Mindfulness, Missed Days, and Big Wins: A Perimenopausal Parenting Rollercoaster

This past week, I’ve been reflecting on my mindfulness journey and just how important structure is—not just for my kids but for myself, too. Life can feel chaotic, especially during perimenopause, but tools like mindfulness have been helping me manage the stress. Let’s talk about what this week taught me and how you can take some lessons from it, too!

Mindfulness Recap: Meditation, the Future, and Politics

So, I’m a week into this mindfulness journey, and I’ve already had one meditation that really stuck with me. It was all about not worrying about the future because, eventually, things work themselves out. One of my favorite quotes is “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

And honestly? That hit home, especially after watching the news this week. Let’s just say the political climate is… a lot. It feels like the future is so uncertain. But that meditation gave me a moment of peace, reminding me that I can only control what’s happening in the present moment.

When it comes to the bigger picture, like the political climate and the uncertainty that comes with it, one thing that helps me feel a bit more grounded is voting. While there is very little here that I can personally control, I can take action where it matters, and casting my vote makes me feel empowered—even if it doesn’t solve everything, every little bit helps.

• Lesson learned: Mindfulness helps me stay present, even when the world around me feels unpredictable.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, right? I’m not expecting any overnight miracles, but these quiet moments are already making a difference.

Missed Days? No Big Deal (Seriously)

Now, let’s get real. I was doing great with my meditation for the first four days… until the weekend hit. I missed Day 5. And Day 6.

Here’s the tricky part: When you start something and then miss a day, it’s easy to feel like you’ve “failed”, leading many throw in the towel. But I didn’t give up. I shrugged it off, picked it back up on Day 7, and learned something important.

• New habits aren’t about perfection. They’re about learning from the bumps along the way.

What I realized is that weekends might need a little more planning—maybe a pre-scheduled 10-minute “me time.” I’m also thinking of attaching meditation to an existing habit. Morning coffee, maybe? Or, since I’ve been struggling with stress-induced “not eating” around lunch, I could pair meditation with my midday meal. It’s all about figuring out what works for you.

Structure is Key: Why Our Family Needs It (and Yours Might, Too)

This week, I also reflected on structure—or more accurately, the lack of it. Between D’s mental health struggles, the homeschooling shift, and, well, life, our family hasn’t had much structure since before COVID.

Kids, and honestly, adults too, thrive on structure. Without it, things feel chaotic, and that adds to stress. And we’ve been living in that chaos for too long.

• Start small: You don’t need a rigid schedule, but adding small, consistent elements to your day can work wonders.
• Be flexible: Structure doesn’t have to mean strict rules, but it does bring some much-needed predictability.

Even just planning out meals, setting aside family time, or carving out moments for self-care can help you (and your kids) feel more grounded.

Big Wins: D is Venturing Out!

Now for a HUGE win: D has been getting out of the house! 🎉 By choice!

He tagged along with Jon on the golf course, tried out a homeschool art class, and is even willing to come to the gym with us. For a kid who’s struggled to leave the house, this is an amazing step forward.

• Celebrate the small wins. Progress is progress, no matter how small it may seem. Each step builds momentum.

This might not seem like a big deal to some, but for us, it’s monumental.

Let’s Talk About Sugar: What’s Working

Confession time: I love Halloween. The costumes, the haunted houses. the decorations, and, of course, the candy. But lately, my perimenopausal carb cravings have been out of control—just in time for all that Halloween sugar to be everywhere!

What’s been helping me manage these cravings is focusing on regular, balanced meals packed with fiber and protein. This keeps me nourished and helps keep the sugar cravings from taking over.

Now, don’t get me wrong—cravings aren’t the enemy. They’re just your body’s way of signaling that it’s missing something—usually nutrients. But if I’ve been indulging in too much sugar (Halloween candy, anyone?), my brain starts craving more, even when my body doesn’t actually need it.

Here’s what I’ve found that works for me:

• Balanced meals = fewer cravings. Eating regular, nutritious meals is the best way to prevent those late-night Halloween candy binges.
• It’s all about moderation. I’m not cutting sugar out completely (especially not during Halloween!). But by keeping my meals in check, I’ve noticed a huge difference in how I feel—and I can enjoy a treat without overdoing it.

So yes, I’m still indulging in a little Halloween candy. But with balance and mindfulness, I’m keeping the cravings in check and feeling much better overall.

Next Steps: Structuring Life and Continuing the Mindfulness Journey

Red, thankfully, is still going to school (though he’s leaning towards homeschooling after the holidays), and I’m focusing on keeping a bit more structure in our daily lives. I’ll also keep working on my mindfulness practice, especially over the weekends, and finding ways to make meditation a consistent part of my routine.

The biggest lesson this week? Progress over perfection—whether it’s with mindfulness, structure, or celebrating the small wins with my kids. We’re all learning as we go.

Want to Join Me?

If you’ve been struggling with stress, cravings, or just trying to find balance, join me! Whether it’s starting a mindfulness practice or adding a little more structure to your days, remember: It’s about progress, not perfection. Let’s keep going, one step at a time.