Six Practices for Joy and Ease

In this episode, we explore how women can reclaim joy, ease, and alignment in midlife—beyond people-pleasing, sacrifice, and self-abandonment.As midlife women, if you’re anything like us, it’s exhausting and soul sucking to always be “reading the room”. We constantly put others needs and feelings ahead of our own. We sacrifice and suffer. We challenge you in this podcast episode to ask ….. why?Why are you sacrificing and suffering? Why do we get so exhausted that we lose all contact with joy in our lives? Where is the ease?Dawn Drew is a mom of four, long time entrepreneur and author of “Joy and Ease: Are you Ready to Change your Life?”.Here are the six key takeaways from our conversation:1. Allowing StillnessDawn encourages creating space to simply be present with others’ emotions without rushing to fix or rescue them. Just 90 seconds of stillness when someone else is uncomfortable can help you honor your own boundaries while letting others experience and process their feelings naturally.2. Morning Mindfulness: Five Minutes for YourselfStart your day by dedicating just five minutes to yourself—without your phone, email, or distractions. This small practice helps calm your nervous system and sets a foundation for experiencing life with clarity and intention, rather than reacting automatically to the demands of others.3. Regular Check-ins with the “Truth Triad”Dawn recommends checking in with your thoughts, emotions, and actions throughout the day. This self-awareness helps you recognize when you’re saying yes out of obligation or people-pleasing rather than genuine alignment with your values.4. Journaling for AwarenessWriting down triggers, emotions, and thought patterns provides clarity. Journaling helps you understand why you feel resentment, jealousy, or discomfort—and how these emotions signal misalignment with your values.5. Reading Emotions as SignalsEmotions aren’t bad—they’re guidance. Dawn explains how feelings like resentment or jealousy can highlight unmet needs or limiting beliefs, giving you the chance to respond consciously rather than react automatically.6. Compassion—for Yourself and OthersApproach yourself with curiosity, courage, and compassion as you navigate life’s challenges. Compassion isn’t just for others—it’s essential for sustaining joy, setting boundaries, and fostering healthy relationships with yourself and those around you.Throughout the conversation, Dawn emphasizes that joy and ease are practices, not destinations. By committing to yourself, observing your triggers, and honoring your needs, you can show up in the world with more energy, alignment, and presence—benefiting both you and those you care about.Resources from this episode:* Dawn Drew’s book: Join These: Are You Ready to Change Your Life?* Dawn’s Substack: https://joyandeasewithdawndrew.substack.com/s/lets-begin-with-joyConnect with Cheryl Gordon: SHE Mindfulness Program This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cherylgordonyt.substack.com