I’m back in your world after what I’d call a creative hiatus through the month of September.
My month of September felt like a paradox because my brain kept insisting: “You should be doing some things, Diane. You should be doing a newsletter, you should be doing social media, you should be doing, doing, doing.” But my body, heart and intuition were saying something else. And those systems within me were just saying no to all that doing. No to the hustle.
My body really just wanted me to rest, to play, to be present. Truly listening and trusting this source of inner intelligence is a work in progress for me. More on that in a future blog 😉
I’m back now because my intuition and my body are saying, “Okay, let’s go. Let’s get on this computer and share some stuff.”
The Spark of Connection
What really sparked this re-energized focus was being in person this past Sunday. Katie Branter and I co-hosted a midlife mini retreat in Victoria and it was a beautiful day—really focused on healing, connection, and bringing women together.
I want to share the piece I brought to that group with you, condensed into a little nugget.
The Autumn Season of Our Lives
I was using the metaphor of autumn, the fall season, as this season in our lives. In midlife, we are in this autumn season.
My incredible friend Lisa sparked this for me. She’s in Italy right now, soaking up the culture, the architecture, and the light. During our conversation she said “Oh, the autumn light here is so beautiful.” Then she said something that really spoke to me; “This autumn season is the best season of my life. It is so colorful, and the light hits differently. And I see the light differently.”
I thought that was so beautiful. What an inspiring notion to think of our midlife phase as being an autumn season where life can be very colorful.
Now, I also acknowledge and can attest to midlife feeling very overwhelming and dark sometimes. I’m not glossing over that reality.
The Power of Releasing
But I want us to visualize this autumn season in all of its beauty, all of its colors, and all of its light.
And I want you to think about the notion of releasing.
As I’m saying this, I literally just saw a leaf fall from the tree outside my window. Perfect timing.
I think the autumn season metaphor gives us an opportunity to think about how, in midlife, if we want to let the light shine in, we need to create space by releasing. .
What Might Releasing Look Like?
Releasing might be a thought pattern. It might be a story you tell yourself about yourself.
I’m trying to work on releasing the idea that my body can’t be strong or build strength and power at this age. I’m releasing that limiting belief and really embracing what’s possible when I work out consistently, challenge myself, and lift a heavier weight than I think I can. That’s just one example.
Other examples of releasing might be:
- Relationships that no longer serve you
- Physical stuff cluttering your space
- Roles that you play but no longer want to
- A meeting in your calendar that you realize is just actually not necessary
So here is the question: What would you like to release?
It’s powerful because when you release it, you create space. Space in your heart, in your mind. Maybe in your home, or in your calendar.
When we release things, we create space. We create space for that light to shine through. For a new color to emerge in our autumn season.
What are you releasing? What are you creating space for?
I’m genuinely curious. These questions aren’t rhetorical—I really want to know what landed for you and what you’re ready to release in your autumn season.
Let me know in the comments below or reach out to me directly. I’d love to hear your story.
If you would like to stay connected and hear directly about upcoming Midlife Mini-Retreats or joining my group coaching program for midlife you can sign up for my weekly notes here.
Connect with Diane:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianelloyd
Email: diane@dianelloyd.com
Inspiring Midlife Leadership:https://dianelloyd.com/midlife-leadership/
