A Pocketful of Mindset

If you know me, you know understanding and studying mindset is a bit of a passion of mine, I find it incredibly interesting. I don’t study it everyday and but I do expose myself to bits of information on the regular. Podcasts, occasional emails I’ve subscribed to, inspirational quotes (yes most of those are mindset related!) books, you name it.

So, someone asked me recently why I'm always diving into the world of mindset. My honest answer? Because it feels like a moving target, just when I think I’m getting it dialed in it moves, right along with life's unexpected twists and turns. Plus, let's be real, mastering our own minds? That feels like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands and it seems gloriously impossible to perfect. Or perhaps that's just the wonderfully human experience we're all in together.

It's not about achieving some perfect state, but about learning and growing with each of life's changes. Be patient with yourself; the fact that it feels challenging just means you're engaged in something truly worthwhile.

Forecast: Mostly Feelings With a Chance of Sanity

My brain's been busy making connections, specifically between how we think (that's my mindset passion) and what my body is experiencing with menopause (hello, hormonal shifts!). And honestly, it feels like a real "aha!" moment. It's like these two areas, mindset and menopause, were always meant to connect. Understanding the physical changes has given me so much more compassion for myself, and knowing the power of mindset has been my anchor through the emotional waves. It's not a magic fix, but seeing how they intertwine feels genuinely insightful.

For those of us navigating the hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause or menopause, you know exactly what I’m talking about. One minute you’re feeling like a superhero badass, ready to tackle your to-do list, and the next you’re contemplating selling everything you own move to secluded cabin deep in the wilderness away from everyone… again. Or maybe that’s just me? Either way, it can feel a little bonkers, right?

But here’s the thing, understanding that there’s a real, physical reason behind some of those emotional zigzags is incredibly freeing. It’s like finally finding the instruction manual for your slightly glitchy emotional operating system. Knowing that a dip in hormones can fuel those moments of intense feeling doesn’t magically make them disappear, but it does give you permission to cut yourself some serious slack.

These dips and shifts feel like your brain is throwing a little “everything is a disaster” party. For those going through hormonal shifts, the guest list might be a little longer and the music a little louder. But here’s the key for everyone, no matter your age: feelings are just feelings. They aren’t facts. They don’t have to become your reality.

When that wave of “I’m irritated by the sound of my own breathing” (menopause folks, you get me!) or even just a regular Tuesday afternoon slump hits, the most powerful thing you can do is often… nothing. Just notice it. Acknowledge it. Maybe even mentally give it a little nod. Because acting on every single emotion is like letting a toddler drive a bus, things can get messy REAL fast. Feelings get hurt, bad decisions get made (ever impulse-buy that questionable online gadget while feeling stressed?), and suddenly you’re wondering what happened to your calm afternoon.

So, whether you’re riding the hormonal waves or just the regular ups and downs of life, remember this, you’re allowed to feel however you’re feeling. It doesn’t make you irrational or dramatic. And sometimes, the bravest and most effective thing you can do is simply let the feeling be, knowing it will eventually pass. It’s like waiting out a sudden downpour, grab an umbrella of self-compassion and know the sun will peek through again.

This week, let’s all try to give ourselves a little extra kindness when those big feelings show up. You’re doing great, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. And if you happen to find yourself inexplicably crying at a commercial for paper towels, well, welcome to the club. We have tissues.

Wishing you a week of mostly smooth sailing (and maybe a few gentle emotional ripples)!

From my heart to yours,

Keli💚