Category: Midlife Woman

Business Women, Gratitude, Midlife Woman, Uncategorized

Through the Woods: Letting Go of Overwhelm and Another Year

Evelyn Donato

What began as a way to spend time with my family evolved into a singular exploration. It became a chance to spend a few hours outdoors amid the pines and crags ornamented by the chatter of ground squirrels. This solitary journey is the perfect way for me to let go of the overwhelm that comes with being an entrepreneur and remind myself of the many blessings in my life. It is a time to slow down, to engage in quiet reflection, and to reawaken my spirit as one year comes to an end and another one lies before me. 

Business Women, Gratitude, Life, Midlife Woman, Self Development, Self-Care, Uncategorized

Priceless: The Gift Of Belonging To Your Own Special Tribe

Evelyn Donato

Rather than looking for presents under the tree, I'll be looking for ways to thank all the people in my life who have shared a special moment, a smile, a virtual or real-life hug, a word of support, a laugh or a tear. These gifts are priceless. These gifts can't be found in a store or online, and don't go on sale for $9.99. These gifts are expressions from the heart that have the power to lift my spirit in a way that no material thing can.

Chronic Illness, Gratitude, Health, Life, Midlife Woman, Relationships, Self-Care

Beginnings and Endings

Evelyn Donato

11 years ago today I underwent a 10-1/2 hour surgery that gave me my life back. I was reborn at the age of 52 with the promise of less pain, fewer hospitalizations, the ability to eat again, the ability to live again.

Aging, Chronic Illness, Health, Life, Midlife Transitions, Midlife Woman, Self-Care

Life Interrupted Part 3: A New Normal

Evelyn Donato

My breaking point came at a family friend’s viewing. I vividly remember standing in front of his casket, looking down at this 82-year old man who had passed away, and wishing with all my heart it was me in there instead of him.

Aging, Chronic Illness, Health, Life, Midlife Woman, Self-Care, Uncategorized

Life Interrupted Part 2: Down the Rabbit Hole

Evelyn Donato

By late fall 2005, my physical symptoms began to dramatically affect my day-to-day life. I couldn’t continue to tell myself it was just stress or that I was “run down.” I began my quest in earnest to discover what was happening inside my body. It’s also when I discovered that even doctors don’t have all the answers.

Aging, Divorce, Life, Midlife Transitions, Midlife Woman, Relationships, Self Development

The Funny Thing About Closure

Evelyn Donato

It’s been 10 years since my now-ex husband announced with flat, dead certainty that he didn’t want to be married to me any longer – that our marriage was “done,” as if we were a pie baking in the oven. Done.

Midlife Transitions, Midlife Woman, Uncategorized

5 Things I Know About Letting Go

Evelyn Donato

Letting go comes in two flavors: “passive letting go” and “active letting go.” One tastes like plain ol’ vanilla, the other Cherry Garcia: cherry ice cream with whole cherries and mega pieces of dark chocolate.

Career, Chronic Illness, Health, Life, Midlife Transitions, Midlife Woman, Relationships, Self-Care

In Sickness and in Health: Losing Friends to Chronic Illness

Evelyn Donato

It took me several years to truly understand that what happened with my friends was not malicious or intentional; it was the unfortunate by-product of change. It was the natural shift that occurs when people are no longer moving in the same direction. Like a road that reaches a fork, I went left while they went right. 

Chronic Illness, Divorce, Gratitude, Health, Life, Midlife Transitions, Midlife Woman, Relationships, Self-Care, Uncategorized

Starting Over – Again

Evelyn Donato

The wheel on the hospital gurney made a continuous squeaking sound as they wheeled me down the hall to the operating room. It was one of those incessant noises that would normally drive me crazy, but for some reason that morning I found it comforting.