This week was a struggle. I am dealing with the anniversary of my brother’s death, and soon to follow are the anniversaries of my father, my sister, and my son. It is a hard stretch of the calendar, and I found out yesterday that my cousin died at the age of 36. It has not been an easy couple of days. Life is short; we need to follow our dreams and love those around us, because we never know when they will leave us! 

Grief aside (I can’t afford to slow down), I met with my advisor earlier this week, and we discussed my dissertation committee. I also met with an e-commerce pro about website optimization and social media presence. It was an hour packed with important information. My wife will have a lot to do with the site itself, and I will have a lot to do with the marketing.

One thing became very clear: my business has focused on education first, sometimes at the detriment of selling. I will always be a teacher through and through. I just want people to be educated about emergency preparedness. But I was told I need to be willing to advertise what I am actually selling. That is something I am going to have to grow into.

This week, starting on the new moon, I plan to begin an evening routine. First, I need to clean my office. Then I will focus on meditation, visualization for my goals, and art in the early evening. I will also do my motivational reading and write my daily review.

The new moon is on Tuesday, and I will begin Empower 84. It is three full moon cycles. It is designed after 75 Hard but created for women and our schedules. The second workout is an evening chore or nighttime routine and self-care, because it is hard for women to give themselves time. It is a reminder to pause and care for yourself every day — a morning workout and evening self-care. I will be trying the pilot. If it goes well, I may invite other women to join me next round.

Empower 84 will follow the moon cycles, just like women do.

I am officially in menopause. I have reached one full year without menstrual bleeding. That is significant. I want to do something to recognize myself for this accomplishment. It is a big deal. I just have not decided how I will celebrate it yet. Technically, today would have been the first day of my typical period.

As I approach cronehood, I am reflecting deeply on my past, my life as maiden and mother. By some standards, I am officially a crone, although I feel like I still have time ahead of me. I hope this third chapter of my life is full of success, because I do not plan on growing old gracefully.

It is never too late to hit your goals.

Have a fabulous week and hug the ones you love.