New year, new makeup? Fu**it list? Essentialism cheat sheet?
+ Pelvic health 101: symptoms of dysfunction, treatment options, and more
Bucket lists are so last year
Make a F**k-It list instead
By Dixie Laite
I looked at myself in the mirror and said, “Kid, face it, you are probably not going to ever speak French.” I could have said I’m probably not going to speak Chinese or Italian, and that would have been equally true. But not speaking French has weightier significance to me.
Parlez–vous français? (Sadly, non.)
I took French in high school, and I took classes at the Alliance Francaise in my 20s. I have dozens of books on learning French. I pictured myself sitting in cafes — alongside a big poodle — sipping coffee in my jeans, Chanel jacket, chic flats, and my scarf tied just so.
In my vision, this country-clueless Cinderella would be her own fairy godmother and erase every trace of my sad, American trying-too-hardery. Au revoir, camel toe! Adieu high-heel hobble! My savoir faire would take me from fair to fairly good. That was the idea, anyway.
Pelvic health 101
Symptoms of pelvic dysfunction, treatment options, and more
By Hannah Shadrick Hummel
“Can you feel your sitz bones spreading?”
My workshop partner stood patiently to the side as I leaned into my wide-legged forward fold, trying to focus on breathing deeply into my pelvis, instead of on the fact that a stranger was staring intently at my displayed — if clothed — vaginal opening.
In 2019, I found myself one of 25 yoga teachers, doulas, nurse practitioners, and physical therapists who had flown to Oakland, California, to learn about the magical and mundane group of muscles that governs three of 11 essential bodily functions: the pelvic floor. What could cause any sane woman to use a week of vacation time, buy a $300 plane ticket, and spend 20 hours with strangers comparing notes on pelvic pain?
Shitty sex. That’s what.
Makeup over 40
5 of the best products for glowing skin
By Lauria Locsmondy
Like our skincare regimens, as we enter into perimenopause and beyond, the makeup we select also requires a glow up. That matte finish that got us through our 20s would do us zero favors today since our skin requires products with hydration and moisture — which not only benefits its health, but visually reflects light for an illuminating and (dare I say it) youthful appearance.
The Essentialism cheat sheet
45 of the most actionable ways to become an Essentialist
By Amy Cuevas Schroeder
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown is like a manual for the Stretched Too Thin. If you’ve ever felt guilty about wanting to do it all but can’t, the Essentialist way of life is for you. You’ll realize that it’s impossible to do everything and do it well, and that’s AOK.
A do-everything mindset is tough to unlearn — especially if you’re a woman, a DIYer, or an ambitious person who’s drunk the Work Harder Not Smarter kool-aid (I’m all of the above). I’m here to tell you that Essentialism is possible, if you’re patient enough to take small steps.
Thanks for reading The Midst! We’re an independent collective on a mission to empower women in midlife to live on their terms.