post in the comments!
With Peace and Love,
Renee

Hi guys, my name is Renee.  I am a Certified Coach and Yoga teacher host of the award-winning Welcome to Your Life Podcast and the Courageous Woman’s Book Club founder.      Thank you so much for checking out today’s post.

This month our goal is to raise $700 for the Atlanta Mission to help support homeless moms and their children-download The Courageous Woman’s Guide to Stop Thinking Like a Victim E-Book and Workbook Bundle. You get both for only $5. Take control of your circumstances and create the life you want to live. We donate $1 from every purchase.

Join the Group: Ready to heal, connect, and grow? Join the free Welcome to Your Life! Facebook Group for training, support, and love

Check out past episodes of the Welcome to Your Life Podcast. Don’t forget to follow.

Posted on by Midlife Made Easier · 2 Comments

Don’t Let Anyone Tell You Forgiveness Is Easy

“Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.”

Mel Robbins

    Forgiveness is not easy, and anyone who tells you otherwise probably was not that angry to begin with; my journey towards forgiveness has been rocky, to be sure. But I do not want you to think I am asking you to consider doing something that I have not had to do myself.  My childhood was rough; a lot happened to me that no child should experience; one of those events was when my day left us when I was eight.  I only saw him sporadically for the next 16 years.

      I blamed him for not being there to protect me from all the crap that I endured.   When my first child was born, I had a decision to make, stay angry with my dad, I mean, who would blame me.  There was a part of me that wanted to hold on to my anger and continue the cycle of pain and abandonment. I was used to those feelings; they felt safe, but how could I do that to my son? Have you become comfortable with your anger?

       I chose to forgive, and my children have some of the best memories of Papa J.T. he never missed a church play or baseball game; he was the one they called when they missed the bus for school.  And he and I patched up our relationship, which was so wonderful; when he died, I had no regrets.

     No regrets, which was a beautiful side effect of me forgiving him, we developed a lovely relationship that we could not have had without me forgiving him.  I will always be grateful.  

If you chose not Failing to forgive will make you miserable. Creating and maintaining negative thoughts doesn’t feel good. Pleasant thoughts support an excellent mood. By refusing to forgive the person that wronged you, you’re harming yourself.

You’ll be stronger. Forgiveness can be challenging! Staying angry is easy in a certain way. Show yourself just how strong you are. Take a deep breath and forgive. It becomes easier with time.

    Don’t let anyone tell you that forgiveness is easy; it is not, but if you want to get on with your life and create something beautiful without regrets, let go of the comfort of your anger and forgive the person that hurt you, remember forgiveness is for you.

With Love and Peace,

Renee

Hi guys, my name is Renee.  I am a Certified Coach and Yoga teacher host of the award-winning Welcome to Your Life Podcast and the Courageous Woman’s Book Club founder.      Thank you so much for checking out today’s post.

This month our goal is to raise $700 for the Atlanta Mission to help support homeless moms and their children-download The Courageous Woman’s Bible Discovery Journal. It’s only $3.58. Connect or reconnect with God in 15 minutes a day. -We donate $1 from every purchase.

Join the Group: Ready to heal, connect, and grow? Join the free Welcome to Your Life! Facebook Group for training, support, and love

Check out past episodes of the Welcome to Your Life Podcast. Don’t forget to follow.

Posted on by Midlife Made Easier

Forgiveness is Not Forgetting!

Listen to WTYL Episode 56 Forgiveness is Not Forgetting

    “Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.” Marianne Williamson

In my coaching practice, we focus on healing from the trauma, heartbreak, disappointments, and betrayal my clients have suffered.  My goal is to help them put their healing first to create the life they want and not get stuck living the life they have.  Forgiveness is one of the cornerstones of healing because you are just spinning your wheels without it.  Holding on to the “thing” that someone did to you is like hitting yourself in the face repeatedly and expecting the person that hurt you to say ouch. 

     I get it; when someone has done you wrong, the last thing on your mind is to forgive them; you might even be thinking of ways to get even. However, forgiveness is the gift you give to yourself, and if you want to finally heal and move on with your life, you will have to acknowledge the unforgiveness in your heart. 

   Forgiving someone does not mean that you must forget what they did or that you must become best friends. Living in the past steals your present and taints your future. Your great future requires an attentive present. That’s not possible if you’re living in the past. Life is happening right now at this moment. Every moment spent in the past is lost forever. I want to invite you to reclaim your life by forgiving and moving on.

With Peace and Love,

Renee

PS Share this post with someone you love, and don’t forget to follow us, so you don’t miss part two of the series.

Hi guys, my name is Renee.  I am a Certified Coach and Yoga teacher host of the award-winning Welcome to Your Life Podcast and the Courageous Woman’s Book Club founder.      Thank you so much for checking out today’s post.

This month our goal is to raise $700 for the Atlanta Mission to help support homeless moms and their children-download The Courageous Woman’s Bible Discovery Journal. It’s only $3.58. Connect or reconnect with God in 15 minutes a day. -We donate $1 from every purchase.

Join the Group: Ready to heal, connect, and grow? Join the free Welcome to Your Life! Facebook Group for training, support, and love

Check out past episodes of the Welcome to Your Life Podcast. Don’t forget to follow.

Posted on by Midlife Made Easier

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for What You Want

         Too many women live their lives waiting for someone to see how great they are and give them the recognition they deserve.  I get it; asking for what you want is scary; what if the other person says NO!  So, we wait to get raises, promotions, or commitments in relationships.  Well, it is time for that to stop.  You have heard the old saying, “a close mouth doesn’t get fed.”  It’s true.  If your boss can get you to do great work and pay you less than you are worth, they will.  If you have given your heart to your significant other along with all the emotional and financial support they need, but they are still taking you for granted and listing you at number two or three on their to-do list.  They will not change until you ask them to. 

    You might be scared the answer is no, but if the answer is no, you will have a decision to make, whether to stay or go.   If you’re the kind of woman who rarely says what you want or whispers your intentions, it will be difficult for others to hear, much less help you. Practice turning up your volume and declaring what you want. Speak your desires, increase your confidence by making decisions that benefit you, take charge of your life.  Let your voice be heard.

I believe in you!

With Peace and Love,

Renee

Hi guys, my name is Renee.  I am a Certified Coach and Yoga teacher host of the award-winning Welcome to Your Life Podcast and the Courageous Woman’s Book Club founder.      Thank you so much for checking out today’s post.

This month our goal is to raise $700 for the Atlanta Mission to help support homeless moms and their children-download The Courageous Woman’s Bible Discovery Journal. It’s only $3.58. Connect or reconnect with God in 15 minutes a day. -We donate $1 from every purchase.

Join the Group: Ready to heal, connect, and grow? Join the free Welcome to Your Life! Facebook Group for training, support, and love

Check out past episodes of the Welcome to Your Life Podcast. Don’t forget to follow.