If you’ve ever sat in an airport questioning every decision you’ve ever made… this episode is for you.In the span of two weeks, I dealt with weather delays, missed connections, exhaustion, a cross-country sprint to my niece’s First Communion… and then my final flight home out of Chicago was delayed because they found mouse poop on the plane.Yes. Mouse poop.I spent Mother’s Day in O’Hare Airport questioning my life choices. 😂Interested in my FASTer Way program? Head to this link for all the details: https://www.fasterway.com/?aid=jillblewis

In this episode of Live Your Best Midlife, I’m sharing the full recap of our trip to Croatia and Montenegro so far, including the travel nightmare that almost derailed the entire vacation before it even started. From weather delays and missed connections to unexpected reroutes, getting there was not easy. But once we arrived, these two countries completely exceeded my expectations.I’m talking about what surprised me most about Croatia and Montenegro, why the Adriatic coastline feels so different from other European destinations, and the fascinating history that gave me a whole new appreciation for the region. I share the simple backstory of Yugoslavia, how these countries have rebuilt since the wars of the 1990s, and why tourism is exploding there right now.I also share some of my favorite moments from the trip, including the beauty of Dubrovnik, the ancient history of Split, the rugged charm of Montenegro, the dramatic mountain scenery around Kotor, and why this part of the world feels layered with history, resilience, and culture.If you’ve ever wondered whether Croatia and Montenegro are worth visiting, or if you love hearing real travel stories that include both the highlights and the chaos, this episode is for you.

Hi Friends! Well I took an unintentional six week break from the podcast. But I'm back and ready to give you the scoop of what I've been up to! Spend the next thirty minutes with me and I'll be back next week. Thank you for hanging in there with me. xoxoWe all know protein is a big deal. But if eating another chicken breast sounds awful, grab my favorite protein powder for 15% off your first order with code JILL.https://www.equipfoods.com/jill

In this episode, I’m reflecting on something I think about often… what would I tell my 40-year-old self if I had the chance?Midlife has taught me a lot about hormones, strength training, mindset, relationships, and the importance of actually designing the life you want to live.I talk about why so many women ignore hormone symptoms in their 40s, the biggest misconceptions I had about lifting weights, and why muscle becomes so important as we age.I also share some of the mindset shifts that have helped me embrace midlife rather than fear it, and why Randy and I now have regular conversations about where we want our life to go in the next decade.If you’re in your 40s, think of this episode as your head start.And if you’re in midlife already, maybe it will remind you that the best chapters may still be ahead.

In this episode I’m sharing some thoughts about travel in midlife… what I’ve loved, what surprised me, what went wrong, and what I’ve learned along the way.When our kids were younger, travel looked very different. Honestly, I mostly wanted to sit on a beach chair and recover from life. But once Randy and I started traveling on our own, we became much more adventurous and started exploring places all over the world.Over the years I’ve realized that travel isn’t just about seeing new places. It expands your perspective, wakes up your curiosity, and pulls you into the present moment in a way everyday life sometimes doesn’t.But travel also tests your mindset. Flights get cancelled. Plans change. You get lost in Barcelona or find yourself in a city during protests. Things go sideways. Those moments can be stressful in the moment but they also tend to become the stories you laugh about later.In this episode I also share some of our favorite travel experiences, including:• Why Switzerland completely stole our hearts• Why Italy is always a standout (but getting crowded)• Why Spain and Mallorca surprised us in the best way• Our surreal trip to Japan right before the world shut down in 2020• Why South Africa may have been our most incredible adventure ever• Why the British Virgin Islands are one of our favorite island escapesI also talk about something that has dramatically improved many of our trips: tours. From Devour food tours in Barcelona to a night lights tour in Paris and private tours in Rome and London, I’ve learned that the right tour can reduce stress and help you experience a place in a deeper way.We also talk about:• Why trains are one of the best ways to travel through Europe• Why shoulder season travel is often the sweet spot• The mindset that helps when travel inevitably goes wrong• Why pacing, sleep, and margin make trips far more enjoyable in midlifeAnd if international travel isn’t your thing, that’s okay too. There are incredible places to explore right here in the U.S. and Canada. Maine in August, the Rocky Mountains, national parks, Sedona, and the California coast are all unforgettable in their own way.Travel has taught me that the goal isn’t just seeing the world. It’s staying curious about your life and remembering that there is always more to experience.I also share where we’re headed next… including another European trip and our annual “escape the August heat” getaway to Northern California.*Grab my favorite protein powder (and I've tried them all!) for 15% off your first order with code JILL: https://www.equipfoods.com/jill

What does Lent and a visit to the dentist have in common? Absolutely nothing! But here we are.First… I tell you about my absolutely awful trip to the dentist. Because sometimes midlife isn’t about deep wisdom. It’s about surviving the dental chair.Then we shift gears into something a little more reflective as I talk about Lent — what it means, the history behind it, and why this penitential season is about so much more than just giving something up.This episode is a mix of humor, perspective, and a reminder that personal growth and everyday annoyances often coexist.• My marathon dentist visit• Why certain experiences just hit harder in midlife• What Lent actually is• The meaning of a penitential season• Why fasting is about discipline, not punishment• A modern, practical reflection on Lenten resetsLife doesn’t separate the sacred from the silly. One minute you’re reflecting on spiritual growth… the next you’re gripping the dentist chair wondering why this is your destiny. If this episode made you laugh or nod along:Please follow & subscribe to Live Your Best Midlife and share with a friend!Tag me on Instagram @jillblewisTry my favorite protein powder for 15% off your first order with code JILL. https://www.equipfoods.com/jill

Welcome back to the podcast! Today I’m talking about life lately, the rhythm of my days here in Florida, and the strange mix of emotions that can come with feeling genuinely happy while the world often feels crazy. If you’ve ever felt gratitude and guilt sitting side-by-side, this conversation will likely feel very familiar.Of course, we also get into Super Bowl weekend — including my honest thoughts on the halftime show. Not just the performance itself, but the reactions, the commentary, and how differently we all seem to experience the same cultural moments.This episode weaves through joy, perspective, self-awareness, and the reality of living in what I jokingly call my “Florida bubble.”And toward the end, I share something I’m really excited about:✨ My Five-Day Cortisol ResetBecause if fat loss feels harder than it used to…If your body feels like it’s resisting you…If stress, sleep, and hormones feel like they’re running the show…There’s a reason.Inside this short reset, we focus on lowering stress load, stabilizing blood sugar, improving sleep rhythms, and helping your body feel safe enough to actually respond.Nothing extreme.Nothing miserable.Just smart, strategic shifts that work with your midlife physiology.Join my five day cortisol reset here:  https://fasterwaycoach.com/cortisol-reset?aid=jillblewisGrab my favorite protein powder that helps me reach my protein goals daily (and tastes like dessert!) for 15% off your first order with code JILL:  https://www.equipfoods.com/jill

January starts with big intentions.February shows us real life.If your motivation felt strong at the beginning of the year but has quietly faded, this episode is for you. And no, it’s not because you lack discipline or willpower.In this episode, we’re talking about why motivation naturally drops, especially in midlife, and what actually creates results that last beyond the first few weeks of the year.You’ll learn why pushing harder often backfires, how stress and hormones affect consistency, and why rhythm matters more than intensity once your life and body change.This is a permission-giving conversation that will help you stop blaming yourself and start building habits that actually fit your season of life.In this episode, we cover:Why January motivation fades for almost everyoneThe truth about willpower and why it’s not a character flawHow stress, sleep, and hormones affect motivation in midlifeWhy intensity leads to burnout and inconsistencyThe difference between motivation and sustainable rhythmWhat consistency really looks like for women in midlifeHow to create simple systems that support long-term resultsIf you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I just stick with it?” — this episode will change how you see yourself and your progress.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillblewisTry my favorite protein powder for 15% off with code JILL on your first order: https://www.equipfoods.com/jill

In this episode, I’m diving into a question that came up over and over after we attended the college football national championship game:“How much did it cost?”And honestly, that question opened the door to a much bigger conversation.Today, we’re talking about why Gen Z prioritizes experiences over things, why that mindset actually makes a lot of sense, and why so many women in midlife are quietly starting to feel the same shift. This episode isn’t about money or luxury. It’s about values, intention, and how we choose to spend our time in this stage of life.I’m also sharing what that championship game experience really gave us and why, years from now, the price tag won’t be the part that matters.In this episode we cover:Why asking “how much did it cost?” misses the bigger pointWhat Gen Z understands about experiences that many of us are just learningHow midlife naturally shifts our priorities from accumulation to connectionWhy time becomes the most valuable currency in your second actHow experiences don’t have to be big or expensive to be meaningfulA powerful reframe for how we measure “worth it” decisionsIf you’ve ever felt torn between being responsible and fully living your life, this conversation is for you.I'd love to connect over on Instagram! Come say hi! https://www.instagram.com/jillblewisGrab my favorite protein powder for 15% off your first order with code JILL: https://www.equipfoods.com/jill

In this episode, I’m sharing what my second act glow-up routine actually looks like right now and spoiler alert, it has nothing to do with extremes, restriction or becoming someone new.This isn’t a makeover. It’s a reset of priorities.In midlife, feeling better doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing the right small things consistently. These are the daily habits that are helping me feel more energized, grounded and strong in this season of life.In this episode, I walk you through:Why sleep has become non-negotiable for my energy and moodHow starting my mornings with the Bible in a Year podcast changed my mindsetWhy I recommitted to eating gluten-free and how it impacts digestion and bloatingWhat cutting back on sugar actually looks like in real lifeHow I’ve shifted to movement I genuinely love, not workouts I dreadWhy mobility work matters more than ever in midlifeHow I’m thinking about skincare and sun protection for future-meWhy scheduling what matters is the key to consistencyThe role protein and real meals play in how I feelAnd why daily walking ties everything togetherIf you’ve been feeling a little off, tired, bloated, or stuck in midlife, this episode is meant to feel like reassurance. You don’t need a drastic overhaul. You need small habits that support the life you’re living now.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillblewisLooking for new readers? Try my new favorite brand and use code JILL20 for 20% off: https://www.viccieyewear.com/discount/JILL20https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=jillblewis