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Just like a muscle, mental toughness has to be built and you can develop it at any stage of your life. We’re not talking about acting tough and being insensitive when we consider mental toughness. We’re talking about how to deal with failure, to see challenges as opportunities and being resilient no matter what the world throws at you. Although the subject is frequently applied in sports psychology, mental toughness and positivity are also essential for someone to be successful in life. It requires discipline and a growth mindset with a positive attitude. Easier said than done right? But through simple, daily measures everyone can develop mental toughness by pushing limits and making ourselves ‘uncomfortable’. Sounds mad doesn’t it but even starting the day with a cold shower, holding a ‘plank’ or walking in the rain can help develop resilience. In some ways it’s a survival instinct that forces you to face up to challenges with a winning outcome rather than losing. When you are resilient or mentally tough, you’ll be able to stay determined and to stay focused even after multiple failures, being able to handle stressful situations and solve problems under pressure. We’ve all heard the term ‘snowflake’ applied to millennials, a suggestion that they are too soft to function productively, becoming easily offended and expecting convenience above hard work. It is, of course, a sweeping generalisation but certainly attitudes to mental health and work/life balance have changed over the last couple of decades. Mental health and anxiety are discussed far more widely now. More millennials and Gen Z claim that they have ADHD and anxiety disorders without getting the actual clinical evaluation. There is also considerably more ‘burnout’ being experienced. Rather than using TikTok as our ‘online GP’, perhaps it is time that resilience was discussed and developed, in conjunction with medication when needed. By developing mental toughness we can overcome difficult situations and failures in life, a ‘Blitz’ spirit that can get us through the lowest of the lows. Our podcast guest, Penny Mallory, mental toughness advocate and TED EX speaker, discussed the four pillars that have been recognised as the key to mental toughness : CONTROL - choosing to be the driver or passenger in life and managing emotions COMMITMENT - completing a task 100%, anything less being incomplete CHALLENGE - seeing challenges as an opportunity, winning and pushing limits CONFIDENCE - self belief Research has shown that 30% of achievement is down to skill, ability and intelligence but 70% is down to commitment, mental toughness and determination. If mental toughness is learned, not genetic, every one of us could benefit from learning to incorporate it into our lives - and it could start every morning with a cold shower! If you feel you have mental health issues, please consult a doctor or get specialist help. Listen to our podcast where we chat with Penny Mallory where we chat about Mental Toughness. Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

One of the best gifts you can give your children is advanced planning of what you will do with your treasured possessions. My 92-year-old mother started years ago and it was fascinating for my sister and our kids to discover what she had stored away and to learn the stories and memories behind various objects. My son was particularly intrigued and it invited questions about family members he had never met. I totally misjudged the curiosity (and value) in stamp and coin collections, board games and military memorabilia. Enlist the advice of an expert to help You do need to be honest with your family and tell them what you would prefer them to keep for sentimental reasons. It does take time and I highly recommend enlisting the advice of an expert. Be realistic about values, just because it’s old doesn’t equate to value. What did I discover? I was horrified when I learnt that the old black handbag I played ‘dressing up’ with as a child is in fact a classic worth thousands of pounds and my father’s 1960’s Rolleiflex camera was certainly worth keeping. Sadly, most books have little or no value except for memories, although do check out for first editions. Brown furniture has slipped out of fashion but it can easily be painted and with new handles, it becomes a totally different piece- a toy box, coffee table, or an extra bench in the greenhouse. Just make sure you get it valued first. Out-of-fashion jewellery can be repurposed by taking the stones and creating several new pieces and costume jewellery can be used as door handles or curtain ties. Gold has increased significantly in price so odd earrings, broken necklaces and unwanted rings may be worth more than you think. Diaries, letters, photos, war memorabilia may well be of interest to museums and archives. Stamp collections can be donated to charities. Scan photos and make albums for presents but don’t forget names and dates. There are numerous companies online such as Photobox and CEWE that you can send your photos and they will create wonderful photo albums. Crockery and ceramics are very personal so don’t be offended if no one wants them and the same goes for glassware and art. With so many people wearing smart watches and asking Alexa the time it is difficult to know what clocks and watches to keep. That said a good watch will always have a market and an elegant bracelet watch or dress watch can make a lovely graduation or birthday gift. Vinyl records are having a renaissance and if you have a large collection you may find the value is more than expected. Iconic album sleeves can be framed as artwork as can programmes from famous theatre productions and if you have kept a few early Disney VHS tapes it may well be worth checking the values. But just don’t do what my mother did and start buying again! Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

There are millions of people in the UK taking CBD supplements and it’s increasing daily. If you’re interested in trying CBD oil for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions about how to use CBD oil. How to take CBD oil? How much CBD oil should I take? While CBD is growing in popularity, there is still a lot of confusion, and it may be overwhelming to someone who has never tried it before. In this blog we have put together this easy-to-follow CBD guide to help you understand the following: What Is CBD? How does CBD work? How Much CBD Oil Should I Take? Where Can I Buy CBD? What Different Types of CBD Are There? How To Take CBD What is CBD? CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the Cannabis Sativa plant, which is also known as cannabis or hemp and has been known throughout history to have a wealth of health benefits. First discovered in 1940, it is one of over 100 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. The cannabis plant is made up of two main players: CBD and THC. CBD is the non-psychoactive portion of the plant, so what that means is you won’t have any effects like euphoria. CBD is not psychoactive and won’t make you ‘high’. CBD is a naturally occurring substance that’s used in products like oils and edibles. How Does CBD Work? Our body has an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that translates signals from cannabinoids through thousands of receptors in our brain, central nervous system, immune system etc. The ECS is responsible for regulating many of our body functions. The ECS produces cannabinoids of its own, which are called endocannabinoids. When cannabinoids from plants (phytocannabinoids) enter the body, they interact with our ECS receptors in the same way our internal cannabinoids do. These phytocannabinoids activate responses and provide a host of benefits for our mind, body, and soul. How Much CBD Oil Should I Take? Finding the ideal dose is an individual process as each person is different, as well as the method of ingestion, so it may take a bit of trial and error to find the right dose of CBD for you. Several factors influence each person’s effective dose of CBD including weight, diet, metabolism, sleep patterns, stress levels and genetics. Also, some individuals are just more sensitive to CBD than others. We always advise you to start with a low dose and see how you react. You can slowly increase the dose to find the most effective dose for you and your goals. Most people take somewhere between 10 and 70mg of CBD per day. To help you to find which CBD products suit you best, its probably best to try a starter kit in which you will find a small selection of different products to try at an affordable price. Where Can I Buy CBD? There are many places to buy CBD now, you will find an array of CBD products in all the major high street stores now. When starting for the first time we always recommend that you do your research first – CBD is an investment for YOU. We do not recommend you buy solely on price from a random shop. You get what you pay for and with CBD you need to be able to see transparent lab reports and reviews. You cannot go far wrong with purchasing from a CBD specialist online store and of course, it’s convenient as it’s posted directly to you. What Different Types of CBD Are There? There are three main types of CBD oils extracted from the hemp plant. These include Full Spectrum CDD, Broad Spectrum THC Free CBD and CBD Isolate. Full Spectrum CBD Oil Refers to the whole plant hemp extract, including up to 0.2% of THC. Broad Spectrum THC Free CBD Oil Starts as full-spectrum CBD that then goes through an additional process to remove the trace amounts of THC, making it a THC Free Oil. It offers the “entourage effect” associated with full-spectrum CBD, just without any chance of THC being absorbed into the body. CBD Isolate Contains pure CBD only, and none of the other cannabinoids, terpenes or other natural compounds found in the hemp plant. How to Take CBD With so many people in the UK turning to CBD, there are many different formats for taking CBD – such as tinctures, capsules, topicals, vapes, and edibles. There is no best way to take CBD oil, however, there are some pros and cons to each and at the end of the day, it’s down to your personal preference, lifestyle and , what works best for and your personal goals. Here are the most common ways to take CBD and the pros and cons of each. CBD Oral Drops/Tinctures Pros: Fast absorption and high bioavailability taking sublingual CBD as the capillaries under the tongue lead directly to the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system Versatility (can be consumed sublingually or added to food and beverages) Flexible dosing (use the dropper to take the desired dose and can also be split into multiple doses throughout the day) Cons: Not everyone likes the ‘hempy’ taste. Some people feel that the process of holding the oil under the tongue for 60-90 seconds is inconvenient and unpleasant. CBD Patches Pros: Accurate dosage as each patch contains an exact amount of CBD Long-lasting because our CBD patches are 24-hour slow-release, ensuring you’re topped upright throughout the day Easy and convenient, just one small packet to take with you on the move. Cons: Although any sticky residue washes off easily with warm soapy water, not everyone likes the feel of the patch CBD Capsules Pros: For some – the most convenient way to consume CBD Tasteless and odourless Exact dosage – no measuring Taking a CBD capsule doesn’t feel different or intimidating if you’re used to taking vitamins, supplements or other medications Additional ingredients can be included in a capsule. Our hapihemp CBD capsules also include Turmeric, Ginger and Black pepper. Cons: Effects may take a little longer to work as the CBD needs to go through the digestive system first Ingesting CBD may be less effective for some people. Topical CBD Pros: Targeted relief for anywhere on your body. Useful for aiding skin repair and skin conditions. Simple to use – CBD topical products are popular for a reason! They can be used as often as you like and are found to be very effective. Can be formulated and combined with other essential oils and beneficial ingredients which can then create a really powerful topical CBD product. Cons: Can be messy before fully absorbing into the skin. Vaping / Smoking Pros: Effects can be felt almost immediately Easy to carry around and use on the go Cons: Effects will last a shorter time vs ingesting CBD orally Additional vaping apparatus is required Stigma around vaping/smoking. Not enough long-term research on the health benefits connected to vaping. CBD Drinks and Edibles Pros: Fun and convenient way to consume CBD. Can be a tasty treat Everyone likes to eat and drink. A great intro to CBD. A super way to compliment your current CBD supplements. CBD drinks can be very soothing – our CBD tea has been created for this purpose! Cons: Typically contains low doses of CBD vs other methods Some edibles include artificial ingredients and sweeteners Not all edibles adhere to dietary restrictions such as coeliacs or vegans. Is taking CBD Oil safe? Like some other plant compounds (such as those found in grapefruit, watercress and St John’s Wort) CBD oil may affect the metabolization of certain prescribed medicines. You should always speak to your GP or other healthcare professional before considering using CBD oil to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to do so. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions or if you are taking any medications including statins, calcium channel blockers or blood thinning medication. This article was written by guest writer Samantha Day, Co-founder of Hapi Hemp Listen to our podcast where we chat with Samantha & Lorraine from Hapi Hemp and learn about CBD. Use code CHATHAPI15 FOR 15% DISCOUNT Further reading The CBD Oils: The Essential Guide by Mary Biles Please visit our health resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you. purchases. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here.

We asked Alice Harte Davis founder of The Tweakments Guide, which provides comprehensive, clear and friendly information about cosmetic procedures and how they work, along with a network of practitioners whom Alice would trust with her face. This is the question I get so often and it’s really hard to answer. Why? Because I can’t see you, and I don’t know what your face is like. Is it gaunt? Or saggy? Is it well-padded, with jowls and a double chin for good measure? Plus, I’ve no idea what’s bothering you. Age spots? Crow’s feet? Looking sad or grumpy when you’re feeling perfectly fine? Because, you know, you need a reason to have tweakments. You don’t just have them for the hell of it. Asking ‘what’s the best tweakment for a 50-year-old face’ is a bit like asking me what piece of clothing you should buy. It all depends on who you are, what you’re looking for and how much you’ve got to spend. I also need a bit of a steer on what you’re up for in the way of treatments. Are you ok with needles? With a bit of swelling or redness or downtime? With multiple rounds of treatment? It all affects the choice of tweakments that you might be happy to try. Having said that, here are a few thoughts. Best for frown lines – wrinkle-relaxing toxin Best for hollow or gaunt faces – dermal fillers Best for rough dry skin at any age – injectable moisturiser Best for skin tightening – RF needling or ultrasound/ HIFU. You can look up the details of all those procedures on the links above. The person who can really tell you what’s best is an expert practitioner. Get yourself in front of one of the people I’d trust with my own face, and see what they suggest for you. This article was originally published by Alice Harte Davies. Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Listen to our podcast where we chat with Alice Harte Davis Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

“Unless we all take action to intervene against sexual harassment, we remain part of the culture that enables it.” (Elizabeth Broderick, founder of Male Champions of Change.) Most of us recognise that just because we put up with something ‘in our day’ doesn’t mean younger women should, nor does it mean they’re whining if they object to it. Countless studies and reports show that while blatant sexism may be on the wane, discrimination and harassment are still rife. There is great strength in trying to stand up to this, and we encourage you to add your voice and support to younger women by listening to their experiences and helping however you are. Older women are often more confident and assertive, or as Helen Mirren once said: “At 70 years old, if I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to use the words “fuck off” much more frequently.” Seasoned women need to remember that not all women feel self-assured, especially younger women who tend to be even less so while appearing confident and assertive. Pointing out how ‘strong’ you are and calling them spineless or snowflakes for objecting to something is incredibly counter-productive. From workplace discrimination to public street harassment, telling young women to put up with it: Signals that they're on their own. Let's not forget that by the time a girl or young woman mentions what's going on, it's usually not the first time, and it could be the tip of a humungous iceberg. A 2020 report  by the Australian Human Rights Commission found that of respondents who said they'd been sexually harassed or abused- “49% said the same type of harassment had happened to them previously at the same workplace. 45% of those who said they experienced the same type of sexual harassment previously, said it had been ongoing for 12 months or longer. 45% of those who said they experienced the same type of sexual harassment previously, said it had been ongoing for 12 months or longer.” Makes them question their experience and subsequent feelings, and thus is a form of gaslighting. They know they're upset or angry, but they're being told it's not such a big deal or it's something they should be able to 'cope with'. Ensures they won't bother reporting next time because, well, what's the point? As well as nothing being done about it, a backlash sometimes tarnishes their reputation and negatively impacts their career. While many countries have laws about retaliation for reporting sex discrimination, it's often draining and taxing to take action. Reinforces societal expectations that girls and women shouldn't 'make a fuss'. It's telling them that 'boys will be boys', to expect it and develop 'coping skills'. Their feelings don't matter. When it involves a guy with a reputation to protect, asking victims to say nothing because of the damage it might cause him is asking them to put themselves second. Normalizes sexism. The 'put up with it' message has ramifications for every woman. Not only does it set the standard in a workplace, it emboldens offenders to keep going. Younger women can benefit significantly from our support, but not our sarcasm. We knew it was wrong back in the day, otherwise, we wouldn’t have talked about ‘putting up with it’. Silence is complicity, so let’s be part of the solution by stepping up. Toni Summers Hargis, March 2023 (Adapted from “How to Stand Up To Sexism; Words for when enough is enough.”, p. 151 and from this Medium article) Listen to our podcast where we chat with Toni Summers Hargis How about how to stand up to sexism. Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

As a cigarette smoker, you are no doubt aware of the increased risk for diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke. But you might not realise it can also impact your skin, teeth and hair. Ahead of No Smoking Day on 8th March we hear from three experts on what procedures could counteract these issues. How smoking affects the skin ‘Smoking is extremely detrimental to skin health,’ explains Aesthetics and anti-ageing expert, Nina Prisk, of Update Aesthetics. ‘The chemicals in tobacco impact the circulation of blood around the body and so there is less blood flow to the face. This means that the skin receives less oxygen and nutrients and so it can often take on a grey or white pallor. In addition to this it’s believed that smoking affects the body’s natural collagen production. Collagen is the protein that gives skin its health and elasticity. A decline in collagen levels can result in skin sagging and wrinkling, or in other words it speeds up the skin’s natural ageing process.’ ‘Smoking manifests itself in visible changes to a person’s face,’ adds Nina Prisk. ‘In the long term it can cause fine lines and wrinkles to develop on the face. The area around the mouth specifically can be a problem for smokers, who have a tendency to develop lines and wrinkles which are caused by the repeated pursing of lips around the cigarette. Similarly, this can also cause lines to develop around the eyes which are often known as ‘crow’s feet’.’ How to address the impact of smoking on the skin ‘Whilst the best thing for optimum skin health is to stop smoking, there are a number of things that can be done to address the signs of smoking on the face including: Dermal fillers ‘Dermal fillers can be used to plump the skin on the face giving a more youthful and fuller appearance to the skin. ‘Administered via a cosmetic injection they help to fill out lines and wrinkles in the face. Results vary from one person to another but you can usually expect them to last from 6-12 months.’ Lip augmentation ‘Using dermal fillers in the lips can add volume and also smooth out smoker’s lines as well as adding volume.’ Profhilo ‘The skin can be rejuvenated with Profhilo which is an injectable moisturiser. Made from highly concentrated, purified hyaluronic acid. When injected under the skin in specific areas of the face it can help to address sagging skin and rejuvenate the skin’s appearance.’ How smoking affects hair ‘Smoking significantly affects the blood circulation and can mean that the hair follicles don’t get the essential oxygen and nutrients that they need for healthy hair growth,’ explains renowned expert Hair transplant surgeon, Dr Furqan Raja of Harley Street’s The Private Clinic. ‘Smoking may also affect the DNA which can damage hair follicles and impact the hair’s natural growth cycles. Consequently, smoking can promote hair loss and thinning.’ How to address the hair thinning and loss caused by smoking ’The most effective way to reduce hair thinning and loss caused by smoking is cessation. There are a number of other things that can be done to reduce hair loss. Topical treatments can help to address hair thinning and loss, as well as PRP or Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy which works by taking a small amount of blood and separating it in a centrifuge. The platelet rich plasma contains stem cells and growth factors which are separated from your blood and injected into the scalp. The growth factors can stimulate the activity of the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Afterwards there’s no significant downtime or scarring and from six weeks most of my patients will start to notice a response, usually describing thicker and better quality hair. Hair restoration surgery can also be an extremely effective option for people experiencing hair thinning and bald patches. It involves minimal discomfort, once the local anaesthetic has been administered it is generally pain-free. The procedure that I perform at The Private Clinic is usually performed in one day and you are able to go home straight after. The average age of the patient that I see for a hair transplant is 35.5 years and 98% of my patients report that their hair transplant surgery has significantly improved their confidence and self-esteem.’ How smoking affects teeth ‘Smoking poses many negative effects to the mouth, gums and teeth,’ explains Leading cosmetic dentist and founder of Bespoke Smile Advanced Dentistry and Academy, Dr Sam Jethwa of Bespoke Smile. ‘Firstly there’s the obvious problem of staining of the teeth due to the nicotine and tar in the tobacco. It can make the teeth yellow in the short term and then brown over the longer term.’ ‘Smoking can also lead to gum recession and disease,’ explains Dr Sam Jethwa. ‘Smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so that infected gums don’t heal and people who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, and this is what leads to gum disease. Gum disease is a huge problem in the UK and the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.’ How to address the impact of smoking on the teeth Discoloration Teeth whitening can be an effective way to address the staining and discolouration caused by smoking,’ explains Dr Sam Jethwa. ‘I would urge people to avoid buying teeth-whitening products online or being tempted to try dangerous TikTok whitening hacks which can be extremely damaging to teeth. Instead, speak with your dentist about safe and effective whitening. However, a lot of people don’t realise that normal whitening won’t be as effective if teeth are older and so veneers can be a good option in this case.’ Long teeth/Receding gums ‘The receding gums that are often caused by smoking can look very ageing,’ explains Dr Sam Jethwa. ‘Good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent receding gums. However once the gums have receded and the roots of teeth are exposed then they need to be covered to prevent them wearing away more, in which case veneers can help with this as improving them from an aesthetics sense.’ Gum grafting is also a fantastic option to address receding gums and make teeth look younger. The process involves taking gum from synthetic material or elsewhere in the mouth and then stitching it into the gums. I’ve had this done myself and it works really well. It's something that I prescribe a lot of to patients who are wishing to address receeding gums and make teeth look younger.’ Experts agree that giving up cigarettes is very difficult but it is not impossible and most people have to try more than once. Only 4%-7% succeed without help. Ask your doctor which smoking-cessation strategies might be right for you. TODAY IS THE DAY Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? 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I nearly had a nervous breakdown, so that you don't have to! Award-winning journalist, Jo Elvin, and CEO of Children with Cancer UK writes about conquering your own career fears. Have you seen the film Frozen? If not, how is that possible? Go and watch it and come back, I’ll wait. Don’t laugh, but I often think of the profound lesson it holds for any of us who want it. Elsa’s life only changes for the better when she stops making decisions from a place of fear. In my first piece on My Goodness I wrote about the fear that paralsyed me into staying at my job at Glamour magazine for longer than I should have. Today I want to talk about how the lessons from that time have helped me make choices more positively. First, I need to tell you a little bit more about what that time was like for me, particularly in the last few months as Glamour’s editor - the period of roughly the beginning of 2016 until the day in October 2017 when I was told I was leaving. I was very confused at work about how to be; how to keep a lid on my inner stresses and fears while still trying to manage and motivate a team. Morale was low. Fewer people were doing more work and the message seeping through from management was that somehow the business woes of our print magazine were only bad because we weren’t working hard enough. I saw my job as trying to keep spirits up as much as I could - and I know at least some of my team from then would tell you I failed! I hid a lot of the grim ad revenue and sales info from them. Some cold business realities might have helped more of them understand things like, why their request for a meagre pay rise had been turned down. But I thought that too much of that information would be such a downer that people would find it hard to keep trying to do good work. So I decided to try and be Mrs Motivator: pull up my big girl pants, put on my best rictus grin and hope that if we worked hard, stayed creative and stayed positive, it would reward us with better fortunes. Looking back now, I can’t really explain to you what the hell I was thinking, other than I didn’t want to bum everyone out with all the shitty news I was constantly getting. There’s nothing more panic-inducing than the boss admitting they don’t know how to solve a problem. Remember that time you saw your dad cry and it freaked you out? I didn’t want the kids to see dad crying and freak them out. And so, all the things I wrote about here, about feeling depressed and insecure and clueless about what my next move might be, I largely kept to myself. I told my long-suffering, unfailingly supportive husband. And a £90 an hour therapist. I cried in her office a lot about feeling glued to the spot, unable to make any concrete decisions about my future. My doctor prescribed me a mild anti-depressant which, I must tell you, really helped soothe the constant gnawing in my gut. Honestly it was so severe it was physically painful and sometimes made me breathe weirdly. I’m not ashamed that I needed help to stay a step ahead of this rising panic, nor am I ashamed to tell you that right now. The reason I’m telling you all of this is because, as awful as all of that was, I’ve learnt a lot from it that has benefited me so much during my current career shift. All of the above has helped me approach it very differently this time around and with much better results. So the main differences between then and now? Then: I felt like being unhappy in my job was a sign of my weakness. If I was actually good at my job, I reasoned, things would be going much, much better. So when people asked me how things were at work, I lied. Now: I feel amazingly powerful and in control through actively telling people I’m looking to move on. When I first announced I was leaving You magazine, people would ask me what I was going to do, and I would readily, happily, say, ‘I don’t know yet, to be honest.’ It’s not embarrassing, it’s exciting. Then: I felt like I absolutely must have the next move figured out before I leave. I told myself I’d look weak, lost and therefore a very unattractive hire if I didn’t. Now: Experience has finally taught me that I can’t figure out my next move while I’m already working a full-on full time job. This won’t be true for everyone, but it is for me. Running a weekly magazine, with a team of around 35, is very demanding, high pressure and relentlessly deadline focused. I realised that I wouldn’t ever have time, while working there, to spend meaningful time looking for other work. And that not enough people would realise I was available for new opportunities until it was common knowledge that I was leaving. Then: As I said before, I thought the phone would stop ringing the second I couldn’t say ‘Editor of’ next to my name. Now: The Glamour experience made me realise that sometimes the phone won’t ring because you are ‘editor of’. People will quite rightly assume you already have your hands full and not even consider you for stuff that maybe they should. Then: I worked really hard and I was proud of what the team and I were producing and I thought eventually someone would notice and call me up and ask me to come and work for them. And then I’d often be jealous when someone else got offered a shiny new media job and offended that no one had thought to offer it to me. Now: I don’t know when I started telling myself that absolute bullshit. I used to think it was embarrassing to be vocal about the kind of jobs you would like to be considered for. Now I tell people. Not everyone is going to be able, or want, to work with me. But you can’t wait like a shy girl in the corner of the gym hall to be asked to dance. Get on the damn floor and command attention. Then: I was terrified of what would happen when I didn’t have a job. Now: I am excited about the possibilities and opportunities that really might happen if I am not a full-time employee. This is genuinely only a very recent mind shift for me. I’m telling you all of this because if one person shifts their fearful mindset because they’ve read this, I would be overjoyed. I spent about three years locked in my own terrified head and it was awful. I don’t want that for you. Not even half an hour of it. Let me know what you think, let’s chat. Listen to our podcast , What's fame got to do with it!' where we chat Jo Elvin, Ex editor of the Mail on Sunday and Glamour Magazine. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Visit our Health resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content.

Widow of John Croxford, who lost his life to Motor Neurone Disease in 2022 gives us a personal glimpse of what it is like to live with someone with this cruel and fatal disease. I am grateful to have been offered this platform to act as one of the voices for the brave warriors, who are struggling with motor neurone disease (MND) and its devastating effects. One of these warriors was my husband, my rock, my soul mate who lost the battle against MND in July 2022, having progressed mainly during the lockdown. I am now a campaigner for The Motor Neurone Disease Association to raise as much awareness as possible and make sure the people affected are treated with the dignity they deserve. What is Motor Neurone Disease? MND is a progressive and fatal disease caused by degeneration of motor neurones or nerves in the brain and spinal cord gradually stopping messages getting through to the muscles to function. · 5000 adults in the UK are affected at any one time · There is a 1 in 300 lifetime risk of developing MND · 6 people are diagnosed daily in the UK and 6 people die of the disease every day. · There is no cure yet · The average life expectancy from the time of diagnosis is 2-5 years on AVERAGE, but varies. A third of people die within a year of diagnosis and 50% within two years. Some live as short as 6 months and a few live longer · The only hope today is research and the future! It can affect any age, race or gender. We are seeing the brave rugby and football players, fit and healthy individuals and many others who are also fighting MND whilst raising funds for research and care. They are heroes and warriors and do not consider themselves victims. All the campaigning has led to the government promising a generous amount for research and that money is now being filtered through to the researchers who are working to develop treatments and ultimately a cure. An alert mind trapped in a body which gradually cannot move, talk, swallow or in the end breathe due to the respiratory muscles' weakness and failure. Diagnosis can be a lengthy process and often by the process of elimination. It took over a year for my husband to be diagnosed after MND had been ruled out initially. What are the early symptoms of motor neurone disease? Symptoms, severity and speed of progress vary in each person Weakness in the ankle or leg causing tripping (as in my husband’s case) Weakness in the hand and grip Slurred speech and change in voice quality Tongue movements and swallowing Cramps and rippling in the muscles In some cases cognitive changes too As the disease progresses and nerve cells are destroyed, swallowing, chewing, speaking and breathing become affected. Excessive daytime fatigue and breathlessness are very debilitating. What is the cause of MND? There are no obvious causes as yet, but genetics, environment and lifestyles are considered. A personal glimpse of what it is like to live with someone with MND To hear the doctor’s diagnosis was absolutely shattering, it was almost like a life sentence being handed out! The feeling of numbness and hopelessness was overwhelming; my main concern was how was my husband going to deal with this? How can anyone live with the knowledge that there is no hope or cure? For my part, I later found out that it is possible because it has to be! I had to reach deep within me to find the strength especially during lockdown when people were worried about infecting my husband. Soon I realised it was vital to find ways of recharging my depleted energy so that I might continue giving care. Sink or swim and I decided to swim! Falling apart was not an option or helpful to anyone. Nature is a great healer; cooking, music; I even learnt to write a few poems and learnt to start playing the keyboard on WhatsApp from a lady in Derbyshire. Thanks to technology that kept me in touch with the world, even yoga class on Zoom. I have always enjoyed having candles and flowers in the house to create a cosy environment, perhaps due to spending most of my life working in hospitals. My husband was a realistic Yorkshire man, calm mannered, creative (sculpted, painted and wrote a few books), a book worm who loved history and world affairs (later audio books) and a good sense of humour, even in times of sadness and tears he would say something funny to brighten up the atmosphere, which all gave me courage to continue looking after him as best I could. The enormity of the task, the physical and emotional impact kept coming into my consciousness; even my background of physiotherapy had not prepared me for this. The downward steps into the abyss continued and later moved faster. Realising he was losing his voice when one day he tried to hum to a tune, he had a lovely voice! His right hand and grip were his last bit of independence left and he was dreading losing that too, but it did happen as it always does with this cruel disease. Caring for someone with Motor Neurone Disease MND requires a multidisciplinary team of therapists, counsellors and palliative care staff, assisted technology to provide some independence, voice banking for communication. As just about most parts of the body are affected, it is so important that there is a fast track in place to put plans into action. The private medical insurance dropped my husband as soon as he was diagnosed because MND is a progressive and chronic disease. The same with the private care company, they could not provide the level of care eventually due to shortage of staff, so we were grateful to be able to have NHS access and support. Even in means tested or affluent areas where most people are happy to pay for adaptations and care, there are those who are struggling and need assistance. The councils can play a large role (they are given a disabilities budget) and some are more equipped to deal with MND than others in giving patients the support they need. For example, the provision of adaptations such as ramps and handrails, in-home and in public spaces which would benefit people with disabilities and prevent hospitalisations for accidents and falls. The added financial burden of care and other needs can be overwhelming if people are not familiar with the protocols and applications or just too proud to ask for help. The MND Association does an amazing job and can also help in many ways such as education, support, campaigns to deliver a maximised quality of life to those fighting MND and their carers. The big dream is a day without MND in the world! If you would like to find out more about Motor Neurone Disease and how you can help raise awareness and much needed funds for research please contact The Motor Neurone Disease Association. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

Dr Sharon Tate, Head of Primary Care at the charity Target Ovarian Cancer outlines the symptoms of ovarian cancer and what we should all be looking out for. Feeling bloated? Many of us are familiar with that feeling of being bloated, but did you know that persistent bloating is one of the key symptoms of ovarian cancer? Just one in five women know this, something that we, at Target Ovarian Cancer, find concerning. Ovarian cancer claims the lives of 11 women a day. That’s 11 too many. With no effective screening tool, knowing the symptoms of this disease can give us the head start in ovarian cancer being diagnosed at the earliest possible stage. Currently, two thirds of cases are diagnosed late and one in seven women die within two months of receiving a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. If diagnosed at the earliest stage, the easier the cancer is to treat. This is why it’s vital to see improvements in awareness of ovarian cancer, alongside GP education, investment in research and much more. Empowering you with knowledge: what you need to look out for Every March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and we are continuing to raise awareness of the symptoms and urge everyone to share them with friends and family. These symptoms will be new, frequent and persistent. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are: · Persistent bloating - not bloating that comes and goes · Feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite · Pelvic or abdominal pain – that's pain anywhere between your tummy and top of your thighs · Urinary symptoms – needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual Occasionally there are other symptoms such as change in bowel habit, extreme fatigue and / or unplanned weight loss. Any unusual bleeding from the vagina before or after the menopause should always be investigated by a GP. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact your GP. It may be nothing, but it’s best to be sure. Who is at risk of ovarian cancer? Each year 7,400 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK, and some people have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Risk factors can include: - Your age – those over the age of 50 and post-menopause have a higher risk - Family history - Speak to your GP if there are two or more cases of ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer on either your mother or father's side of the family. Anyone born with ovaries or fallopian tubes is at risk of developing ovarian cancer. This means most women and trans men, some non-binary people, and some people who have differences in sex development are at risk of ovarian cancer. If your ovaries and fallopian tubes have been removed you’re at lower risk, but a small risk still remains More information on risk factors can be found on the Target Ovarian Cancer website. How to help your GP We are passionate about supporting GPs in diagnosing ovarian cancer at the earliest possible stage. We know that there are a few things that you can do to help your GP if you are concerned about ovarian cancer: - If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms that aren’t normal for you, contact your GP and tell them that you are concerned about cancer - Think about your family history – has anyone had ovarian or breast cancer or either your father or mother’s side? If so, tell your GP - Download the Target Ovarian Cancer symptom diary to take notes of how frequent your symptoms are and take this with you to your appointment Supporting everyone with ovarian cancer Working closely with health professionals, we are committed to ensuring that everyone with ovarian cancer is given the best support possible. We provide resources for GPs and information for nurses. Not only that but we run a support line for anyone with any concerns, a diagnosis or family or friends to contact. We have three trained nurse advisers who are on the other end of the phone to talk to. Simply give them a call on 020 7923 5475. If you would like to find out more about ovarian cancer and how you can help raise awareness and much-needed funds for research please contact Target Ovarian Cancer Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

When my marriage broke down, I laid the blame squarely at my husband’s door. After all, he was the one who walked away without leaving so much as a forwarding address. Three years on, I realise the end of a relationship is more complex than that — and, ultimately, it’s not about blame. (Admittedly, it took much reflection and vat-loads of medicinal rosé to reach this point.) Yes, his behaviour was more reprehensible than mine, but my post-marriage journey of self-discovery led to some painful truths about myself (not least that I’m an ugly crier). I realised there was a whole host of things I could — and perhaps should — have done differently. I don’t know for certain if these changes could have saved our marriage but they would have given us more of a chance. After I wrote a book about our break up, I received pleas from many broken-hearted women, and men, for my advice. Less expected were the generous souls who contacted me, having been through their own devastating split, wanting to offer insight, counsel and hope. Most had been treated badly, but only a few remained feather-spittingly furious. Instead, they were thoughtful, considered and able to see their own shortcomings as well as their ex’s. They were hungry for positivity, to learn how to nurture a relationship so their next one would be better. Keen to find myself in a similarly sanguine state, I had a significant amount of therapy and became an almost obsessive reader of self-help books. And now my learning curve is your gain. Why take nuptial advice from someone who couldn’t keep their own marriage alive? Just as alcoholics are best placed to help you put down that wine glass, a divorcee is best equipped to point out the pitfalls and patterns that could spell break-up. That’s not to say I have regrets about the split: I’m happier now and in a new relationship with someone better suited to me. Both battle-scarred, my boyfriend and I are grateful to have been given a second shot at — yes, I’m going to say it — love. And I’m confident that what I’ve learned will give us a better chance. So, I’m using my divorce to help save your marriage. Here are my love lessons . . . Learn to say the unsayable The more uncomfortable the issue, the more you need to raise it. My husband and I shared a bed, a bank account, two teenage children, a loathing of anchovies and quite often a toothbrush, but we shied away from sharing some of our biggest feelings and resentments. There were things I didn’t say for fear of being too hurtful to him or too exposing of myself. We had been together for 26 years — married for 15 — so, of course, we had collected grievances. I was frustrated with always taking the lion’s share of parenting, as well as his long working hours. I hoped the problems would magically evaporate if I ignored them. Instead, they festered like splinters left under the skin. And yes, this applies to sex, too. You might think your partner should just know what you like and need. But newsflash: they don’t. I should have told my husband I needed to feel sexy, loved, invested in and cared for — but I didn’t dare. Ditto money. Maybe you hate that they spend too much. Or that they are too tight. Say it. But do it in a calm, controlled manner with zero blame. Even if the thought of the words coming out of your mouth makes you feel sick, just count to three and do it. Be warned — just because you have finally found the courage doesn’t mean they are ready to hear it. They may react angrily in self-defence. Keep calm, give them space and hopefully your words will slowly sink in. Don’t shut down sexually When my husband and I first met, I was a hotpants-wearing, freewheeling fox with self-confidence in abundance. But somewhere between the birth of my second child and the Lehman Brothers crash of 2008, I started shutting down sexually. The exhaustion of early motherhood plus two decades of familiarity meant I started closing off erogenous zones like an impoverished aristocrat might shut rooms in their stately home. I stopped seeing myself as a sexual being and instead felt like the cook, cleaner and nursemaid. Meanwhile, I saw my husband as driver, handyman, accountant. Our sex life lost spontaneity and intensity and I became prescriptive about when and where we did it. It’s natural — domesticity seeps in and you lose sight of the person you were so attracted to. But it’s not inevitable. Now, I know it’s essential to remind yourselves why you liked each other in the first place. Take yourself out of the domestic sphere. Date nights are a cliché but they work. If you can’t make it to a restaurant, eat à deux after the children have gone to sleep. Go to bed early — together. Watch a romantic movie. Reminisce about old times. I know it’s hard, and expensive, to get a babysitter or book that mini-break — or even just get to the cinema — but believe me, they’re all far cheaper than a divorce. Stop striving, start living I’m a grade-A striver. A worker bee. I’ve grafted to create a good life. I tend never to sit down, working or doing from dusk till dawn. If my ex ever wanted to chill in front of the TV or read the sports section, I’d task him with yet another project. Like many people, we strived for a better house and financial security. We bought doer-upper houses and lived in half-finished rooms for years on end. The lack of downtime took its toll. I know so many relationships that have been decimated by a renovation. You end up with the perfect house — but the love leaves with the avocado en suite. Similarly, I have friends who are so busy striving to accumulate a great fortune that they never actually get to enjoy the fruits of their labours. So, public service announcement: don’t overstretch yourself. Do either of you really need the bigger house? Or the flashier car? Or the high-status job that means you’re so super-stressed you can’t sleep? Take time to enjoy what you have created together. Maintain the mystery When I was married I would dismiss those couples who kept bodily functions strictly private as prissy. I was all for openness in a relationship and for being your most basic self. Why? Because I saw that as being more real. I proudly wore my tracksuit that gave me a bottom so big it needed its own postcode. I reserved make-up and dressing up for my work, not for my husband. I had underwear older than my white goods. I believed it meant our love was authentic; shallow things like appearance no longer mattered. Busy with the daily grind, I told myself spending time and money on hair colour or gym membership was indulgent and vain. But the very same person you’re trying to impress with your parsimony might well look past your downtrodden self — to someone else with honey highlights and a peachy posterior. Now, I’m having a rethink. While polished perfection is not possible or desirable, maintaining a bit of mystery is essential for keeping the magic alive. So in my new relationship, I’m getting my nails done, locking the bathroom door and keeping my lingerie on point. Try to put yourself first My husband met an ambitious, independent and openly undomesticated young woman. Then life and children happened and I slipped into the role of chief cook and home-maker. I became a bit of (a lot of) a martyr to my family. I thought I was being my best self by prioritising everyone else. I prepped nutritionally-balanced children’s lunchboxes when I was dog-tired. Work was to pay the bills, not to gladden the soul. Looking back, I lost part of myself. The part that loved my job, whose identity was bound up in it. Because I was so exhausted, I stopped fighting for what I needed. And that made me resentful, which in turn created conflict between us. Remember, you must be happy with yourself before you can make someone else happy. So book a night out with friends. Chase the work you love. Put yourself first sometimes. Do sweat the small stuff When a friend asked my ex what had made him so unhappy in our marriage, one reason he gave was that I didn’t want him to put matting on the flower beds in the garden. It seemed an unbelievably trivial reason to end a marriage. But now I realise that he felt the weight of managing the garden —and I just dismissed it out of hand. Equally, I felt many of my annoyances were minimised. Like, please God, don’t turn the thermostat to Arctic levels because being cold makes me miserable. And don’t eat all the children’s snacks for the next week in one sitting. These are the little irritations that we do feel able to air, all the time, in fact, but which seem so silly they are often ignored. And they can become simmering sores over time. If your husband hates your dishwasher stacking, then maybe try to respect his views. And he should respect yours. In my relationship 2.0, I’m trying harder. Don’t judge me, but last week I used a cereal bowl for a dog bowl at my boyfriend’s house, which made him feel queasy. I won’t be doing that again. Let them win (sometimes) My ex and I endured five gut-wrenchingly hard marriage counselling sessions over the final few months, and the therapist, unsurprisingly, observed: ‘Your world views are different.’ We differed on parenting styles and attitudes to spending. I was softer; he was more authoritarian. I like holidays; he would happily stay at home. But whatever the topic, I was so preoccupied with being right — and mostly believed I was — that it took me until the age of 45 to realise that other people’s opinions are just as valid as mine. Our therapist offered a valuable reminder that the lens through which we each see the world is irrevocably shaped by our childhood, working environment and life experiences. You don’t have to agree all the time. But you do need to allow your partner their views. Next time, before you shoot them down, take a breath and listen instead. Make sure you demand more My new boyfriend puts toothpaste on my toothbrush when I stay over and it brings me such joy. But in a long relationship, it’s easy to forget these little kindnesses or decide they are too much trouble. Now, I’m much more appreciative of them than I ever was in my marriage. And better at acknowledging, and encouraging, them, openly saying how much they mean to me. And, in turn, I’m upping the ante myself. Because I was guilty of lavishing my friends, family and colleagues with attention, leaving only crumbs for my ex. Now, I massage my boyfriend’s back — and, more prosaically, clean his coffee machine. Do the little, thoughtful things before it’s too late. This article was originally published in the Daily Mail Read Rosie Green's book 'How to mend a broken heart' published by Orion Spring Listen to our podcast where we chat with Rosie Green. Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

Now I do realise beetroot is a bit like Marmite you either love or hate it but for years I shunned it but then was presented with beetroot carpaccio and I was hooked. This beetroot carpaccio recipe is SO easy to make and costs almost nothing but looks rather impressive as a starter or side. And even better it’s packed with essential nutrients and is a great source of fibre, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Ingredients 3 beetroot, scrubbed 1 lemon, zested and juiced 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp cider vinegar 2 tsp honey 1 tsp Dijon mustard large handful of rocket 50g goat's cheese (optional) 20g walnuts, roughly chopped Preparation time: 15 minutes Method STEP 1 Trim away the ends of 3 large beetroot then, using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice into discs. Tip into a bowl and drizzle over half the lemon juice, half the olive oil and 1 tsp of the cider vinegar, then season well. Toss or mix together, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to marinate for 20 mins-1 hr. STEP 2 Make a dressing by combining the remaining lemon juice, olive oil, cider vinegar, honey and the Dijon mustard with a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. STEP 3 Arrange the beetroot slices on a platter, slightly overlapped in a spiral pattern, then pile the rocket into the middle, leaving most of the beetroot on display. Drizzle over the dressing, crumble over the goat’s cheese, if using, and scatter with the chopped walnuts and lemon zest. Serve with crusty bread and a chilled glass of wine! Credit: Good Food Magazine Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you. purchases. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here.

In our latest Two Women Chatting podcast we chatted with Alexandra Potter award-winning novelist about her book ‘Confessions of a Forty-Something something F**K up’ which has been turned into the TV series ‘Not Dead Yet’ airing on Disney Plus on 8th February 2023. Described by Celia Walden in The Telegraph as ‘The New Bridget Jones’.'It is a a novel for any woman who wonders how the hell she got here, and why life isn't quite how she imagined it was going to be. And who is desperately trying to figure it all out when everyone around them is making gluten-free brownies.' So after our chat with Alexandra we thought if any of you midlifers would like to try your hand at writing now is the time. No excuses - the kids have left home. You have the time to try something new, push yourself out of your comfort zone and re-invent yourself as a writer. We have added numerous resources on our website to help you on your journey. We do of course realise becoming a successful writer is not easy but our mantra is 'unless you try …..' Here are our tips to get you started There are many types of writing from blogging, freelance writing, ghost writing (when you write for another person), journalism, technical writing, fiction, and non fiction so take some time to learn about each before you decide which path to take. 1. Read and listen to podcasts The more you read, the more you’re exposed to high-quality writing. Reading various genres of books and listening to podcasts gives you lots of ideas you can use in your own writing. Make yourself a monthly reading and listening list and enjoy. 2. Sign up for a writing course You don’t need a university degree to be a writer but what you do need is to keep learning and developing as a writer. There are many ways to develop as a writer: Take online courses on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, Master Class, BBC Maestro Enter writing contests Create a writers website and learn how to develop it into an asset Consider a college writing course or a degree in English Literature, Communication Studies or Journalismwriter's 3. Make sure you write everyday You need to write to improve and the more you write the easier it becomes. In order to do your best work, you need a writing space that is totally free of distractions. This is the one time when you cannot be multitasking! Clarify your goals and prepare. Know what you want to accomplish before each day, each week, each month. Set yourself a target number of words to write each day. 1000 words is a good amount. Turn off all social me. Focus on one thing at a time. Make it part of your daily routine. Choose one task and give all your attention to that for 40 minutes to an hour. Just don’t procrastinate, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Writing tools. Start with something you know will be manageable and enjoyable like a blog even when you’re tired and not in the mood to write. Trust me a year from now, if you stick with your daily practice, you’ll have sharpened your writing skill and learned how to keep going even whatever your circumstances. Make use project management tools to automate your workflow and free up more time for deep work. Apps like PomoDoneApp use the Pomodoro technique to help you accomplish more in manageable chunks of time. Along with using a habit tracker app it is helpful to set a minimum word count target for the day – or a minimum number of minutes spent writing. Stop when you’re done. We're great believers in quality over quantity and don’t get bogged down in research, adding links, formatting, or overthinking. Just write, you can go back later with fresh eyes to add edit, and review. Keep a journal to jot down ideas and any experiences you could use later. We think a Moleskine is the best one you can get for writing Consider purchasing a Productivity Planner. It will really help you focus on your daily and weekly tasks. Self Journal – similar to the Productivity Planner but taking a focus on gratitude and tracking small actions every day. 4. Join a Writing Community It’s never too early to join a writing community and to start learning from other members and sharing what you know. Facebook Groups for writers (Search “writing,” and you’ll find plenty) Facebook groups for your chosen genre or writing path Linkedin writing groups Local writing groups ('Look up your nearest city writing groups') Online communities like NaNoWriMo and Critique Circle Attend Networking events for writers like the Writer's Digest Annual Conference , The London Book Fair and Hay's Literary Festivals where you’ll meet other writers and you can share insights and ideas. 5. Can I start a writing career when I still have a job? Absolutely, just set aside the time to: Write daily Connect with other writers Sign up for an online class Consider creating a simple writer website so people know you're there 6. Finding paid writing opportunities There are numerous places to look for opportunities so allocate time for job searching and connecting on social media with editors, publishers and fellow writers. Job boards: Problogger, Flex Jobs, Fiverr, Freelance Writing and People by The Hour and Upwork LinkedIn: in writing or industry-specific groups Facebook: in writing or niche-specific groups Writer guidelines for magazines and book publishers Social media channels like Twitter and Instagram 7. Do you need your own writer’s website? No as you can host your writing profile on sites like Contently or Linkedin, but with your own self-hosted website, you can create the profile you want. It can show your qualifications and gives future clients a taste of your personality, too.There are also other benefits: You can start a blog of your own with specialised niche content You can earn affiliate income with your blog posts You can create stylized links to your porfolio Don’t worry, maintaining an online platform doesn’t have to be a full-time job. And using a site builder like Wix makes it that much easier. Suggested reading Everybody Writes by Ann Handley Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing & Life by Anne Lamott The War of Art by Steven Pressfield Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport Story Engineering by Larry Brooks Visit our Midlife Reinvention resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Listen to our podcast where we chat with Alexandra Potter Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you. purchases. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here.