Cass

So if I bring this together, I just wanted to talk about this today because I think it's something a lot of us struggle with in midlife in particular.

Because midlife can be crazy busy.

Our identity can start to feel uncertain.

It's a time that involves a lot of change and transition.

And time certainly seems to feel accelerated.

And often we delay joy without meaning to.

And time feels fast when we're constantly on autopilot.

Busyness can become a celebrated distraction from actually being and connecting with others.

Thriving is not constant productivity.

And I'm not encouraging you to change your whole life.

I'm encouraging you to step into your life right here, right now.

And I'd love to close with a short reflection, a few minutes of meditation just for you.

If you're driving right now, best to do this meditation when you're off the road.

Otherwise, find a comfortable position, whether you're seated or laying down.

eyes closed or your gaze softened, let's begin.

Take a slow breath in through your nose to the count of one, two, three and gently exhale through your mouth to the count of one, two, three.

Take another slow breath in through your nose, two, three, four, and breathe out and gently exhale through your mouth, slowing your breathing down.

Each time, taking a slow inhale and breathing out with a slow exhale.

Allow your shoulders to drop slightly, relaxing your nervous system by gently lengthening your breath.

Notice that you are here, not yesterday, not two years from now.