Life Update

But, today feels like a good day to connect a little more personally with some updates about life in Portugal and this season I’m in. 
 
And, if you are willing to write me back—I’d love to hear what’s new, outgrown, changing, exciting, or mundane in your world?
 
My heart expands every time I receive a message back from you. I feel less alone and more connected in this online space, so thank you for being here and sharing a little of your life with me. 

You can reply here. 
 
Life in Portugal
Last month I hit my two-year mark since moving to Portugal. I am currently in the process of renewing my residency and despite the heavy bouts of bureaucracy, I am feeling so happy with my choice.
 
I am touched to be living in the Purple House, in a very authentic Portuguese neighborhood. Literally, I may be the only American on my block and likely the youngest and only English speaker. I love it and appreciate living in a place that is unfamiliar, and that forces me to practice my Portuguese.
 
Walking out my front door brings me a sense of awe. To the left, I see pastel-colored buildings and a view of the Sado River. I love the rhythm of locals lining up at the take-away rotisserie chicken place, and elder Portuguese hanging their laundry in the sunshine and calling out from their windows: Bom dia!
 
I am taking two private language lessons a week and let me just say, learning a new language in my 50’s is no joke. But I love the stretch. 
 
Truthfully, I am still adjusting to life as a foreigner—which comes with humility and a constant discovery of what it means to “belong.” I yearn for depth with women, for dance with community, and for easy access to walks in nature … all of which I am still creating.
 
I am finally at the stage of decorating my home; I still need wall art and rugs, but it’s coming along, especially since I started from absolute scratch. I adore shopping at the mercado for the freshest fish and produce, sourcing eggs from my friends’ chickens, and meandering through the cobblestone streets taking in the mysteries and history of Setubal’s architectural ruins.
 
All in all, I am learning that no place is perfect. But Portugal is mine for now. It’s slow and kind, and it feels good on my nervous system.
 
Midlife Realities
I am in full-swing perimenopause, and let me just say … this season of my life has been HARD. There are days when I don’t even recognize myself.
 
I’ve had my share of grief, anxiety, depression, meno-belly, body odor, heart palpitations, brain fog, and rage—where my anger rises and it can be hard to hold back. Fun, right?
 
Thank G-d, I sleep well. Also, thank G-d for CBD.
 
I have been doing Biological Hormone Replacement Therapy, which has helped some of my symptoms, but as I write this I am working with my OBGYN to re-evaluate if this is right for me.
 
Long-Distance Boo-Love
Will and I continue to do long-distance with intention. He recently retired, and since we are both not ready for full-time living together in Portugal, we’ve committed to spending six months a year here, and 1-2 visits a year together in California.
 
Despite distance, our love continues to be one of the most deep, authentic, and emotionally intimate relationships I’ve ever had.
 
We both value personal growth, and know that relationships take work—or at least ours does. We have weekly sessions with an attachment-based couples therapist and also just wrapping up an online course together on transforming shame.
 
This relationship is healing me—helping me to outgrow so many old, toxic relational patterns and behaviors. I have learned to show up as an adult with him, and still honoring my younger parts. 
 
And YES! We have fun, dance, adventure, play, and make each other laugh—a lot!
 
The Work I’m Called to Now
I can hardly believe it’s been seven years since I sold Next Generation Yoga!

Truthfully, it has been a long season of finding my most meaningful work again, and I can honestly say I am feeling it with my current coaching clients: midlife women leaders navigating transitions and creating deeper meaning and purpose.
 
I work closely with private clients in long-term containers, and I recently started a club for women to do this work together, in community. The next cohort starts at the end of May!
 
I am excited that I recently pulled together a team of super creative women to help update and rebrand my website. I am doing a photoshoot next week and hope to launch the site in June.

Also exciting, I am taking a “mini-retirement” this August—no work, all rest!
 
Birthday Wish
On April 24th, I am turning 52.
 
This year, I’m wanting more of what I already have: more connection, more depth, more resilience, more purpose, more Love.

Ok, fine—and maybe a few more trips to European countries and a visit to see my bestie in Indonesia!
 
My Parents are (also) Changing
I recently spent a week in Florida with my folks. My parents are still as spirited as ever despite their own health challenges and the normal aging symptoms. 
 
It is a real initiation to experience your parents changing. If you know, you know.

Thankfully, they still have their humor and love for me, for each other, and for our family.
 
My Body, this Season
My body is changing, and I am finding more bits that I don’t always love when I look in the mirror … psoriasis patches, sunspots, lower belly bulge, rounded shoulders, back fat. I’m enjoying my gray hair, but there’s real grief for what used to be.
 
These days, I doing online strength training via YouTube, walking as much as possible, and I plan to swim in the sea here in Portugal once the weather warms up just a bit more.
 
I used to have flares with Tension Myositis Syndrome, and through my work with neuroplastic pain, I thankfully no longer deal with chronic pain.
 
My body is still teaching me, but I trust it more than I used to.

My Heart
Life and the state of the world feels more difficult than ever. I carry weight, uncertainty, grief, and anxiety too. 

JodiGolda, every time I sit down to write you, I feel gratitude. I feel less alone and more connected knowing we share in this online community—so thank you for being here!
 
My heart and inbox are always open to you. I’d be so happy to know what’s alive for you right now.
 
You are invited to share your life update, or if you’re curious about anything I wrote, ask me a question … about Portugal, long-distance love, my work with women in transition, or whatever’s on your mind.
 
Click here to send me a reply.