In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with returning guest Tara Mohr on:

• Shifting Perspectives in Midlife: Tara shares how her outlook has evolved in midlife, focusing more on relationships and appreciating life as it is, rather than constantly striving for change or improvement.

• Balancing "Go Forth" and "Right Here" Energy: Tara describes two types of energy: "go forth" (creating, achieving) and "right here" (savoring, appreciating). In midlife, she has found more balance between these energies, especially through parenting and mindfulness.

• Sabbath Practice for Rejuvenation: One of Tara's key practices is observing a weekly Sabbath—a time to stop producing and instead focus on savoring life. This intentional pause brings renewal and clarity.

• Trusting the Creative Process: Over the years, Tara has come to trust her creative process more, accepting that there will be messy drafts and clunky phases, but knowing that these are simply part of bringing her vision to life.

Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon. Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcastfor more and Substack for shownotes.

Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in.

 

Our Guest: Tara Mohr

Tara Sophia Mohr is an expert on women’s leadership and well-being, and an author, educator and certified coach. Tara is the author of Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead, published by Penguin Random House, and named a Best Book of the Year by Apple’s iBooks. She is the creator of the global Playing Big leadership program, and Playing Big Facilitators Training for coaches, mentors and managers who support others in their personal and professional growth. Her work has been featured on The Today Show and in publications ranging from The New York Times to goop to Harvard Business Review. She lives in San Francisco and loves dance, art, and long walks with her family. Learn more about Tara at www.taramohr.com.

  Find Our Guest

• Instagram: @tarasophiamohr

• LinkedIn: tarasmohr

• Previous TDJ podcasts: #324 Playing Big, #212 Wise Living

 

Mentioned in the Show

• NEW10-Piece Paris Capsule: available for a limited time

• NEW La Vie Parisienne Digital Course: designed to transport you to the heart of Paris

• Coterie waitlist: yearlong immersion to support women in finding more beauty and balance in midlife

• All Tranquility du Jour offerings: work 1:1, Salons, digital courses, and more

  Podcast Host: Kimberly

Kimberly Wilson is a psychotherapist, author of seven lifestyle books, and host of the Tranquility du Jour podcast. She also designs an eco-fashion capsule collection and serves as president of the Pigs & Pugs Project.

With over 25 years of experience, Kimberly is dedicated to helping midlife women find balance and beauty in their lives. She holds master’s degrees in Women’s Studies and Social Work and has been featured in publications such as Huffington Post, The Washington Post, and Cosmopolitan.

Living in Washington, DC with her rescue pugs and longtime partner, Kimberly shares her passion for tranquility, ballet, loving her 50s, and more at kimberlywilson.com.

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with returning guest Sam Bennett about:

15-Minute Method. Sam emphasizes the power of spending just 15 minutes a day on any project or task. This method helps people overcome feelings of overwhelm by breaking down big tasks into manageable increments.

Overwhelm is Internal: Sam points out that overwhelm is something we create in our minds rather than something caused by external circumstances. She encourages people to reframe their approach and take small actions to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed​.

Midlife Shifts: Sam acknowledges the changes that come with midlife, such as reduced energy and focus. She shares how she's adjusted her expectations and routines, including lowering her standards in some areas and focusing on self-care.

Creative Engagement: Sam encourages people, especially in midlife, to reconnect with their passions and creative pursuits by spending just 15 minutes a day on something that lights them up, whether it's artistic or otherwise​.

Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon. Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcastfor more and Substack for shownotes.

  Our Guest: Sam Bennett

Sam Bennett is the author Get It Done, Start Right Where You Are, and most recently, The 15-Minute Method: The Surprisingly Simple Art of Getting It Done.  A writer, speaker, actor, and creativity/productivity specialist, she is the founder of TheRealSamBennett.com, a company committed to helping overwhelmed creatives and frustrated overachievers get unstuck. Sam is also a popular course instructor on LinkedIn Learning with over a million class participants worldwide. She lives in Connecticut, and you will find her online at TheRealSamBennett.comand/or 15MinuteMethod.com. 

  Find Our Guest

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheRealSamBennett 

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/therealsambennett  

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/realsambennett  

• TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@therealsambennett

• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@SamanthaBennettCreative   

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealsambennett 

  Mentioned in the Show

• NEW10-Piece Paris Capsule: available for a limited time

• NEW La Vie Parisienne Digital Course: designed to transport you to the heart of Paris

• Coterie waitlist: yearlong immersion to support women in finding more beauty and balance in midlife

• All Tranquility du Jour offerings: work 1:1, Salons, digital courses, and more

• Previous podcasts with Sam Bennett: #313 Procrastination to Creative Genius, #396 Start Right Where You Are

  Podcast Host: Kimberly

Kimberly Wilson is a psychotherapist, author of seven lifestyle books, and host of the Tranquility du Jour podcast. She also designs an eco-fashion capsule collection and serves as president of the Pigs & Pugs Project.

With over 25 years of experience, Kimberly is dedicated to helping midlife women find balance and beauty in their lives. She holds master’s degrees in Women’s Studies and Social Work and has been featured in publications such as Huffington Post, The Washington Post, and Cosmopolitan.

Living in Washington, DC with her rescue pugs and longtime partner, Kimberly shares her passion for tranquility, ballet, loving her 50s, and more at kimberlywilson.com.

In this weeks edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with returning guest Jennifer Louden. We discuss:

Shift in Ambition: Jenn discussed how her ambition has evolved in midlife, shifting from external validation and proving herself to living with more intention and focusing on the preciousness of life​.

Navigating Grief: Experiencing the loss of loved ones deeply impacted her, reinforcing the value of life and prompting her to focus on what truly matters​.

Community and Relationships: Building strong, meaningful connections, particularly with her husband and neighborhood community, has been an essential part of her healing and growth in midlife.

Wellness and Mental Health: Jenn emphasized the importance of physical wellness, especially exercise, and maintaining mental health through daily routines like limiting social media use and staying grounded​.

Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon.Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more and Substack for shownotes.

Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in.

Mentioned in the Show:

• NEW10-Piece Paris Capsule: available for a limited time

• NEW La Vie Parisienne Digital Course: designed to transport you to the heart of Paris

• Coterie waitlist: yearlong immersion to support women in finding more beauty and balance in midlife

• All Tranquility du Jour offerings: work 1:1, Salons, digital courses, and more.

  Our Guest: Jennifer Louden  

For 28 years and counting, best-selling author and passionate teacher Jennifer Louden has been a leading voice on self-care and creative transformation.

Jen has appeared on hundreds of media platforms, including The Oprah Winfrey Show. Her insights on wellness, mindfulness, creativity, and leading a meaningful life have reached millions of people worldwide.

She helped launch the concept of self-care with her 1992 bestselling debut book The Woman’s Comfort Book. She is the author of five additional books, including The Woman’s Retreat Book, The Life Organizer and Why Bother?

With close to a million copies of her books in print in nine languages, Jennifer is a sought-after speaker and passionate educator. She is a former columnist for Whole Living, a Martha Stewart magazine, and has appeared on hundreds of television and radio shows and podcasts. Her work has been featured in People, USA Today, CNN, and Brené Brown’s books Daring Greatly and Dare to Lead.

• Website: Jennifer Louden

• Instagram: @jen.louden

• Facebook: Jennifer Louden

Welcome to Season 2 of Tranquility du Jour, where we’re diving deep into the world of midlife. This season is all about you. Whether you're facing new beginnings, embracing change, or simply seeking more balance and beauty in your daily life, this season is designed to help you feel seen, heard, and supported.

Each episode will explore topics like redefining identity, cultivating self-care rituals, finding purpose, and managing physical changes. Together, we’ll chat with inspiring guests, learn practical tips, and create space for the reflections and insights.

Join me on this journey of growth, connection, and self-discovery as we navigate midlife together—one tranquil (and not-so-tranquil) moment at a time.

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with returning guest Sara Avant Stover about her latest book Handbook for the Heartbroken, how she’s navigated heartbreak, what midlife feels like to her, what she's learned through IFS, and more!

Podcast shownotes at https://kimberlywilson.substack.com/p/podcast1.

In this episode of Tranquility du Jour, I reflect on the rollercoaster journey of the past few months, sharing personal insights, challenges, and triumphs. Plus, I'm thrilled to offer you an exclusive sneak peek into what lies ahead, including Season 2.   

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with returning guest Tim Mooney. Hear about our latest passions and challenges, how we’ve made it 20 years, why we’re unmarried and childless by choice, how we navigate living in a tiny space, and more.

Plus, we have a BIG announcement! Pour a cuppa tea and tune in! Link in bio. ✨

Direct download: Tranquility du Jour Podcast #624: Celebrating 20 Years

Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon.

Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more.

New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here. _____________________________

Mentioned in the Show

• Ezra Klein podcast mentioned
• Instagram handle of man with many senior pets
• Women Without Kids book
• Washington Post article we mentioned: saying no to marriage
• 15 years together podcast
• A few previous posts about our journey: 2009, 2013, 2014

Let's Connect

Receive inbox love through Love Notes: invites, inspiration, and more.

Browse my 6 Books and planners.

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube.

Share a review on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show. And, I'd love to send you snail mail as a thank you! Details here.

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I share my Year in Review. Hear my top 10 highlights, what went well, what didn't go so well, dreams for 2024, and more PLUS a variety of resources for you!

Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon.

Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more.

New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here. _____________________________

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. —Søren Kierkegaard

Hello dear reader. I hope you're finding a gentle landing spot in this new year.

Longtime blog readers may recall my “weeks in review” turned “months in review” turned "season in review" over the years. Now there's an annual Year in Review.

This reflection exercise allows me to stay accountable, set and review goals, celebrate, and note what needs adjustment.

Below is a list of my year’s experiences in no particular order. There's also a brief reflection and resources to support us moving into the new year.

To compile this information I reviewed my planner, monthly dreams, birthday exercise (here's mine from 2021), goodreads app, ballet class platforms, and photos. Needless to say, it's a process!

Consider your own 2023 list. Look for patterns, wins, challenges, boundaries, and those sweet moments in between. Although this year may have been challenging, you may just rediscover some gems when you compile your own Year in Review.

Oh, and here's an Instagram reel with heaps of photos from 2023.

Year's Experiences Top 10

Hosted 30+ Coterie events including an in-person tea party Won 1st place for Les Sylphides in the International Adult Ballet Festival's Beginner Classical Category (more photos and Instagram reel) Turned 50! Celebrated Gizmo's 16th birthday with a DC staycationFeatured as Ms. December in a ballet calendar Made simplification shifts (clothing line example) Traveled to Paris twice (here's one trip and another)Released the TDJ balletcore collection Created Tranquility Salon monthly membership Revealed my new book's cover (now I need to write it!)

More Experiences in Random Order

Had another hip surgery Collaborated with amazing clients Booked flights for postponed retreat in Borneo with Borneo Orangutan Survival Went to Paris with Mama Wilson Took 300+ ballet classes Released the Tranquility Within: Mental Health Course Performed in two group pieces at the International Adult Ballet Festival (one en pointe) Released new Tea with Kimberly videos Traveled to NYC for three private sessions with my teachers Enjoyed 10 live jazz shows (four in NYC, one in Paris, five in DC) Spent a weekend in NYC with my friend Jenn Hosted my final pet loss support session and virtual retreats Hours of physical therapy Took a 16-week pointe class with Broche BalletDanced through 50+ private virtual lessons Joined Kathryn Morgan and friends in NYC and Philly for ballet weekends Made dozens of Pigs & Pugs Project micro-grants Hosted one TDJ Style Pop-Up, the 600th Podcast Soiree, four virtual retreats, Pink Friday, and Fall Inspiration Sent 250(ish) snail mail love notes Released 26 podcast episodes Sent 30 newsletter Love Notes Received my first AARP snail mail, oh my! Attended many therapy-related trainings Enjoyed dozens of tea dates with friends Celebrated 19 years with my partner Tim Planned and launched Coterie 2024 (doors close 1/13)Read only 18 of 40 books in Goodreads Reading Challenge (bought dozens more!) Updated Living Tranquility: TDJ Tenets digital course Worked with a beloved support team Traveled between DC and WV dozens of times Celebrated my dad's 80th in Oklahoma Dabbled in more Instagram reels Saw two Harry Styles shows in Paris Donated 10K to charity—Pigs & Pugs Project, Borneo Orangutan Survival, 1% for the Planet

Reflection

What Worked Well for Me in 2023? Hosting the Coterie, trimming my offerings, full psychotherapy practice, a bit of travel, virtual private ballet sessions and group classes, second hip surgery, creating digital courses and the Salon, ate more salads (in wraps), hired amazing support, finalized a new book cover.

What Didn't Work for Me in 2023? Lack of mobility for a month after hip surgery, my therapist of nine years retired and booked a one-way ticket to Italy, I lost my signature ring (Tim found it five months later), reading was hard for some reason, challenges managing physical pain, not completing online courses, didn't create as much content as I'd hoped, didn't complete new book draft, exhausted often, excessive vet visits and senior pet needs, brain fog.

What Did I Learn About Myself Last Year? I need more rest and simplicity in my life.

How Did My Goals for 2023 Unfold? I achieved more than 3/4 of my Year’s Dreams list. Released 25 podcasts, created digital courses, had a meaningful 50th birthday, had the band around my femur removed, nurtured the Coterie, streamlined my website (thanks Mara!), gave a proud performance of Les Sylphides, and took trips to Paris. A few that I didn’t meet and are still on my radar: read 40 books, solid pirouettes at the barre and in the center, daily greens.

My 2024 Year’s Dreams: complete and release Advanced Tranquility book, healthy pugs, send monthly love notes (sign up here), new website, increase color on my plate and eat more veggies/whole foods, learn and perform a made-for-me ballet solo to La Vie en Roseat the International Adult Ballet Festival, get back en pointe consistently, nurture my Coterieloves and clients, incorporate more play and relaxation time, create an "Embrace Your Inner Parisienne" micro-course, finish a few e-courses I’ve signed up for, donate to support orangutans, pigs, and pugs, create AM writing time, create content for you (starting a Substack soon!).

Wrap-Up: Overall 2023 was an okay year. Ballet continued to be a dominate presence along with my therapy practice, the Coterie, and pug caregiving. I see this continuing into the new year and hope to make more space to write, cuddle pugs, and read fireside (or by twinkle light).

My word/theme for 2024 is attention. What about you? May 2024 be filled with time and space for what matters most to you! Bisous. x

Resources

40 New Year’s Resolutions Ideas How to Create Your Personal Year End Review 22 Ways to Ensure 2022 is the Year You Supercharge Your Career How to Make 2022 Your Best Financial Year Yet 22 of our Favorite Healthy Ways to Welcome 2022 5 Tips to Meet Your New Year’s Resolutions My 2019 Year in Review My 2020 Year in Review My 2021 Year in Review My 2022 Year in Review Are New Year’s Resolutions Powerful or Pointless? 5 Science-Backed Strategies for Nailing Your New Year’s Resolutions Pick Your Nudge Word 7 Daily Habits That'll Improve Your Mental HealthTea with Kimberly Video on 6 Tips for the New Year Ezra Klein Podcast on Attention

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I share a holiday message and a preview of what's coming in 2024 (hello, Substack, a reimagined Coterie, a Year of Tranquility digital course).

Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in for this heartfelt musing.

Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon.

Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more.

New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.

Upcoming Events

Tranquility Salon: Virtual Tranquility Treats SubscriptionJanuary is filled with journal prompts, a private podcast on welcoming the new year, a guided meditation to help you welcome the new year, PLUS a bonus Spotify playlist, a nourishing recipe, and a repeating bonus monthly planning workbook! Only $9/month.Coterie Waitlist with Special 12/29 Early Bird Bonus Digital Courses

Let's Connect

Receive inbox love through Love Notes: invites, inspiration, and more.

Browse my 6 Books and planners.

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube.

Share a review on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show.

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with returning guest Britt Bravo about creating, clarifying, and living our Big Vision. Learn the components of a Big Vision, how to bring yours to life, tips to help make you Big Vision real, and much more!

Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and tune in!

Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #621: Your Big Vision

Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon.

Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more.

New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.

Upcoming Events

Coterie Waitlist: Early Bird Bonus

Digital Courses

Tranquility Salon: Virtual Tranquility Treats Subscription

  Our Guest: Britt Bravo Britt Bravo is a Big Vision coach and copywriter who helps creatives and changemakers clarify and communicate their Big Vision for their work in the world. She has worked at the intersection of personal growth, the arts, social change, and communications for 20+ years. Find Our Guest

• Website: https://brittbravo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbravo/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittbravo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittebravoPrevious podcasts with Britt:
• #166 (2009) https://kimberlywilson.com/podcasts/tranquility-du-jour-166-do-gooding-having-fun-with-britt-bravo/
• #239 (2012) https://kimberlywilson.com/podcasts/tranquility-du-jour-239-juicy-blogging/
• #466 (2019) https://kimberlywilson.com/podcasts/tranquility-du-jour-466-change-vision-connection/

Mentioned in the Show

• 31-day low impact Pahla B workout series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxEW_OukMMsp_MnPj5C1rMBiBMFLhYr-S&feature=shared
• 30-day Yoga with Adrienne series, Center: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLui6Eyny-Uzx-IzGg48K4aHGyBwtPh7Sw
• 5-Course Inspired Leadership Specialization by Case Western Reserve University (available via Coursera): https://www.coursera.org/specializations/inspired-leadership
• https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/this-is-way-you-need-to-write-down-your-goals-for-faster-success.html “You are 42 percent more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down.”
• https://blog.trello.com/science-backed-reasons-you-shouldnt-share-your-goalsA Dominican University study found that more than 70% of participants who sent a weekly progress report to a friend reported successful goal achievement, compared to only 35% of participants who kept their goals to themselves and didn’t write them down.
• Coterie Waitlist Early Bird Bonus

Let's Connect

Receive inbox love through Love Notes: invites, inspiration, and more.

Browse my 6 Books and planners.

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube.

Share a review on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show. And, I'd love to send you snail mail as a thank you! Details here.

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I do a bit of looking back and take you along on the journey. Sharing a play by play of 2023's unfolding (full "Year in Review" still to come), reflection on a comment about how "we've grown up together," and a preview of what's coming in 2024 (hello, Substack, a reimagined Coterie, a Year of Tranquility digital course).

Plus a reminder to acknowledge and be gentle with yourself when things are hard and a story about how "Memaw" got lost on an Amtrak train to NYC.

Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in for this heartfelt musing.

Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #620: Looking Back

Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon.

Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more.

New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.

Upcoming Events

Digital Courses Now OpenTranquility Salon: Virtual Tranquility Treats SubscriptionDecember is filled with journal prompts, a private podcast on 10 ways to care for yourself right now, a guided meditation to help you reflect on the year, PLUS a bonus Spotify playlist, nourishing recipe, and a repeating bonus monthly planning workbook! Only $9/month.Coterie Waitlist

Mentioned in the Show Book Cover 15 years together podcast [20 years podcast coming in 2024] Blog archives [see archives in lower right margin]

Let's Connect

Receive inbox love through Love Notes: invites, inspiration, and more.

Browse my 6 Books and planners.

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube.

Share a review on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show.

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with returning guest Scott Stabile about his new book Enough As You Are. Learn ways our relationship with ourselves informs how we show up in the world, why "living in your truth" is so important, ways to stay grounded in a tumultuous time, and tips to truly love yourself as you are.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj619.mp3

Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #619: Enough As You Are

Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon.

Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more.

New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.

Upcoming Events

Pet Loss Support Session November 14 Pink Friday November 24 Digital Courses Tranquility Salon: Virtual Tranquility Treats Subscription Coterie Waitlist: Opens early 2024

Video Interview

https://youtu.be/tMvy8orSO9U

Our Guest: Scott Stabile Scott Stabile is the author of Enough as You Are and Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide-Open Heart. He is a passionate love advocate who believes there is no force more powerful than love to create real connection and healing in our world. Scott guides transformational breathwork journeys and leads personal empowerment workshops internationally. His inspirational posts have attracted a huge and devoted social media following, including more than 350,000 Facebook fans. For more info visit him online at ScottStabile.com and/or check out his newsletter at http://www.scottstabile.substack.com. Find Our Guest Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/ScottFrankStabile/ Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/scottstabile/ YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyBKwP7LeU-dVgRfTrA0PRw Amazon:  https://a.co/d/iNeDand First podcast interview with Scott: https://kimberlywilson.com/podcasts/tranquility-du-jour-408b-big-love-scott-stabile/ Mentioned in the Show

Tea with Kimberly videos [New one on Desktop Tranquility] Blog post about changes to TDJ Clothing

Let's Connect

Receive inbox love through Love Notes: invites, inspiration, and more.

Browse my 6 Books and planners.

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube.

Share a review on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show. And, I'd love to send you snail mail as a thank you! Details here.