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  • Freedom from New Year's Resolutions

    Freedom from New Year's Resolutions
    2025/12/30
    Welcome, welcome!

    We’re closing out the year with a slightly controversial topic… 👀

    It’s almost December 31st.
    Which means January 1st is coming.
    And that means… New Year’s Resolutions. 🎇

    As someone who has spent many years in gyms and wellness — including working as a fitness director — I’ve seen what January looks like firsthand. Gyms are PACKED from the New Year through mid-February. And then? The slow fade. The “die-off.” The resolutions that don’t survive. Not just in fitness, but in every area of life.

    And that is why…I am officially a No Resolutions promoter, believer, and teacher. Wait, what?! 😱
    Bah humbug? Anti-goals? Rebel against society?
    Not quite. Let me explain…


    💬 What We Talk About in This Episode

    ✦ The pressure + perfectionism behind resolutions
    ✦ Why the diet industry thrives on our “failure”
    ✦ How resolutions often disconnect us from our real needs
    ✦ A more compassionate approach to change
    ✦ Why incomplete goals are still valuable data
    ✦ How acceptance may be the healthiest “New Year tradition” of all


    🧠 A Personal Story

    New Year’s used to send my anxiety through the roof — expectations, perfectionism, doing things to please others. I dreaded this holiday.

    Later, through fitness and mental-health work, I realized: • The world profits when we believe we’re broken

    • People often set goals that deny who they truly are
    • We can feel like failures over things outside our control
    • Our bodies are not wrong — societal expectations are

    If you want the full story, I’ve written a newsletter on it. Just reach out — I’d love to share it with you. 💌


    ✨ “New Year’s Acceptance

    ” What if this year, instead of forcing change… we nurture acceptance? • Speak to yourself with love

    • Choose goals when you want them
    • Let your growth follow a natural path
    • Release the pressure to perform for others

    Goals aren’t the enemy! But:

    🛑 Goals set because we’re supposed to
    🛑 Goals that ignore our body’s truth
    🛑 Goals that crush our self-worth

    …those deserve to be questioned.

    📌 Reframing Goals
    ✔ Set them any time of year
    ✔ Flex and adjust as you go
    ✔ Use outcomes as information — not judgment Even when we don’t “complete” a goal, we’ve learned something:
    Maybe skateboarding isn’t our thing.
    Maybe knitting hats for cats is… less delightful than imagined.
    That’s success — because we gained clarity.


    🤗 You Belong Here.

    Whether you love resolutions…
    Skip them completely…
    Or this episode totally changes your mind…

    You are accepted exactly as you are in this community.


    💌 Join the Conversation

    How did this episode land for you?

    • DM me
    • Email me
    • Drop a comment

    And if it inspired you — share it with a fellow Menobody! We love welcoming more amazing humans into this space. 💜

    Until next time — remember:
    You are amazing just as you are. 🌟

    Connect with Beth:
    💌 Email: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com
    📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
    🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
    🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter
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    7 分
  • Taking Breaks - why rest matters more than ever

    Taking Breaks - why rest matters more than ever
    2025/12/25
    Hey, hey there! Thanks for tuning in — especially if you're listening the week we dropped this episode (hello, 12/25!). We’re right between Christmas and New Year’s — a weird and wonderful space where “time off” should actually mean time off. And that brings us to today’s topic: Taking breaks. 🛑✨

    Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or somewhere in between — your body, brain, and emotions need more care. More rest. More down time. Today, we’re diving into why that matters and how to make it happen.


    🎙️ In This Episode

    We’re talking about:

    ✦ The ways many of us were taught (or not taught) to rest
    ✦ My personal journey with vacation time + burnout
    ✦ Why taking breaks is critical for our health
    ✦ Advocating for time off — with your boss, family… and yourself
    ✦ How to snag tiny breaks when life is bananas
    ✦ Using the holiday season to actually restore


    🕰️ “Back in the Day”… and Why That Still Haunts Us

    Growing up, breaks weren’t really a thing.

    • Parents working holidays
    • Time off in rigid 2-week blocks
    • Sick days only when super sick
    • Mental health days? Never.
    Then, early careers praised the hustle: overtime as a badge of honor, events without compensation, saving every hour possible — because using it seemed weak.

    Sound familiar? 👀


    🧠 Fast Forward: Why Breaks Matter

    Taking one single day now can reset you for weeks.
    Pushing through? Usually ends in meltdown mode. 😅

    Breaks help…
    ✔ calm the nervous system
    ✔ improve focus + decision making
    ✔ reduce anxiety
    ✔ support physical health
    ✔ replenish energy so you show up better
    Imagine explaining it that way the next time you ask for a day off.


    🗣️ Advocating for Time Off

    Whether you’re requesting scheduled PTO or asking for extra flexibility, try:
    • Be specific — ½ day? 1 day? 3 days?
    • Share what you’re comfortable sharing
    • Explain how you’ll return more focused and energized
    • If there’s a “no,” ask when would be okay

    If you’re the boss — or work for yourself — the hardest person to convince is YOU.
    Reminder: You deserve rest.


    🚫 “Time off” ≠ Checking emails

    Give yourself true unplug time.
    If digital withdrawal makes you anxious? Make a plan.
    Even ask colleagues to help keep you accountable.


    🧩 When Work Has Crunch Seasons

    Some jobs have blackout periods (looking at you, admissions teams 👋).

    Take smaller bites:
    • go in late or leave early
    • schedule recovery time after the rush


    ⚖️ Wellness Is a Year-Long Balance

    “Work/life balance” isn’t a perfect daily scale.
    But when you zoom out to the year? It should even out.
    If not — that’s your cue to adjust.
    Reflection is a wellness tool, too.

    🎄 Holiday Edition: You Can Rest

    If you’re off for the holidays… let some of that time be for YOU.
    🛋️ Slow things down
    ✨ Sprinkle in quiet, solo moments
    🚫 Release the pressure to “be productive”

    Remember: You never need a break from a break.


    💬 Connect with Me

    When your break is over, I’d love to hear:

    • Did this episode help you rethink time off?
    • How did menopause or perimenopause shape your holidays this year?

    DM me on Instagram, shoot me an email, or drop a comment — I love hearing from you. 💜

    Thanks for being here, Menobodies fam.
    May your rest be real, restorative, and guilt-free. 😌🧘‍♀️

    Connect with Beth:
    💌 Email: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com
    📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
    🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
    🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter
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    17 分
  • 7 Ways to take it easy in the busy season and with perimenopause

    7 Ways to take it easy in the busy season and with perimenopause
    2025/12/18
    Hiiiiiiiii there (cue the yoga exhale 🧘‍♀️).
    Because today’s episode is all about taking it easy — slowing down, relaxing, restoring, finding calm and peace, and grounding yourself, especially during the busiest time of the year.

    It’s deep in the holiday season as I record this, and that’s exactly why this topic matters. You need rest and restoration the most when life feels the most chaotic. Thirty minutes of true rest will give you more than pushing through another 30 minutes exhausted ever could.

    When you slow down and restore, you can think clearly, focus better, have more patience, and show up as your best self.

    So let’s dive into:
    7 Ways to Take It Easy 🌿

    1️⃣ Take a Nap
    Obvious? Maybe. But powerful!
    Even if you don’t fall fully asleep, giving your brain permission to slow down and wander is deeply restorative. And if you do nap longer—great! That gives your brain time to truly power down and reset.

    2️⃣ Spend Time by Yourself (Without a Required Task)
    Yes, no required tasks allowed.This could be walking, sitting by a fire, curling up in a cozy chair, or listening to music. The key is twofold: you’re alone and you’re not “doing” anything expected of you or already on your to do list or calendar. Let yourself be.

    3️⃣ Intentional Nervous System Relaxation
    You’ve heard me talk about this before—it’s one of my favorites!
    Try 30 seconds of slow, intentional breathing. Use techniques like:
    • 3-3-3 breathing

    • 4-7-8 breathing

    • Square breathing
      You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, gentle yoga, tai chi, Pilates, or self-led stretching. Anything that helps your body and breath slow down.
    4️⃣ Relaxing Friend Time
    Yes—relaxing friend time. There’s a difference!
    This isn’t the loud dinner or the chaotic group hangout. This is a quiet coffee date, a slow morning chat, or an easy walk with someone who brings calm energy. Restoration through connection.

    5️⃣ Do Something That Brings Peace
    This could be painting, playing music, taking a nature walk, or attending a spiritual or meditation gathering. Choose something that centers you—not something that just fills your schedule.
    6️⃣ Read a Book or Watch a Movie
    Solo or with a few loved ones, keep it cozy and calm. Maybe add a cup of tea or a glass of wine (if that’s aligned with your lifestyle). Journaling or writing can fit here too—whatever feels peaceful and grounding.

    7️⃣ Let Go of Others’ Expectations
    This might be the hardest one—and the most freeing.
    Release the things you think others expect from you—whether from society, family, or friends.

    Example: Must have handmade pies for Thanksgiving? Nope. Costco can do the magic this year. 🙌

    Create a ritual around this:
    Come up with a mantra to remind yourself of your worth and enough-ness.

    Try:
    💬 “I am okay just as I am.”
    💬 “I am loved even if I don’t please everyone.”
    💬 “Good is great.”
    💬 Or for my spicy listeners —“They can suck it.”

    😏Breathe in… breathe out… and imagine exhaling those expectations away.

    Closing Thoughts
    Menobodies, you are valuable.
    You are worthy of rest.
    And you deserve to take it easy.

    Remind yourself of that daily.

    I’m here to help if you need it — check out our IG and Facebook pages at @Menobodies, and join our biweekly emails full of encouragement, tips, tricks, and laughter.

    Reach out anytime

    Until next time, remember —

    You are amazing exactly as you are. 💛

    Connect with Beth:
    💌 Email: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com
    📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
    🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
    🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter
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    9 分
  • Holiday Mantras to Get You Through Hard Times; Positive Self-Messages

    Holiday Mantras to Get You Through Hard Times; Positive Self-Messages
    2025/12/11
    If the holidays bring you more stress than sparkle, this episode is for you. Today, we’re not talking drills or staple guns (though those might come in handy if you need an excuse to “fix something” and sneak away from family chaos 😅). Instead, we’re talking about a different kind of power tool — one that helps you stay calm, grounded, and sane when life (and Aunt Marge) get intense: the power of mantras.


    💬 What You’ll Hear About in This Episode:
    • Why the holidays can be emotionally tough — and you’re not alone if you feel that way
    • How perimenopause and menopause can add another layer to the holiday pressure
    • What mantras are and why they actually work (yes, there’s research!)
    • Easy ways to use mantras — out loud, written, or posted on your mirror or steering wheel
    • Examples of mantras that can shift your mindset and soothe your stress
    • Letting go of people-pleasing and the need to control others’ opinions
    • How to handle passive-aggressive behavior without losing your peace (hello, family gatherings!)
    • Tips for setting healthy boundaries — and not apologizing for everything
    • Special mantras for navigating perimenopause and menopause

    🧠 Sample Mantras from the Episode:
    • I can do hard things.
    • I am more than my mom’s opinion of me.
    • It’s okay to ask for help.
    • I am allowed to slow down and take care of myself.
    • My body is changing, and I am going to love it and work to help it.
    • I am more than my symptoms.
    These small, powerful statements help retrain your brain — moving you from stress to calm, from negativity to self-compassion.


    💡 Takeaway:
    Your words matter.
    When you change what you tell yourself, you change how you experience the world.
    This holiday season, give yourself permission to breathe, let go of perfection, and use your power tool — your mantra — to build peace instead of chaos.

    ✨ Join the Conversation:
    I want to hear from you!
    What’s your personal mantra?
    Send me a DM, comment on this episode, or email me at beth@neonlavendertherapy.com.
    Bonus points if you share the story behind why it works for you.

    Let’s make this holiday season one of calm, grace, and a little self-love — Menobodies style.

    Connect with Beth:
    💌 Email: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com
    📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
    🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
    🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter
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    13 分
  • MiniPod How to Make Friends

    MiniPod How to Make Friends
    2025/12/05
    A little bonus share:
    tips on how to handle conversations in social settings
    • how to keep conversations going
    • how to handle akward silences
    • how to have easy outs when needed


    Connect with Beth:
    💌 Email: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com
    📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
    🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
    🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter
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    6 分
  • Humor in Perimenopause and Menopause, You are Not Alone

    Humor in Perimenopause and Menopause, You are Not Alone
    2025/12/04
    Share your perim/menopause funny story via this link Menobodies Humor Stories

    Welcome, Menobodies!
    Hey there, hey there! Today’s episode is short, sweet, and perfect for the busy holiday season. We’re taking a lighter look at something that usually gets a bad rap — the humor of perimenopause and menopause.

    If you’ve ever listened to Dax Shepard and Monica Padman’s Armchair Anonymous, you know their “Funny Friday” stories. Well, this is my version — a “Funny Friday: Menobodies Edition.”

    Because let’s be honest… peri/menopause gives us plenty of material!


    💫 In This Episode
    We know menopause symptoms are custom-fit to every person — and the mix of brain fog, bloating, mood swings, and everyday life makes for some truly funny moments.

    Beth shares:
    • Her own “squeaky walking” story (yes, it’s as funny as it sounds)
    • The joys of brain fog and forgetting what you walked into a room for
    • The “word block” moments that turn everyday conversations into guessing games
    • The mystery of clothing that looked great online but somehow aged us 40 years in the mirror
    • And those “orthopedic chic” ads that start following us around the internet 👟
    It’s all about finding laughter, community, and self-compassion in this season of life.


    💜 A Gentle Reminder
    All the humor comes with a deeper message:

    👉 Acceptance.
    👉 Self-love.
    👉 Grace for the stage you’re in.

    You’re not alone — and laughing about it together just makes it all a little lighter.


    🗣️ Join the Conversation
    Beth wants to hear your funny menopause or perimenopause stories!
    💌 Share anonymously via this link Menobodies Humor Stories
    📩 Email: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com
    📱 DM: @menobodies on social media
    💬 Comment on this episode to keep the laughter going

    Who knows? Your story might make it into a future “Menopause Humor” episode!


    ✨ Connect & Close
    Until next time, Menobodies — may your day be filled with peace, acceptance, and lots of laughter.

    Connect with Beth:
    💌 Email: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com
    📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
    🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
    🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter
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    6 分
  • Healthy Holiday Communication - what to say, how to let go of holding guilt and fixing others' emotions; conversation tools and tips

    Healthy Holiday Communication - what to say, how to let go of holding guilt and fixing others' emotions; conversation tools and tips
    2025/11/24
    Happy Holiday Season, Menobodies! Whether you celebrate all the holidays, just one, or none at all — this episode is for you. Because no matter what’s on your calendar, there’s one thing we all have to deal with this time of year: communication.

    Let’s be honest — it’s way easier to spot bad communication than to practice healthy communication. You know the drill:
    • Yelling, sarcasm, or the silent treatment
    • Bottling things up until you explode
    • Talking about someone instead of to them
    • Passive-aggressive comments
    • Or just plain pretending everything’s fine when it’s not
    Sound familiar? Yeah… we’ve all been there.

    In today’s episode, we’ll talk about what healthy communication really looks like — and why it’s a game-changer for your emotional wellbeing, your relationships, and your sanity this holiday season.

    💬 What You’ll Learn:
    • The two key parts of communication:
      1. How you choose to communicate
      2. How you respond to others’ communication choices
    • Why healthy communication helps you feel calmer, more connected, and less guilty
    • How to respond instead of react
    • When (and how) to stop taking responsibility for other people’s emotions
    🍲 Real-Life Example:
    “Is Dinner Ready?” Beth walks us through one simple question that can go very wrong — or very right — depending on how we communicate.
    • In the poor communication version, assumptions, exhaustion, and guilt lead straight to conflict.
    • In the healthy communication version, curiosity and respect open the door to understanding — and maybe even takeout.
    ❤️ Key Takeaways:
    • You are not responsible for reading minds.
    • If someone says they’re “fine” but clearly isn’t — you can check in once or twice, but then let it go.
    • When others communicate passively or expect you to guess their needs, it’s okay to set a boundary: “I can’t fix what I don’t know.”
    • You don’t have to apologize for how someone feels. You can simply acknowledge their emotion without taking the blame.
    🎄 Applying It to the Holidays:
    From your partner to Great Aunt Maya and her famous plum pudding, these same principles apply.
    • You can empathize without fixing.
    • You can clarify without assuming.
    • And you can choose to walk away from uncomfortable conversations — politely.
    Quick exit ideas:
    • Excuse yourself to the bathroom
    • Make a quick call or check-in
    • “So nice catching up with you!” (then glide away gracefully)
    Or, if you want to keep things rolling, have a few go-to questions ready:
    • “What did you do today?”
    • “How’s your week going?”
      Then listen, ask a follow-up, and avoid the temptation to “one-up.”
    🌟 Final Thoughts:
    This season, let’s let go of guilt, stop carrying other people’s emotional loads, and practice healthy communication that feels calm, clear, and kind. If you’ve got a communication conundrum, Beth would love to hear from you — and maybe even share it (with permission, of course) to help other Menobodies learn, too!

    Newsletter Link:
    Link to register for the Menobodies Newsleter: https://www.menobodies.com/newsletter

    Connect with Beth:
    💌 Email: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com
    📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
    🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
    🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter
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    13 分
  • Phase of Menopause in colors of the seasons, how we can move through them with success

    Phase of Menopause in colors of the seasons, how we can move through them with success
    2025/11/20
    Welcome, Menobodies and all who are listening!
    Beth here — and guess what? It’s our first snowfall of the season! Still technically fall, but that walk today with chilly air and a few flakes falling got me really looking at the trees. The colors were still hanging on — and that bright, vivid red? I decided to name it “Alive Red.” You know that color that can’t quite be captured by camera, crayon, or marker? It’s vibrant, full of life, and totally stands out. And that “Alive Red” got me thinking about us — about the phases we go through in peri- and menopause.

    Because just like that tree, we go through seasons:

    🍂 Winter: When symptoms hit hard, energy drops, and things feel dry or dull.
    🌱 Spring: Tiny sparks of improvement — some energy, some relief — but it’s unpredictable, like spring weather.
    🌞 Summer: Feeling good again, symptoms managed, life humming along.
    🍁 Fall — the “Alive Red” phase: Fully thriving. Not just surviving menopause, but owning it. Starting new things, reconnecting with people, feeling powerful and grounded. I’m somewhere in my “spring” season — managing symptoms, noticing little improvements — but also dealing with tiredness, grumpiness, and the occasional desire for a sabbatical (probably for the people around me more than me!). The truth is, we can allow all of it: the fatigue, the frustration, the ups and downs. Acceptance with action.
    Because each of us is finding our own “solution cocktail” — and it’s different for everyone, sometimes even day by day. That’s why I created Menobodies — to talk about what’s normal, what’s not, what helps, and to make sure you never feel alone on this ride.

    📨 Join the Menobodies Newsletter
    Want to stay connected and get extra support? Sign up for our biweekly newsletter at menobodies.com/newsletter.

    You’re not alone, friends. We’re moving toward our “Alive Red” season together. Until next time, visualize your “Alive Red” — and let it guide you through even the hardest days. ❤️

    Connect with Beth:
    💌 Email: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com
    📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
    🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
    🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter
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    8 分