Welcome to the fifth midlife must-haves post in this series on the blog. If you don’t know what this series is about, read my first midlife must-haves post over here. It explains things in more detail and you can see also what I can’t live without at the moment.
Today Adele will be sharing four of her must-haves with us. Welcome, Adele!
Adele and I went to high school together many years ago so I’m excited to have her on my blog today.
Hi, I am Adele, and I am 53 years old. I’m loving my life in the gorgeous Emerald Isle of Northern Ireland (been here 11 years now). And while I feel settled and content, there will always be a part of me that feels a little bit lost as I’m still just a girl from Africa in my heart. No children (that is another story). But my little family is made up of my ‘best in the world’ husband, my cheeky chops Yorkie, Holly and my inherited, slightly feral cat, Sparky!
I absolutely love my life. And as I start my new venture as a Menopause Wellness Practitioner (after almost 20 years in the charity sector), I value my experience. (The good, the bad and the ugly. As they have moulded me into the person I am.)
I am now in Menopause and did struggle with a very challenging and confidence-demolishing peri-menopause in 2020. But I have turned it around and worked really hard on myself. And I now honestly believe that my menopause has become the greatest gift to me. I am making a newer, wiser, happier-in-my-own-skin, better version of myself and have never felt happier. And it only took me 50-odd years to get here!
So here are a few of my midlife must-haves for a happy midlife
Number one Have a happy place! My go-to happy place is cooking and baking! Only in the last 10 years or so have I really fallen in love with food. When I bake or cook, I put on my Spotify playlist (I’m normally listening to my Adele Playlist which now contains over 800 songs that I have been collecting and adding to over the past few years so it’s mine, all mine). And then I relax and take the time to measure, stir, bake, taste and create.
When my masterpiece (or sometimes my disaster) is complete I then offer my love on a plate to my family. I am a long way off from being ready for MasterChef, but I learn something new every day, I’m getting better, my dishes are getting tastier, and my family know how much I love them. So, find your passion and make sure you do it regularly to help you find your balanced happy place. My favourite cooking album at the moment is John Mayer’s Sob Rock.
Number two Everybody needs some friendly ears. I am so lucky to have two friends (past colleagues), who both really get me. When I doubt myself (studying and starting a new business is scary) or I have decisions to make or even when I manage to handle things better than I might have done in years past, they are there to tell me “well done” or “you’ve got this” or even “what were you thinking?”
At times when your confidence can be challenged, especially with the menopause hormones going wild in your body, it’s wonderful to have that support and someone who just gets you!
Number three I think all women over fifty should start a travel bucket list. This doesn’t have to mean 5-star vacations in exotic locations. It could be a travel bucket list of new experiences and adventures. It doesn’t matter if they’re local or international, but make it something new and different. Have something to save for or plan for so that you are so looking forward to something that you get a shiver of excitement every time you think about it.
My personal one (and I cannot believe it is going to happen even as I type it) is that my hubby and I are booked on a cruise in the Mediterranean next May (never been on one) which kicks off with tickets to the Monaco Grand Prix to see my hero, Max Verstappen race Formula 1. I know that might not be everyone’s cup of tea but believe me, it is 100% mine and I cannot wait!
This is something I probably would not have done previously but after turning 50 the world is our oyster, ladies. We’ve bought our houses, had our kids, saved and been sensible for so many years so take a moment and do what makes your heart tingle!
Number four My little beauty booster for my not-so-perfect 53-year-old body is good old Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk. This isn’t an expensive brand. However, it has a weird coconut smell and sometimes gets terrible reviews on Amazon. But it sure works for me, and I love it!
It’s easy to apply, and gradually builds up a lovely colour (much needed here in Ireland where it rains 90% of the year). It also reminds me of my young self in South Africa – windswept, tanned and with no care in the world. It makes me feel good and at the end of the day that is all that matters! Happy tanning!
Related: My midlife must-haves – Kim
Thanks so much for letting us get to know you a little better, Adele. It’s been wonderful to hear about what makes your midlife happier and more manageable. All the very best with your new endeavour!
You can find Adele here:
Facebook: Adele Harris Coaching
Instagram: Adele Harris Menopause Coach
LinkedIn: Adele Harris
And her website will be ready in 2 weeks: www.adeleharriscoaching.com
or book a session with her here
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