Thriving In Midlife: Living Beyond Mediocre

Where have I been the past several months? Well, I like to call the past 4-5 months as my transitional season with 2 moves, job change and a divorce. The exciting news is I am pivoting my podcast to a new topic but still for women in midlife- Solo Travel Adventures. The new podcast will equip women over 50 to build confidence to safely travel solo.I hope you will join my Facebook community of sister travelers as well.https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200Join my new podcast and subscribe as well.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048349

What is Pilates? A body-mind exercise modality that works full-body in a non-impact way. Pilates focuses on strengthen and connecting all movement through our “core”, which includes the abdominals, back muscles, hips, gluteus, and even shoulder area. My journey with Pilates began during my dancing years of graduate school in 1997. After 2001 when the practice became more accessible to the masses, I began teaching more and explored the Pilates equipment teacher certification. Joseph Pilates quotes: “Pilates is the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.” “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have whole new body.” My life is now eating, breathing and sleeping the Pilates way.www.cherylbeckesch.comInstagram: @thrivinginmidlife

Have you ever wet yourself while laughing or coughing? Do you experience urine leakage? You are not alone but it can be prevented.Daily Kegel exercises can improve any urinary incontinence. As we age this becomes an embarrassing issue, especially if we are in public.Another part of our pelvic health includes the overall urinary tract. Every woman I know has had at least 1 UTI in their life. UTI's can become more frequent during menopause due to the decrease in circulating estrogen.UTI's can be caused by: 1) incorrect wiping in the bathroom, 2) sexual activity, 3) yeast infections not addressed, 4) menopause, 5) birth control such as a diaphragmCare for a UTI with drinking lots of water, 100% cranberry juice, herbs, Oil of Oregano and other immune supporting herbs like Echinacea and Goldenseal.We don't want to end up wearing Depends, so take care of your Pelvic Health.www.cherylbeckesch.comInstagram- @thrivinginmidlife

We all have experienced transitions in our lives creating stress. But how do you handle this uncharted territory/season? Even if you currently are not dealing with this situation, at some point we all do.Despite everything around you being uncertain, you can create certainty and familiar grounding with a routine: a morning and/or evening routine that you can do and take anywhere you find yourself.In today's episode I share what helps ground me and the specifics of my morning and evening routine which has been a lifesaving as I transition in my living situation, my work situation, my end of a marriage and relationship with those around me.Feel free to share with me what you do to ground yourself amidst the chaos of life.Instagram: @thrivinginmidlifethrivinginmidlifepodcast@gmail.comwww.cherylbeckesch.com

Mothers- where would we be without them? None of us would exist if it weren't for mothers.As a tribute to all women and mothers on this pre-Mother's Day celebration in the US.We do so much as women and mothers, which can be a thankless job. Our reward will be in heaven.Please care for yourself and honor those who "mothered" you.Even if you are a "Motherless Daughter" as I am, you can still remember with love that person.Leave me your comments or suggestions for a topic through:https://www.speakpipe.com/Thrivinginmidlifewww.cherylbeckesch.com

Are you part of the "sandwich generation" and caring for aging parents while managing your household and children? The idea of a parent or loved one being diagnosed with MCI, dementia or Alzheimer's can be disheartening and overwhelming to manage.* Get help from others. You cannot do this alone.*If a loved one lives alone, assess the situation and get home care help or locate a community care facility.*Advocate for your loved one's care. Don't be afraid to ask questions or even get a second opinion.Important daily routines to support your loved one's health:1) Drink plenty of water2) Proper sleep. Get on a set sleep schedule3) Nutritional support4) Movement/exercise5) Keep a routine in generalFor more logistical questions and guidance, please contact Samantha for a consult.Where to connect with Samantha:www.carewithabundance.comFacebook- Care With AbundanceInstagram- @carewithabundancePodcast: "The Bridges We Build"  https://anchor.fm/samantha-dazeyResources: Books"The End of Alzheimer's" by Dale Bredesan"Alzheimer's Disease- What if There Was a Cure?" by Mary T. Newport, MD"Alzheimer's Solution" by Dean & Ayesha Sherzai, MD

Are you just surviving in life? Create and find joy in several areas of your life now.Create a list of 20 things you enjoy doing that bring you joy. And then start to do them weekly or monthly.Adjust any relationships that are not serving you or reignite a joy with a loved one.Do you need to change careers/jobs? Pivot in your profession if needed. Re-invent yourself and rediscover lost passions.Shift your environment to a place where you feel joy.Leave a comment or idea for future topics at https://www.speakpipe.com/Thrivinginmidlifewww.cherylbeckesch.com@thrivinginmidlife

Are you feeling stuck in the same patterns of thinking?How do you change your negative mindset?How is "mindset" practices from a Biblical perspective different from the mainstream or psychology/counseling approach?Can we overcome a lifetime of failures with this approach? Find out what is missing from any past mindset programs you may have tried.My guest, Dawn Churchill, will address all these questions in this episode.Dawn Churchill is a licensed & ordained Pastor and Prophet, overseen by Apostle EJ Moreno of Chicago IL and New Zion Kingdom Network. She serves as a transformational mindset coach, focusing on healing significant past traumas that shape an individual's current health, wealth, relationships, success, and life purpose. She addresses topics such as: business success, your wealth & money mindset, entrepreneurship, emotional food addictions, narcissistic abuse, and past sexual trauma.Dawn is an author, speaker, and educator who Empowers Quitters to Embrace a Lifestyle of Faith & Possibilities! She serves as the National Coordinator for International Christian Dance Fellowship USA and has taught dance and/or fitness in the US, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Tobago, and the Bahamas.You can follow Dawn at https://www.facebook.com/DawnReneeChurchill/https://www.facebook.com/DawnChurchillMinistrieshttps://www.instagram.com/dawnchurchill/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnchurchill/Or visit her websites athttps://dawnchurchill.org/https://dawn-churchill-institute.teachable.com/www.cherylbeckesch.comhttps://www.speakpipe.com/Thrivinginmidlife

As women, we need to take care of ourselves; physically, mentally and spiritually.Do you take time for "me time"? Do you see yourself as a priority? It's important that we take the time to fill our cups so we can give and serve others. We often put other people's needs ahead of ours, but we need to respect ourselves enough to not feel guilty or selfish for this time for yourself.Three Excuses:1) "I don't have the money to pamper myself." There are many activities you can do that are free.2) "I don't have the time." We all have the same hours in the day. When we make ourselves a priority and see the importance, we MAKE TIME. We make time for what is important, so schedule self-care time weekly.3) "I feel guilty or selfish." Caring for yourself is not selfish. We have one body and we must take care of it as though a treasure.Examples of Self-care practices:Nature walks or hikingWalk on a beach or near waterJournalingNapGet out in the sun- 15 minutes without sunscreenRead a bookBath-Epsom salts or bubbleFacialManicure/PedicureMassageBlow out your hair or get hair doneCryotherapySaunaGentle exercise* Please note, your list may look different and you need to discover what you enjoy and what fills you up and renews you.Go and take care of yourself in body, mind and spirit and Rise above mediocre!

Many women struggle with self-acceptance of their physical bodies.We must treat our bodies with love and care.Many of us carry with us past ideas of perfect bodies with the pressures of diets, magazine covers, pressures from people in our lives (maybe a parent when you were growing up or spouse).Eliminating our past ideologies of how our bodies should like, whether from past experiences, from others or from society, is key to self-acceptance of our physical bodies.We must ignore the judgements from others in order to move forward in healing. Our bodies are a temple of the Lord (1Cor 6:19, 2 Cor 6:16). We are beautifully and wonderfully made. We need to sweep out these old ideas of how our bodies should be through daily positive affirmations. As we begin to believe in our mind, heart, and spirit, we will come to love our physical beings leading to a respect of our bodies and a desire to take care of our vessels. Stand in front of a mirror and lovingly look at your body and say some positive body affirmations. You can find a list at the blog below. 42 Body Affirmations- zannakeithley.com  www.cherylbeckesch.com @thrivinginmidlife- InstagramFacebook page- Thriving In Midlife Podcast 

Perimenopausal Women’s Biggest Struggle: Weight GainWhy it Happens and How to Reduce One of the biggest frustrations of many Perimenopausal women is the weight gain and the struggle to lose it. No matter how much you exercise or eat healthy, it just doesn’t seem to want to come off your body. Why does this happen? During perimenopause and menopause, our hormones are fluctuating and out of balance. Women have 3 main hormones: Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone that seem to decrease as we age for most or you could have high estrogen causing lower progesterone. But we tend to forget two other body hormones that are key players during perimenopause: Cortisol and Melatonin. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. It regulates and plays a key role in the body’s response to stress. Too much cortisol is bad. When your cortisol levels remain high for an extended period (during a stressful time in your life), you will gain weight through the middle of your body “spare tire”. Elevated cortisol can cause other health issues as well. Melatonin regulates our sleep and is produced in the pineal gland. This hormone declines with age but it is important as it allows your body to properly respond to the circadian rhythms of day and night cycles. If you are sleeping well, this allows the cortisol hormone to dip lower and not remain elevated while you sleep. How to reduce this weight gain during perimenopause: 1)    Reduce your stress so you can reduce cortisol levels2)    Have your hormone levels checked by a doctor to see what is off-balance3)    Move your body-gently. No high intensity exercise or beating your body up because you are frustrated4)    Don’t obsess about your weight- this causes mental stress5)    Be kind to your body. Do some self-careInstagram: @thrivinginmidlifewww.cherylbeckesch.com

As women, many of us suffer from having disillusioned ideals of body image with a strong focus on diet and weight loss as the answer. But if our relationship with food is not “healthy”, we likely are feeling like we are on this cycle with no resolve. Our societal pressures and our past may affect the relationship we have with food; good and bad.What is your relationship with food? Do you suffer from disordered eating?What is “disordered eating”? Disordered eating, according to Mindy, is misguided behavior driven by misguided information.Understanding Disordered Eating: How the Diet Culture and Your Past Affects Your Relationship with FoodGUEST:Mindy Gorman Plutzer is a nutrition consultant, certified holistic health coach and eating psychology coach. Working in the weight management industry for 19 years, she has combined her background, trainings in holistic health, transformational coaching, and eating psychology with her extensive life experience to create The Freedom Promise, a private coaching practice.Mindy has worked with hundreds of clients to transform their relationship with food from one mired in toxic and limiting beliefs to one that is joyous, loving and free. She introduces strategies that are a combination of practical coaching techniques, results-oriented psychology, clinical nutrition, body-centered practices, mind-body science, and a positive and compassionate approach to challenges with food, weight and health. Clients experience results that are nourishing, doable, and sustainable. www.thefreedompromise.comInstagram: @thefreedompromiseFacebook: The Freedom PromiseBook available on Amazon: The Freedom Promise: 7 Steps to Stop Fearing What Food Will Do to You and Start Embracing What It Can Do for You 

We all have known or know someone that has cancer; whether it's a family member, neighbor, friend, co-worker.We as community need to rally around those with cancer and provide encouragement and support. Cancer patients have shared what has been the most beneficial support for them.1) Be there for them. Listen.2) Provide encouragement and prayer.3) Provide meals.4) Offer to help around their house, clean, run errands, carpool or take them to their appointments.5) Be proactive in your help

We all know someone who has had or has cancer. Is there another way besides Chemotherapy and radiation? Yes, there is with many success stories of healing. Today's episode is simply a resource to other ideas on how to treat your body and help it heal from the ravages of cancer.I am not a medical doctor and highly recommend you do your own research and consult with a experienced Functional Medicine Practitioner.This list are the topics I covered today.Gerson Therapy- Gerson.orgVirotheraphy- virotherapy.eu Coffee EnemasChelation Therapy Plant Based Diet“Chris Beat Cancer” by Chris WarkRaw Diet Fasting Urotheraphy- Dr. Edward Group of Global Healing InstituteCannibasThe Truth About Cancer- www.ttac.orgParticipate in my next episode by providing advise on what a cancer patient needs most and how a caretaker or friend can be a support to someone with cancer by PM on Insta @thrivinginmidlife or go to www.cherylbeckesch.com

Many of us know someone personally that has had or has cancer. Cancer has become common among our western population. But it is no longer considered a death sentence, rather there are many success stories and ways to heal the body from this disease.My guest today, Keely Dyska, has faced cancer with a Warrior’s spirit. She shares her journey from diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma to her treatment plan. Keely opens up about what she discovered about herself along the way, and the change in approach to healing her body today. We are fortunate to have options to how we treat cancer now. There are even designated specialty centers that offer support and non-invasive protocols to beating cancer.Three of the places where Keely received support in her cancer journey and mentioned in the interview are: (we are not an affiliates of these institutes)·      Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, FL www.hippocratesinst.org·      Optimum Health Institute (OHI) www.optimumhealth.org·      True North Health Center www.healthpromoting.com There is hope for those with cancer. (Disclaimer: In this episode, we are not offering medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plans. We are only sharing our experiences and recommend you seek out medical advice. If you would like to locate a Functional Medicine doctor, try www.ifm.org) If you know someone in this battle, have them listen. ·      It is important for those with cancer to find a strong support system, you cannot do this on your own.·      Get a second opinion and take your time to evaluate your options.·      By getting to the root of the cause, one can have a better success of full healing.·      All systems of our bodies are connected: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritually. If one system is out of balance/lacking, it will cause issues and healing will be more challenging unless you look at your whole body. Keely wants to show strength and hope to others. If you would like to personally talk to Keely Dyska, message me through Instagram @thrivinginmidlifewww.cherylbeckesch.com   

A new year brings so much possibility, a fresh start. Before you begin setting goals for the new year, it’s important to know what your core values are. These core values or Pillars of your life will drive what goals and decisions you make. If you are not sure what your core values are, you can ask yourself: What is most important to me? What makes you happy, excited, or energized? Keep asking this question until you feel confident with about 5-7 foundational values. Once you determine these “pillars” then you can focus on what goals align with these values. You can also ask yourself “What life do I want to have” and match a core value to would correlate with this future life you envision. It’s also important that any goal you set has a why or an emotion attached to it. Make sure goals are specific and not too vague or overwhelming that they can’t be achieved. A Word of the Year exercise can also help guide any goals you set throughout the year. Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as you go along. Discover why a goal didn’t work or why you failed so you can continue to grow as a person and do better in the future.

With the holidays in view, many of us celebrate by keeping certain traditions. Whether these are childhood traditions that you have carried on or new ones, they are attached to feelings and memories. But are all traditions good us and when is it a good time to change an old, worn out tradition?Remember that Christmas can be a hard time for many, especially those who have lost a loved one or moved away or has a different family situation. Be mindful and gracious to those who are sad and struggling to adjust to the change in a normal, traditional Christmas.Creating new memories and traditions may be necessary. Invite people into your fold but don't push them if they need time and space to grieve and re-define what their holiday will look like.Need a gift idea? I am offering 2 Wellness Coaching sessions for the price of 1. Go to www.cherylbeckesch.com  under Services and select the Single session and then include in the notes- "Christmas Special"- good until December 31, 2021.

Why is it so important to remove and reduce our body's exposure to toxins? Therese of Green Living Gurus and I discuss the affects toxins can have on your health and offer ways and baby steps to begin your green living, non-toxic, healthy living journey.Therese is an Environmental Toxins Health Coach and the Head Guru at The Green Living Gurus. She is an entrepreneur, activist, and educator. She is spreading the awareness of chemical exposure that could cause cancer and other illnesses!She helps families and individuals worried about cancer and other illnesses by identifying carcinogens and harmful chemicals in their lives and homes that potentially harm their health. She teaches the Healthy Detox Method, solves chemical confusion, and makes it easier to find safe and healthy products. She also has a household product line called Tee’s Organics - Healthy for You and Your Home! | Therese "Tee" Forton-Barnes, an Environmental Toxins Health Coach (Green Living Gurus) and will guide you on a road to avoid toxicants and chemicals that could cause cancer and other illnesses and lead you towards living a healthier low-tox life. She will help you navigate through the process of making healthier choices and inform you of alternative products and options that are not harmful to your health and the environment. She will help you decrease your exposure to chemicals and hopefully reduce the risk of illnesses and increase your odds of a long, healthy vital life. She teaches the The Healthy Home Detox Method and solves the problem of chemical confusion and makes it easier to find safe and healthy products.  In 2020, Therese pivoted to her true passion: healthy, natural, non-toxic living. Therese brings over 50 years of hands-on, real-world experience in living a holistic, non-toxic and organic lifestyle and is furthering her education and training all the time. In 2021 she started a new business called Tee’s Organics. The product line to begin with consists of: An all-purpose cleaning spray and three room sprays that are also good for linens, sneakers, hockey/athletic bags, cars, offices and more. Her slogan is “Healthy for You and Your Home!” Besides living a healthy life, Therese loves to exercise, sip on organic wine, cook, walk her dog, go to the beach, listen to live music, plan parties, hang with her 92 year old Dad, is an avid sports fan (especially the Buffalo Bills and Sabres) and loves to cruise in her 1971 Cutlass Supreme convertible.  EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:1) The quantity of toxins in our environments, our foods, our water and air cause an overload on our bodies which affect the immune system then causing illnesses.2) We as consumers can make an impact by NOT buying these toxic products. You can make changes-there are choices. Slowly make a transition, even if it is one product a month.3)Take baby steps4) NEVER buy anything that says "fragrance" or "parfum" on it, because these are chemicals and carcinogenic.Find Therese at www.greenlivinggurus.comgreenlivinggurus@gmail.comInstagram:  | https://www.instagram.com/greenlivinggurus/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenLivingGurusYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW7_phs1GZUPzG21Zgjnqtw  

For years I resisted the idea of meditating due to my past experience and faith belief. Yet after discovering the health benefits and that meditation is actually a Biblical principle, I began my journey of learning about the practice. Now I meditate most mornings for about 15 minutes.Benefits of Meditation:·      Reduces anxiety and stress·      Lowers blood pressure and heart rate·      Improves blood circulation·      Lowers blood cortisol levels·      Improves general mental health and better focusBrain Science/Neuroplasticity and Meditation:·      Meditation helps to thicken the pre-frontal cortex- this is where higher order brain function happens like increased concentration, awareness and decision-making·      A Harvard study found regular meditation in 40–50-year-olds showed the same gray matter in the brain as 20–30-year-olds·      In Alzheimer patients there is significant lack of gray matter in their brains·      Meditation helps to release key neurotransmitters that help regulate vital hormone balance.To BEGIN:1)    Find a comfortable spot to do your meditation in, void of external distractions2)    Find a time of day that works best for you3)    Begin with breathing techniques (Box breathing, deep breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, etc)4)    Start with 2 minutes and build up to longer as you are able5)    Add visualization, music or use a meditation app to assist in your practice6)    Be consistent In general, one must find what techniques work best for them in discovering and maintaining a meditation practice.Contact me through Instagram @thrivinginmidlife or my new website- www.cherylbeckesch.com

Journaling can be beneficial to all people in creating an outlet to put thought to paper, to unload pent up feelings, to unravel deep ideas or past events. Studies show the benefits of journaling even only 3 times a week over a period of time can led to more optimism and gratitude to boost well-being. It can also reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.* Find a time and place without distractions that works for you.* Put pen to paper. Do not use your computer to "make notes".*Buy a nice notebook and/or pen to make the experience pleasant.* Use journal prompts if you feel stuck on what to write. Sample of journal prompts:1) Who made an impact on your today?2) What were 3 positive things that happened to you today?3) List things you are grateful for.4) How did I solve a problem today?5) What inspired me today?6) What color inspires me and why?7) Talk about any song lyrics that might be inspiring you?For deeper self-discovery ask:*If money and time were no object, what would I be doing right now?* Write your own eulogy- what legacy do you want to leave behind? Are you living your life in a way that you would be proud of the eulogy someone wrote about you?"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameronwww.cherylbeckesch.com