Tag: Aging

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. 

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

Worshipping at the Church of 3:00 a.m.

Evelyn Donato

Nothing prepared me for the physical, emotional and spiritual fatigue, and the ongoing insomnia I would experience when I became chronically ill. It goes well beyond the occasional night or two of no sleep. It’s so much more than being “tired.” It’s exhaustion at the cellular level.

Aging, Business Women, Life, Midlife Transitions, Midlife Woman, Self Development, Uncategorized

Now You See Me, Now You Don’t

Evelyn Donato

After talking with more than 100 women from all across the country, about 50% expressed concern that they were becoming marginalized because of their advancing years. The other 50% had no such concerns. In fact, I had to define more clearly and concisely what I meant by "invisible" in order for them to answer the question. It just wasn't on their radar.

Aging, Business Women, Career, Goals, Life, Midlife Transitions, Midlife Woman, Self Development, Self-Care, Uncategorized, Work+Life Fit

A Search for Significance

Evelyn Donato

I wanted to get a better handle on what ignites a fire in the belly of a high-achieving, soul-driven midlife woman, and I wasn’t disappointed. Everyone I talked with was wonderfully open, unreservedly frank, and touchingly vulnerable. While these women may have taken any number of divergent paths as a result of choice or circumstance, there are a number of places where these various paths intersect, and when standing on that sacred ground, their voices sound particularly unified.