I used to be anxious, stressed and lacking confidence

I want to share my experience to see if it helps others.  It's about finding calm and joy in family life when situations can be a challenge, told from my perspective on a recent family ski holiday.

I started skiing when I lived in Australia in 2001.  I loved it and made lots of trips to the slopes of Australia and New Zealand.  I was a moderate skier, confident and took it easy rather than speedy.  I transitioned to the Alps when I returned to Ireland in 2008, beautiful long runs in stunning scenery, a bit more challenging than the southern hemisphere but so vast and full of opportunities for every level, I was lucky if I got in one week per year!

I don't know if it was an age thing or becoming a responsible parent, or lack of time on the slopes that changed things for me but I turned from fearless Fiona to a nervous Nelly!  I became anxious before heading down a slope, lost my technique, just about made it down & found it stressful trying to keep up with the others.  I lost my ability to find joy in skiing and would tense my whole body as I put in a lot more turns than everyone else!!  Can you relate to this?

In September, I began the Proctor Gallagher Institute thinking into results programme (TIR) with Ewa Pietrzak, it is a basically a mindset programme.  I joined intending to gain knowledge to grow my business but in fact I have seen a huge shift in my mindset throughout my life. Family and friends have remarked on my calm, confident approach things.  I have learnt skills that I can apply to many situations.

So I decided to put what I learnt with Ewa into practice on my recent ski holiday.  Here are a few things from the programme that kept going through my mind, that may help you.

• I am responsible for all my results (nobody else)
• Expect success (not avoid disappointment)
• Think of what you want (not what you don't want)
• Maintain a high positive energy (gratitude practice is great, as is music!)

Emotions can be challenging in midlife.  I certainly found lack of confidence and increased anxiety as symptoms I suffered from when my menopause arrived like an avalanche! The last time I skied was just before lockdown, before covid impacted the world and before my breast cancer and induced menopause. I made the decision this year to live my life with calm, joy and abundance and I think I am on the right track if this ski holiday is anything to go by.

If you are experiencing new anxiety in midlife, you are not alone.  I survey all attendees of my six week menopause cooking course to address their symptoms and their situation so I can tailor the content to exceed everyone's needs.  Over the past 5 courses, anxiety has come through as a symptom that has affected almost all attendees and I am sure the course starting on feb 7th will be no different.

Hopefully some of my thoughts here might help you and if you want to know more about the 6 week cooking course to help you thrive in midlife then please contact me.