Tranquility du Jour
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I’m sharing a list of 52 things I’ve Learned in 52 Years—from life’s tender truths to tiny practices that keep me grounded. You can grow up in the Great Plains of Oklahoma and still dream in (broken) French. The courage to veer off the expected path—like taking a gap year to ski and snowboard in Colorado post-college—can shape your soul. Midlife is a permission slip to nourish what you once neglected. Paralegal school taught me the power of precision—and that law firms weren’t my forever. A yoga mat in a living room can...
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In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with guest Dr. Ellen Albertson on: The Seven Steps to Rock Your Midlife Dr. Ellen shares a transformative framework from her book Rock Your Midlife, including: know yourself, love yourself, energize yourself, reprogram your brain, empower yourself, rehab your relationships, and enlighten yourself. Each step is designed to guide women toward deeper self-understanding, vibrant health, and personal empowerment. Redefining Midlife Through Resilience and Joy From blindness to breast cancer, divorce to career pivots, Dr. Ellen opens up...
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In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Anne Flosnik on: Living Fearlessly and Fully in MidlifeAnne shares how she’s shed fear and self-doubt in this season of life. With a strong sense of agency, she sees midlife not as a narrowing but as an expansive time filled with opportunity, curiosity, and creative possibility. Honouring the Body with Gentle ConsistencyAfter a surprise osteoporosis diagnosis, Anne began building supportive routines like daily rebounding (mini trampoline), strength training, and mindful nutrition. Her message: small, informed choices can...
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In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Julia Coney on: Intentional Living and Midlife PrioritiesJulia shares how midlife has invited her to slow down, be kinder to herself, and intentionally curate how she spends her time. From planning monthly bed days to saying no without guilt, she’s embracing presence over pressure and finding joy in the everyday. The Power of Routine and ReflectionWith three key notebooks—a planner, a journal, and a commonplace book—Julia tracks her thoughts, growth, and ideas. She begins each day with reading (sometimes just 10 minutes!)...
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In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Melinda Parkhurst on: Gracefully Embracing the Midlife ShiftMelinda reflects on stepping into the role of a wisdom carrier and how midlife offers perspective, legacy, and a chance to pass the torch. She encourages us to lean into change, not resist it—and to keep showing up fully. Creativity as Lifelong NourishmentA dancer, gardener, artist, and maker, Melinda shares how creative expression has evolved with her seasons of life. She listens to what calls her now, letting go of old projects and embracing new ones with curiosity...
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In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Reema Datta on: The True Meaning of YogaReema shares how yoga’s roots in India focus more on the mind and consciousness than the body. She unpacks the essence of yoga as a practice of connecting to stillness, acceptance, and infinite potential—not just achieving physical poses. Embracing Change with GraceWhether transitioning into motherhood or midlife, Reema reflects on how yoga taught her to let go of labels and stories that no longer serve. Her practice helps her approach aging as an exciting opportunity for growth,...
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In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Laura Zam on: Redefining Pleasure in MidlifeLaura shares how her personal journey with perimenopause and intimacy led to a deeper understanding of sensuality, eroticism, and pleasure. She introduces a four-part framework—sensuousness, sensuality, eroticism, and sexuality—to help women reconnect with their bodies and desires at every age. Creative Confidence and EvolutionFrom theatre to writing to public speaking, Laura discusses her lifelong commitment to creativity and how midlife has brought greater urgency and clarity....
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In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Lauren Cerand on: 💗 Redefining Success in Midlife Lauren reflects on her journey from a career-focused New Yorker to a values-driven creative seeking slowness, depth, and shared experiences. She shares how time, not ambition, is now her most treasured currency. 💗 Letting Go of the Checklist Life From living in Italy to finding home in Baltimore, Lauren describes the evolution of her priorities. She beautifully illustrates how releasing outdated identities creates space for deeper alignment and soulful connection. 💗 The Art...
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In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Aga Rhodes on: 💗 Grieving with Grace and Grit Aga shares the profound shift she's experienced since losing her husband, highlighting the importance of honoring grief while gently moving forward. She encourages women to embrace the messiness of healing, giving themselves permission to feel deeply and take it one day at a time. 💗 Beauty as Self-Expression and Therapy As a seasoned makeup artist, Aga offers practical beauty tips—like the uplifting power of blush and bold lipstick—alongside reflections on how small acts of...
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In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Michele Nidiffer on: 💗 Healing Through the Senses Michele shares how scent, sound, and movement have helped her connect more deeply with herself and others. Her practices, including sensory walks and aromatherapy, serve as gentle invitations to slow down and tune in. 💗 Living in Alignment with Nature Rooted in the rhythms of the seasons, Michele’s approach to life and work embraces natural cycles of rest, renewal, and bloom. She encourages midlife women to honour their internal seasons with softness and curiosity. 💗...
info_outlineIn this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Julie Leung on:
1. Ballet Dreams in Midlife
Julie discusses how midlife women often reconnect with their childhood or lifelong dream of learning ballet. She emphasizes creating a supportive, judgment-free environment through her online program, allowing women to learn at home without the intimidation of traditional studios.
2. Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence
Julie shares how her own experiences with fear and vulnerability, such as starting singing lessons despite intense anxiety, inform her empathetic teaching approach. She highlights the importance of breaking down challenges and building confidence in manageable steps.
3. Translating Ballet Lessons Into Life Skills
Ballet is more than physical movement; it’s a way to confront fears, develop resilience, and embrace imperfection. Julie emphasizes how the lessons learned at the barre—like perseverance and focus—can extend into other areas of life, helping women tackle challenges with grace.
4. Tranquility Through Connection and Mindfulness
Julie finds tranquility in small, intentional moments, such as daily dog walks and mindful breaks. She encourages staying present, taking tasks one at a time, and finding joy in the process rather than perfection.
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Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in.
Our Guest: Julie Leung
Julie Leung (formerly Gill), founder of Broche Ballet, is a passionate advocate for adult ballet dancers, creating a vibrant community where dancers of all ages and skill levels can thrive. With over a decade of experience as a dancer and instructor, Julie combines her extensive background in the arts with her love for ballet to offer a range of online and in-person programs tailored to adult learners.
Starting ballet at 17, Julie defied the odds, finding her way onto the stage and earning a dance minor from Pace University. After running a successful studio in Denver, she transitioned to an online platform, providing access to full-length classes, private lessons, and personalized guidance for adult dancers around the world. Julie's commitment to performance culminated in the creation of the International Adult Ballet Festival, a groundbreaking event that offers adult dancers a platform to express themselves on stage.
A believer in the power of vulnerability, Julie empowers her students to embrace their passion for ballet, regardless of when they start, and encourages them to share their stories through performance. She is also dedicated to helping her students overcome personal challenges, from stage fright to physical limitations, offering a supportive and encouraging environment. Julie continues to innovate in the adult ballet space, expanding her offerings, such as her Beginner Pointe Program, Broche Magazine, Broche Banter Podcast, and nurturing a global community of ballet enthusiasts.
Julie lives with her shelter dogs Tina and Rosie, and loves early morning work sessions. You can find her sharing her expertise through her podcast, teaching ballet, or developing new projects to inspire and support dancers.
Find Our Guest
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@julietheballerina on Instagram and TikTok
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@brocheballet on YouTube, Instagram
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@iabf_adultballetfestival on Instagram
Mentioned in the Show
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Coterie: yearlong immersion to support women in finding more beauty and balance in midlife
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My interview on the Broche Ballet podcast
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Year of Tranquility digital course
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Join the Substack Private Collection for five monthly tranquility tools, my month in review with resources, and occasional extras for only $1.90/week ($99/year)
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All Tranquility du Jour offerings: work 1:1, salons, digital courses, and more
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La Vie Parisienne Digital Course: designed to transport you to the heart of Paris