I help women over 50 to plan their retirement and optimize their health so they can move into this next chapter with energy, ease and excitement.
HI, I'M GAYLA
From Confused to Confident
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Imagine a tool that not only reduces stress and helps you sleep, but also supports a healthy lifestyle and brings clarity and fulfillment while transitioning through life’s monumental transitions like planning retirement. This versatile tool is none other than mindfulness. For years, I’d heard of its potential to soothe my anxious, busy mind so I could see my life clearly. But, I was skeptical. I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. I mean, what exactly was mindfulness?
Me – What is mindfulness?
A – It’s being fully aware in the present moment.
Me – But what does that mean?
A – It means observing your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment.
Me – Hmm. ok, but what does that really mean?
A – Rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, it means embracing the “now” with openness and curiosity.
Me – Well, that sounds cool, but WHAT DOES THAT REALLY MEAN?
Does this resonate?
Ok, I was intrigued by mindfulness. I read the positive research. I even tried meditating a few times. But, I was skeptical. How was I supposed to be mindful? I felt like I was doing it wrong. And, I couldn’t understand how mindfulness was going to help me personally. I had a busy life, working full-time and planning retirement. How could I just “live in the moment” all the time. I had sh*t to do!
In the midst of our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to feel distracted, overwhelmed and disconnected. Especially when we’re exhausted from working and ready to retire from our full-time jobs. I have been there. I found myself, burnt out, lost, stuck and unhappy.
I began by taking it slow. Initially, I directed my attention towards my senses. Then, I delved into embracing mindful moments. Gradually, I eased into meditating with the assistance of an app. Over time, as I consistently practiced mindfulness, a transformative shift occurred within me. Consequently, a newfound awareness began to emerge. I felt calmer, even in the midst of life’s chaos. Sure, I’m still a work in progress, and challenges come my way, but mindfulness has made me more present, self-aware, confident, and resilient. It helped me clarify what truly mattered as I approached my next chapter of retirement. Today, I am living my retirement dream, in large part because of my mindfulness practice.
Incorporating mindfulness into my life has taken some time and effort. But, it hasn’t been hard. And, for me, it has been worth it. What I have discovered is that mindfulness is no fleeting buzzword; it’s a transformative practice backed by science and steeped in tradition. This practice has made living the retirement of my dreams a tangible and achievable reality. Below are five daily practices that have helped me incorporate mindfulness into my life. If you’re intrigued but skeptical about mindfulness, give them a try!
Meditation: Engage in regular mindfulness meditation, even 3 minutes per day can help develop a deeper connection with your inner self.
Mindful Moments: Take short breaks throughout the day to focus on your breath or your feet pressing into the floor. It’s a simple yet powerful way to anchor yourself in the present moment.
Observation: Observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Accept them as they are, and gently guide your mind back to the present if it wanders.
Mindful Activities: Infuse mindfulness into everyday activities like eating, walking, or even brushing your teeth. Pay attention to each moment with all of your senses.
Gratitude Practice: Cultivate gratitude by reflecting on the things you appreciate in life. Gratitude and mindfulness go hand in hand, enhancing our sense of contentment.
Mindfulness is a powerful practice that helps you to stay present, observe your thoughts and feelings, and make well-informed decisions. In the context of retirement planning, mindfulness can be a game-changer. At least it has been for me. For sure, mindfulness is a difficult concept to understand and incorporate into our lives. So, if you are skeptical but curious about starting a mindfulness practice so you can plan your retirement with clarity and confidence, I have a free 5 day email workshop that walks you through how to start a mindfulness practice from scratch.
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