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Alison's avatar

"I want to care. About me. Just as I am." YES! Thank you so much for sharing. I have been going through some similar issues with this new mid-life body; it is hard to accept a new reality and I am still finding my footing (and it's only the beginning I know, I haven't even actually hit perimenopause just yet). I also went through a drastic career change at the start of Covid, from working in medicine as a medical professional wearing business casual clothing and doing my hair and makeup daily, to staying at home and then becoming a yoga teacher and going back to school. It's so true about getting dressed in the mornings and not just staying in frumpy loungewear, I definitely feel different about myself when I am more purposeful with my outfits. I so appreciate this post showing us that it doesn't mean we are superficial or petty, it's part of our self care AND it's important to show our daughters that we matter too.

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Megan Kristel's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this. What a powerful and honest reflection — and I completely relate. The shift into midlife, especially layered with career changes and new identities, can be so disorienting. It’s like we’re constantly renegotiating who we are and how we want to show up — and the physical changes only amplify that.

I love what you said about feeling different when you're more purposeful with how you dress. It really does affect how we carry ourselves, how we move through the day, and even how we see ourselves — not out of vanity, but out of care.

And yes, our daughters are watching. It matters that they see us treating ourselves with kindness and worth. I’m so glad this resonated — and I’m cheering you on as you keep finding your footing. You’re not alone in it. ❤️❤️❤️

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Karen Flores's avatar

Megan, your story was truly inspiring and confirmation that whether we know it or not most of us who have raised children, are married or been married and still hold down a career go through something similar. I had known a few years back that I wasn’t portraying my true self and was always trying to please others and never say no and keep up with an industry that has that notion what a woman should be like. So by finding support, inspiration from you and rediscovering who I am and what my true self is, I’m finally at a point where I have turned that corner and my true focus is me, looks, feelings and experiences I want to do and enjoy, and I have actually learned to say no and dress what makes me happy and feel confident and work on my health and look the way I want to look. I hope you know that you really are an inspiration for so many people and for every woman to know, you are not alone sometimes we just need to be reminded of that. So a BIG thank you Megan.

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Megan Kristel's avatar

Karen, thank you so much for this. I’m really touched by your words and so proud of you for getting to this point — for learning to say no, for dressing in a way that makes you feel good, and for focusing on your own health and happiness. That’s not a small shift, and it takes real strength to make it.

I’m honored to be a small part of your journey, and I’m so glad this space could offer some support along the way. You’re absolutely right — we’re not alone. And sometimes, we just need someone to say it out loud. Sending so much love, and thank you for being here!!!!XXX

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Karen Flores's avatar

Thank you. I hope you are well and enjoying life. I’ve missed your posts and was worried about you 💕

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Jeannie Jonassen's avatar

Again, I love this article! I am a mother of three children, a grandmother of seven children and my heartaches for all the women and upcoming women in my family.I call them girls and they’re fine with that.) struggling with self image. Part of my contribution in their Ives, as grandmothers get a second chance in life to get things right. As a woman, I have been through all of this, and I am now feeling at peace with myself at 68 years old . When the women in my life hurt, I hurt just as much Therefore, I want to say thank you for you are communicating with women and you are informing us how to grow and improve our lives going forward as we navigate the mini mindsets that we play out in our heads. You are lifting women up, therefore we are able to lift others up. That is beautiful !

Currently, I have a granddaughter who is struggling with self image, although she is driven and career oriented . I would like to know how I can sign her up on Substack so she will be able to read these articles?

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