Is this thing on?
It's us, Jumble & Flow! We're launching a new gateway drug for the modern 40-something experience, and you're the first to know.
Hi there!
It’s me, Amy Cuevas Schroeder, from Jumble & Flow. Guess what? We’re in the midst of creating a whole new universe called The Midst and, as a Jumble & Flow subscriber, you’re the first to know. We haven’t shared the news anywhere else yet — not even on jumbleandflow.com.
We are the same team behind Jumble & Flow, creating the same kind of content (plus new exciting stuff TBA) but at a different URL (themidst.substack.com now, plus the-midst.com soonish). Yes, you could call it a rebrand — which will soon include a design refresh, juicy community conversations, and new opportunities to live your best midlife.
Let me know what you think! I’d love to hear from you at amy@the-midst.com.
Do you have to be in your 40s to read The Midst?
Hell no. We know that many of our readers are in their 30s and want to find out what the 40s will be like before they get here. We also know that women in their 50s and 60s read our content and we more than welcome you — after all, we want to learn from you.
We use “messaging” that targets the 40-something reader because we believe there’s a lack of publications that do. Seems like so much of mass media women’s publications are targeted to women in their 20s and 30s, and it’s high time for someone to lead the way in zeroing in on the 40-something experience, which has changed so much since my mom was my age (46).
What are the best apps for weight loss, exercise, and happiness in 2023?
By Lauria Locsmondy
Not too surprisingly, the top New Year’s resolution among Americans this year is “living healthier,” according to Statista. Of course, this is a pretty broad objective for more specific goals, which include the traditional lose weight, eat better, exercise more, and — the clincher — be happier.
If you’re like me, you bundle all of these goals into one overwhelming pile of to-dos that never makes it past February. That’s when we have to remind ourselves, “progress over perfection,” and trust that small steps over and over will lead to big results.
James Clear, author of #1 New York Times bestseller, and personal must-read, Atomic Habits, explains that starting small — so picking one habit to stick to — can cause a domino effect, or chain reaction, of positive related behaviors.
Dear Dixie,
I'm going through early menopause — how can I still feel part of the sisterhood?
I think I officially entered menopause at 46, one year after my period stopped for good. Before this, I was a regular heavy bleeder. I don’t exactly miss my period, but it has been a part of my identity since I was 12!
I am angry that it stopped early — partly because I feel like perimenopause and menopause are glossed over unlike getting your first period or pregnancy when it comes to women’s health. It’s just as much of a transition and milestone as your first period. Instead, the healthcare system seems to go immediately to HRT and vaginal atrophy. Ugh, it sounds horrible to think of your vagina atrophying, like it’s going to fall off and die!
I know our periods aren’t what make us women, but when you are defined in medical terms, it feels like you aren’t worthy anymore. I look for early menopause support groups and I find nothing. The only person I can talk to about this is my cousin who is experiencing something similar. It honestly sucks! I feel ashamed that I went through menopause on the early side. I still want to feel like part of the sisterhood complaining about cramps and crazy periods. It’s silly, but I feel like my body betrayed me and if we were living in The Handmaid’s Tale, I would be sent to the colonies. I wish there was more info out there about early menopause and that I didn’t feel like I need to discuss it in hushed tones like something I should be embarrassed about! — Ms. My Period
#HBDGAL
12/1: Sarah Silverman celebrated 52
12/3: Tiffany Haddish celebrated 43
12/5: Margaret Cho celebrated 54
12/17: Sarah Paulson celebrated 48
We’re hiring a freelance, part-time managing editor (remote)
See you next week!