Let go of everything that bores you! That’s just one of the many nuggets uncovered in this week’s episode, where Sheri and Nancy meet Cheryl Richardson, whose groundbreaking new book, Waking up in Winter, explores what it means to redefine the middle of life.

Cheryl is a New York Times bestselling author, renowned speaker and coach, and a total inspiration to Sheri and Nancy. She tells them, “The only reason people are worried about time passing is because they are not happy with the lives they are living.” 

Listen along as they talk about inner adventure, immersion of pleasure, and facing some of the wintry parts of ourselves. Nancy says that, for her, the title of Cheryl’s book reminds her that the “winter” of life can be like a blank white canvas, where we are invited to rewrite our own story, at any time. 

Takeaways:

[7:05] Today’s guest is Cheryl Richardson, author of several best-selling books, including her new one, Waking Up in Winter.

[9:09] Cheryl shares her thoughts behind the book’s poetic title. “Waking up in winter” means taking time to reflect, rest, breathe and even face the tough cold parts of our lives.

[12:02] Cheryl, a life-long journal keeper, wrote this book as an honest and revealing journal over many years, and then unearthed it and turned it into the gorgeous work that it is today. 

[18:30] Especially for women in their 50s, embracing the empty nest, and then finally the preparation for the winding down of life should be a beautiful and powerful time. Culturally, women have always needed permission from society and sometimes even themselves to feel this way, but Cheryl, Sheri and Nancy are here to prove otherwise!

[24:01] The more you live authentically and get to know your inner self, the less afraid you are of time passing.

[25:43] Cheryl says we should let go of anything that bores us. (What a great, freeing thought that is.)

[37:02] Create wonder and leave yourself open and receptive to the energy the universe wants to bring you.

[44:38] Cheryl often journals through photography. She also makes lists every night of 10 things that brought her pleasure that day.

[47:02] Get comfortable with pleasure, whether it’s a foot massage, dancing with your partner, or taking more baths.

[53:35] Sheri wants to be danced this year! And we want that for her too.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Cheryl Richardson

Waking Up in Winter: In Search of What Really Matters at Midlife, by Cheryl Richardson

Website Story.co