Tranquility du Jour

Season Two Finale

In this week's edition of Tranquility du Jour, I'm sharing a list of 52 things I've Learned in 52 Years—from life's tender truths to tiny practices that keep me grounded. 1. You can grow up in the Great Plains of Oklahoma and still dream in (broken) French. 2. The courage to veer off the expected path—like taking a gap year to ski and snowboard in Colorado post-college—can shape your soul. 3. Midlife is a permission slip to nourish what you once neglected. 4. Paralegal school taught me the power of precision—and that law firms weren't my forever. 5. A yoga mat in a living room can spark a movement. 6. Saying yes to self-employment in 2000 was the most terrifying and liberating decision of my life. 7. A master's degree in women's studies gave language to what I'd felt all along: we rise stronger together and don't have to accept status quo. 8. Growing two yoga studios to 50 soulful teachers and hundreds of weekly students began with one deep breath and a big vision from a DC fourth floor walk-up. 9. Trust your obsessions. They'll guide you across oceans—and sometimes, back to yourself. (Looking at you, Paris and Borneo!) 10. Stepping onto a stage—whether to teach, speak, or dance—is vulnerability turned into art. Especially when you're standing there in a leotard! 11. Writing, reading, and dancing is how I make sense of the world. 12. Blogging since 2004? Still magic. 13. Starting a podcast in 2005? It felt like speaking into the void. Then it felt like community. Now it's pausing for reinvention. 14. Social work graduate school in my mid-30s was a second act I didn't know I needed. 15. Paris isn't just a place—it's a way of being. 16. Selling something you built from your heart is a heartbreak and a rebirth. 17. Private psychotherapy practice [https://www.kimberlywilsontherapy.com/] reminds me daily of the resilience in all of us. 18. Ballet at midlife is a love letter to my younger self. 19. The Coterie [https://www.kimberlywilson.com/coterie] is proof that midlife can be a renaissance. 20. Medals are fun, but the real prize is dancing full out. 21. Relationships evolve, stretch, and morph—and still leave room for gratitude. 22. Healing is nonlinear and never too late to begin. 23. Pugs are life's greatest snugglers, teachers, and tiny therapists. 24. Caring for special needs pugs taught me about unconditional love (and carpet cleaners). 25. Orangutans will hold your gaze and your heart—Borneo changed me. 26. Pigs & Pugs Project reminds me that small acts of kindness ripple wide. 27. A 600-square-foot space can feel like a mini Versailles with a touch of tulle, gold-framed mirrors, sparkly chandeliers, damask wallpaper, a curated perfume tray, lace curtains, and imagination. 28. Minimalism isn't about less. It's about making space for what matters. 29. Podcasts end. Chapters close. And new ones wait for fresh starts. 30. It's okay to not know what's next. Excitement and fear often travel together. 31. Age 52 can feel more awake, aligned, and intentional than 22 ever did. 32. Ballet buns, gold hoops, red lipstick, and the LBD are sacred rituals. 33. Life is better with playlists, peonies, and Parisian flair. 34. Pigs are gentle souls who know their names and helped inspire my path toward more compassionate living. 35. Losing yourself isn't failure—it's often where the real you begins to emerge. 36. Owning a business is not for the faint of heart, but it shapes you in the best ways. 37. Every season of life offers a chance to reinvent. 38. Being seen and supported in community offers a kind of healing that self-help alone can't always reach. 39. We're allowed to rewrite our stories—again and again. 40. Inspiration is everywhere: in rooftops, café chairs, thrift stores, and secondhand bookstores. 41. Grief and growth often walk hand in hand. 42. Boundaries are the kindest gifts we give ourselves and others. 43. Choosing beauty in a chaotic world is activism. So is kindness, softness, and refusing to rush. 44. A matcha latte can be a spiritual practice. 45. Tiny steps, repeated often, create big change. 46. Nostalgia is a powerful teacher—just don't live there. 47. Therapy works. Period. 48. You can be both heartbroken and hopeful. 49. The body is resilient. So is the spirit. 50. The best accessories are confidence and compassion. 51. Rest is not optional. It's revolutionary. 52. The next chapter is unwritten and I'm holding the pen with curiosity and a hint of Parisian perfume and possibility. Mentioned in the Show A variety of offerings to nourish your soul https://www.kimberlywilson.com/coterie * Doors opening soon! Join the waitlist [https://www.kimberlywilson.com/coterie] by 7/6 for early access to the second half of the year's content + receive an exclusive, waitlist-only Parisian-inspired care package when you become a member https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6IKV!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbdca2277-6e7e-4e0d-85ac-d05f533b80d1_1080x1350.png * You're invited to a nourishing hour of midyear inspiration on Sunday, July 6 at 7 pm ET to help you reconnect with what matters most in this season of life. Save your spot here [https://kimberlywilson.myflodesk.com/tranquilmidyear]. https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mwR-!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84a76dc7-3458-41c0-9830-0bc9939dcca1_1545x2000.png * I'm spending five weeks in Paris this summer—studying French, dancing in a ballet intensive, and living the dream midlife-style. Join the waitlist [https://kimberlywilson.com/paris] for behind-the-scenes peeks, Parisian inspiration, and special treats along the way!

Finding Yourself in Midlife

In this week's edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with guest Dr. Ellen Albertson on: * The Seven Steps to Rock Your Midlife Dr. Ellen shares a transformative framework from her book Rock Your Midlife, including: know yourself, love yourself, energize yourself, reprogram your brain, empower yourself, rehab your relationships, and enlighten yourself. Each step is designed to guide women toward deeper self-understanding, vibrant health, and personal empowerment. * Redefining Midlife Through Resilience and Joy From blindness to breast cancer, divorce to career pivots, Dr. Ellen opens up about how these challenges catalyzed her growth. She reframes adversity as an invitation to reinvent yourself and emphasizes that midlife can be the richest, most joyful chapter yet. * Breaking Up with the Hustle Culture A former workaholic, Dr. Ellen describes how she stepped away from burnout by embracing her Human Design, discovering hand pan music, and becoming a yoga teacher. She encourages women to create space for new passions and reject the belief that worth is tied to productivity. * Tranquility Through Ritual and Self-Compassion From walking barefoot on her Vermont property to tapping, journaling, strength training, and HeartMath breathing, Dr. Ellen's daily rituals are rooted in self-love and embodiment. Her biggest advice? Make self-compassion your superpower—and let joy lead the way. Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app such as Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/15WVTpUQHnQObqXf8RPuzH], Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tranquility-du-jour/id81301757], Amazon. [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cce3b7e6-6480-43b6-85b0-ff97a502cf90/Tranquility-du-Jour?ref=dm_wcp_podcast_link_th] Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast [https://www.kimberlywilson.com/podcast] for more and Substack [https://kimberlywilson.substack.com/t/podcast] for shownotes. Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in for this week's inspiration. Our Guest: Dr. Ellen Albertson Today's guest is Dr. Ellen Albertson, The Midlife Whisperer®—a psychologist, nutritionist, and founder of Dragonflying™, a method that helps women 40+ rise, reinvent, and reclaim their power. She's a bestselling author, menopause expert, and wellness coach who blends science with soul to help women feel confident, energized, and lit up from the inside out. Find Our Guest * Website [https://themidlifewhisperer.com/] * Free gift: 10 Tips to Rock Your Midlife [https://themidlifewhisperer.com/freebie/] * Podcast [https://rockyourmidlife.podbean.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the_midlife_whisperer/] * Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/drellensmastermind] * Facebook Fan [https://www.facebook.com/DrEllenAlbertson] * X [https://twitter.com/RockYourMidlife] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drellenalbertson/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@themidlifewhisperer] * TikTok [http://www.tiktok.com/@themidlifewhisperer?lang=en] * Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/tigerwellness1] * Book [https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Your-Midlife-Transform-Yourself/dp/1956592016/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1686672682&sr=1-1] Mentioned in the Show & Announcements A variety of offerings to nourish your soul Doors opening soon! Join the waitlist [https://www.kimberlywilson.com/coterie] by 7/6 for early access to the second half of the year's content + receive an exclusive, waitlist-only Parisian-inspired care package when you become a member * You're invited to a nourishing hour of midyear inspiration on Sunday, July 6 at 7 pm ET to help you reconnect with what matters most in this season of life. Save your spot here [https://kimberlywilson.myflodesk.com/tranquilmidyear]. * I'm spending five weeks in Paris this summer—studying French, dancing in a ballet intensive, and living the dream midlife-style. Join the waitlist [https://kimberlywilson.com/paris] for behind-the-scenes peeks, Parisian inspiration, and special treats along the way!

Writing, Wellness, and the Wisdom

In this week's edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Anne Flosnik on: 1. Living Fearlessly and Fully in MidlifeAnne shares how she's shed fear and self-doubt in this season of life. With a strong sense of agency, she sees midlife not as a narrowing but as an expansive time filled with opportunity, curiosity, and creative possibility. 2. Honouring the Body with Gentle ConsistencyAfter a surprise osteoporosis diagnosis, Anne began building supportive routines like daily rebounding (mini trampoline), strength training, and mindful nutrition. Her message: small, informed choices can strengthen body and spirit over time. 3. Creative Spark Through Community and WritingA creative writing class at her local library reignited Anne's love for storytelling and inspired her to begin writing her memoir. She highlights how simple, local resources can awaken creative energy and support our evolving sense of purpose. 4. Tranquility Through Trust and Self-CompassionAnne emphasizes tuning out the noise, trusting your inner compass, and celebrating what's going well. She encourages women to honor their intuition, stop chasing perfection, and embrace each day as an unfolding gift. Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app such as Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/15WVTpUQHnQObqXf8RPuzH], Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tranquility-du-jour/id81301757], Amazon. [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cce3b7e6-6480-43b6-85b0-ff97a502cf90/Tranquility-du-Jour?ref=dm_wcp_podcast_link_th] Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast [https://www.kimberlywilson.com/podcast] for more and Substack [https://kimberlywilson.substack.com/t/podcast] for shownotes. Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in for this week's inspiration. Our Guest: Anne Flosnik Anne Flosnik is a multi-award-winning audiobook narrator of over 700 titles and has 5 Audie Nominations among her many awards and distinctions. Anne has been a Registered Nurse, a Midwife, and a Flight Attendant – all experiences that add depth to her work. She produces audiobooks in her country backyard home studio in Virginia. She lives with her husband and their two, adorable cats. Find Our Guest * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/anneflosnik] * Website [https://anneflosnik.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-flosnik-audiobook-narrator-%F0%9F%87%AC%F0%9F%87%A7-%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%B8-%F0%9F%87%AE%F0%9F%87%AA-45251813/] * BlueSky Social [https://bsky.app/profile/anneflosnik.bsky.social] * X [https://x.com/AnneFlosnik/status/1917224599479009579] * Clubhouse [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/narrator-uplift] * Previous Episode: #615: Finding Your Voice [https://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj615.mp3] Mentioned in the Show & Announcements * Save your spot on the Coterie waitlist [https://kimberlywilson.com/coterie] and get immediate access to a 30-days of Tranquility challenge * Digital Courses [https://kimberlywilson.com/digitalcourses/] to Nourish the Midlife Soul * Craving more beauty, balance, and intention in midlife? Join the Substack Private Collection for just $1.90/week ($99/year) and receive: 🧘‍♀️ Five exclusive tranquility tools each month—think journal prompts, meditations, private podcast episodes, veg recipes, and playlists 🗓️ My Month in Review packed with personal reflections and favorite resources 🎁 Occasional bonus treats crafted just for paid subscribers including a Substack Lives and more!

Books, Bubbles, and Bold Lips

In this week's edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Julia Coney on: 1. Intentional Living and Midlife PrioritiesJulia shares how midlife has invited her to slow down, be kinder to herself, and intentionally curate how she spends her time. From planning monthly bed days to saying no without guilt, she's embracing presence over pressure and finding joy in the everyday. 2. The Power of Routine and ReflectionWith three key notebooks—a planner, a journal, and a commonplace book—Julia tracks her thoughts, growth, and ideas. She begins each day with reading (sometimes just 10 minutes!) and carves out space to be fully offline and undistracted by devices. 3. Midlife Career Reinvention and CuriosityJulia reflects on her shift from legal assistant to beauty blogger to wine educator and now co-founder of a luxury food, wine, and wellness travel company. She emphasizes the importance of staying curious, evolving with your passions, and letting the next chapter unfold naturally. 4. Books, Bed Days, and Pink Lipstick JoyFrom smutty morning reads to glamorous bed day rituals, Julia celebrates life's sensual and soulful pleasures. She encourages midlife women to romanticize their lives, play with beauty, and create space for creativity—even if it's just reading in bold lipstick with a cup of tea. Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app such as Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/15WVTpUQHnQObqXf8RPuzH], Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tranquility-du-jour/id81301757], Amazon. [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cce3b7e6-6480-43b6-85b0-ff97a502cf90/Tranquility-du-Jour?ref=dm_wcp_podcast_link_th] Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast [https://www.kimberlywilson.com/podcast] for more and Substack [https://kimberlywilson.substack.com/t/podcast] for shownotes. Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in for this week's inspiration. Our Guest: Julia Coney Julia Coney is a Washington, D.C. and Houston, Texas-based wine writer, wine educator, speaker, and consultant. Julia is the Wine Expert for American Airlines in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and the recipient of Wine Enthusiast's 2020 Social Visionary Award Winner for her work in writing and speaking on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the wine industry. Julia is the Founder of Black Wine Professionals. Julia is a lifelong Francophile and an inveterate traveler. You can find her on all social media at @juliaconey [https://instagram.com/juliaconey], her newsletter http://juliaconey.com/Métier [https://juliaconey.substack.com/], and with a wine glass in hand. Find Our Guest * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliaconey] * Substack [https://juliaconey.substack.com/] * Website [https://www.juliaconey.com/] * Previous Episodes: #143: planner pad pursuits [https://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj143.mp3], #338: All About the Pretty [https://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj338.mp3] Mentioned in the Show & Announcements * Lipstick: Fenty Icon the Fill Semi-Matte Refillable Lipstick in Miss Candy Venom [https://fentybeauty.com/products/fenty-icon-the-fill-semi-matte-refillable-lipstick-miss-candy-venom?variant=41524413333549] * Books: * Jasmine Guillory [https://www.jasmineguillory.com/] * Ava Rani [https://www.authoravarani.com/] * Beach Reads and Bubbly [https://www.beachreadsandbubbly.com/] * Save your spot on the Coterie waitlist [https://kimberlywilson.com/coterie] and get immediate access to a 30-days of Tranquility challenge * Digital Courses [https://kimberlywilson.com/digitalcourses/] to Nourish the Midlife Soul * Craving more beauty, balance, and intention in midlife? Join the Substack Private Collection for just $1.90/week ($99/year) and receive: 🧘‍♀️ Five exclusive tranquility tools each month—think journal prompts, meditations, private podcast episodes, veg recipes, and playlists 🗓️ My Month in Review packed with personal reflections and favorite resources 🎁 Occasional bonus treats crafted just for paid subscribers including a Mini Midyear Reset on June 13! Your midlife journey deserves nourishment and support—come cozy up inside the private circle!

Creative Seasons and Midlife Wisdom

In this week's edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Melinda Parkhurst on: * Gracefully Embracing the Midlife ShiftMelinda reflects on stepping into the role of a wisdom carrier and how midlife offers perspective, legacy, and a chance to pass the torch. She encourages us to lean into change, not resist it—and to keep showing up fully. * Creativity as Lifelong NourishmentA dancer, gardener, artist, and maker, Melinda shares how creative expression has evolved with her seasons of life. She listens to what calls her now, letting go of old projects and embracing new ones with curiosity and grace. * Mindfulness in the Garden and BeyondWhether she's planting vegetables or petting her cat, Melinda finds tranquility in nature and simple sensory pleasures. Her outdoor time offers space to center, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. * Letting Go and Looking AheadFrom going back to grad school in midlife to planning her next creative chapter, Melinda models how reinvention is always available. She reminds us that unfinished books and unchosen paths are okay—and that authenticity is our most powerful legacy. Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app such as Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/15WVTpUQHnQObqXf8RPuzH], Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tranquility-du-jour/id81301757], Amazon. [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cce3b7e6-6480-43b6-85b0-ff97a502cf90/Tranquility-du-Jour?ref=dm_wcp_podcast_link_th] Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast [https://www.kimberlywilson.com/podcast] for more and Substack [https://kimberlywilson.substack.com/t/podcast] for shownotes. Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in for this week's inspiration. Our Guest: Melinda Parkhurst Melinda Parkhurst is a multifaceted professional whose expertise spans business operations, coaching, creative arts, and personal development. With a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and extensive experience in business operations, she began the transition to a more holistic and creative career path by earning a Master of Arts in Transpersonal Psychology with a focus on creativity. She further honed her skills by obtaining the International Coaching Federation (ICF) ACC certification. As a certified Professional Development Coach, Melinda specializes in empowering women through their personal and professional journeys. Her coaching approach integrates her academic training, professional experience, and creative insights to support her clients in discovering their authentic selves and curating meaningful lives. She is also committed to pro bono coaching for emerging leaders particularly within BIPOC and non-profit communities. Additionally, she mentors interns as part of her HR Operations role. Melinda is the author of Stories of Myself: Your Journey of Self-Discovery Through Storytelling, Mindfulness, Movement, and Creativity Practices, a guidebook designed to inspire self-exploration and transformation through creative practices. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is an accomplished photographer, mixed media artist, and avid gardener—a true modern renaissance woman. Find Our Guest * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/melindaparkhurst/] * Website [https://www.melindaparkhurst.com/] * Coaching [https://www.melindaparkhurstcoaching.com/] * Previous Episodes: #302: gardening [https://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/302_tdj_302__gardening.mp3], #508: Sustainable Living [https://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj508.mp3] Mentioned in the Show & Announcements * Digital Courses [https://kimberlywilson.com/digitalcourses/] to Nourish the Midlife Soul * Craving more beauty, balance, and intention in midlife? Join the Substack Private Collection for just $1.90/week ($99/year) and receive: 🧘‍♀️ Five exclusive tranquility tools each month—think journal prompts, meditations, private podcast episodes, veg recipes, and playlists 🗓️ My Month in Review packed with personal reflections and favorite resources 🎁 Occasional bonus treats crafted just for paid subscribers Your midlife journey deserves nourishment and support—come cozy up inside the private circle! 💗 * Save your spot on the Coterie waitlist [https://kimberlywilson.com/coterie] and get immediate access to a 30-days of Tranquility challenge