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So it’s the day after Thanksgiving here in the US and I have a question midlife women–what kind of exercise will you do this weekend? “Why do you ask?” you might ask. Because if you are anything like me it’s helpful to have someone remind me to include this uber beneficial activity in my long weekend with leftovers lurking in every corner of the kitchen. Hey, we have yesterday’s extra calories to get rid of but that’s not all. 

Yes, the holiday season has officially started bringing with it the once-a-year-only delicious morsels, parties, and longer than usual to-do lists. In our already busy lives, these rituals can squeeze out our much needed exercise program. Skipping exercise is never a good thing but when temptation in the form of food and libations beckon ditching that walk or spin class is the surest way to the Holiday 5. Hate to break it to you, if it was a 5 pound weight gain in our 30’s and 40’s it’s an 8 - 10 pound gain in our 50’s.

Rather than fretting let’s do something different this year. Let’s plan some movement into our month rather than trying to squeeze it in as the days progress. Oh, and if you are of the mindset that “it’s already the end of the year, I’ll just party like it’s 1999, eat what I want, and start my new lifestyle habits in the new year” I have a question for you? How has that kind of thinking worked for you in the past?

Starting on Dec. 1st I’m going to give you tips to party smart and avoid the Holiday 5 (10). I am not asking you to starve, forgo treats, or stay home like Cinderella all season. I’m going to give you easy ways to manage it all and not gain the weight. 
Wouldn’t it be a bonus if you woke up on January 1st feeling like a success before you even looked at your new year creation plan?

I can’t wait to hear your success stories.

Wow, a new president is on the way. A new era and style of government. On every level this election and the process of electing Obama is remarkable and notable. The first African American, the first campaign to be replayed, commented on, and made fun of on YouTube and the first time the otherwise disenfranchised came out to vote in droves. Regardless of whom you rooted for there is no going back and the message of hope and “Yes We Can” ought to be written on our hearts and born out by our actions.

It’s not just about the politics, or the economy, and getting out of a stupid war. The ideal of “Yes We Can” is a mantra for all smart women’s dreams and the aspirations we hold in our hearts. It is–or can be–a guiding light for those days when no one buys, picks up the phone and calls, responds to our marketing, or our requests to a partner for some little touch, some warmth go unheard. It says that we can have happiness, peace, joy, abundance regardless of how the news reports it or those around us respond. We can because we are. That right there is the only reason by the way. Yes We Can because We Are. I Am. 

I may sound a bit out there for you, that’s ok. If you can just let sink in what I’m hoping to convey you might just turn a miserable mood into a decent one. You might just open enough to hear a message that will move you in the right direction, you might just believe that you can.

And what would you do if you knew you could not fail?

What would today feel like if you knew you were worthy of your dreams?

What can your life look like in the next 4 years if you live the idea that “Yes We Can” is not just a campaign slogan but a truth for all of us?

Write and let me know how this sounds to you.

If you’ve never read my newsletter you might want to check it out with this link. This month I review a book that I think should be in every midlife woman’s healthy reference library. The Smart Woman’s Guide to Midlife and Beyond is written by two female doctors whose patients are largely boomer women. The format is easy to navigate, a bit like an encyclopedia, concise, and spot on in terms of blending western and complimentary modalities for optimal health.

There are recipes, a Q & A on cold and flu prevention as well as the main article which will show you why your dreams are achievable even if they seem crazy.

Take a look, pass it along if you know other women who you think might benefit and leave me a comment on what helped or questions you might have.

Hope it’s a great weekend!

Welcome to what’s been a long time in coming–the new look and new name for my blog and newsletter.

I’m thrilled to throw open the doors to what I hope will be your resource for up to the minute–as well as time tested and true–usable information to keep you fit or get you there, as well as healthy, sassy and sane at this starting gate to the second half.

What does Midlife with a Vengeance mean? It means we as a group have big things to do, places to go, and dreams to realize. We know how important health is at any age but especially at an age where the body needs more and different kinds of support. We don’t buy the conventional wisdom that says at “our age” certain things just happen–like prescription meds to keep our hearts ticking, weight gain, slowing down and such.

We are actively living each day, finding out what works for us individually and living there–not in anyone else’s idea of what we should be or do or dress like or act like. 

Our immortality may feel more real than ever and with this in mind, we choose to get moving. We, smart women all, choose taking care of our bodies and our minds. We choose now to make the changes we’ve been saying we want to make because if not now, when?

Just writing this excites me to make the most of my day. To get my sneakers on now so I don’t bail on exercise later. To write the wee card I promised I’d put in the mail to a friend with a new baby–brave soul she is at midlife, and more.

Why not take a minute and write how you feel today and what you want to move to the front burner?

Welcome, please come back often!

I’ll be posting links to other sites that have equally great information, some health oriented others on business, travel, money and more. Please post comments, ask questions, suggest others who you think compliment our community here.