Shonda Moralis, LCSW

Not Feeling Like Myself During Perimenopause Midlife women often mistakenly attribute exhaustion and generally not feeling like themselves to the normal stressors of a busy life. Instead, it might be perimenopause.

Our upcoming Shanthi After Hours is just two days away! 🥳
We're sending out a second round of thank-yous to the generous in-kind donors who have made our *big* basket raffle possible. On June 13, you'll be able to win the great prizes they've all donated!

We hope to see you soon at Shanthi After Hours—you won't want to miss our DJ, the event's guest bartenders, complimentary snacks, and the premiere of a brand-new pub at DeSales University. Find out more on our website! Visit: shanthiproject.org/shanthi-after-hours

See you there!

Our upcoming Shanthi After Hours is just two days away! 🥳
We're sending out a second round of thank-yous to the generous in-kind donors who have made our *big* basket raffle possible. On June 13, you'll be able to win the great prizes they've all donated!

We hope to see you soon at Shanthi After Hours—you won't want to miss our DJ, the event's guest bartenders, complimentary snacks, and the premiere of a brand-new pub at DeSales University. Find out more on our website! Visit: shanthiproject.org/shanthi-after-hours

Did you know:

Perimenopause symptoms can include increased sensitivity to sound, itchy skin, burning mouth, lowered immune function, and heart palpitations?

If you’re an exerciser in perimenopause, it is important to eat protein within thirty minutes before and after a training session?

Our exercise, nutritional, and rest needs all change during perimenopause?

Perimenopause can begin as early as our late thirties and the first sign is often a change in the menstrual cycle (change in duration, flow, and intensity of PMS symptoms)?

Menopause Hormone Therapy is not only safe for most women but has been shown to protect against heart disease, bone loss, and dementia?

Most women are not aware of these, along with countless other, perimenopause facts.

I sure wasn’t and now I’m on a mission to change that.

Reclaim Midlife virtual group program starts next week!
https://www.shondamoralis.net/midlifegroupprogram

Looking for some great summer reading recommendations?

Check out Bloom Where You Are Planted newsletter that includes two of my favs (Anne Lamott and Anna Quindlen).

And thanks for the Don't Forget to Breathe feature!

Bloom Where You Are Planted: Spring 2024 Welcome to the Spring edition of the Bloom Where You Are Planted Wellness Newsletter!Plants are sprouting, leaves are unfurling and flowers are blooming! Everywhere you look, there are changes all around. And there’s a change here, too! The “Tell Me More” section has a a whole new look and fee...

Not feeling like myself (NFLM) is one of the most common complaints from women in perimenopause, according to research by Nina Coslov and her team at Women Living Better.

What makes NFLM so slippery is the very vagueness of feeling. Though we sense it deeply, if we are unaware of NFLM as a common symptom, we question our perception. It feels intense and real, yet near impossible to articulate or put our finger on. Ergo, we doubt ourselves, our perception, our shifting relationships with those we love, and how we navigate the world around us.

No wonder many women experience a loss of self-confidence and shaken sense of themselves during this season of life. Who wouldn’t?

I care deeply about educating and empowering others grappling with perimenopause. When we women are operating at our best and feeling like ourselves, we can get on with running the world.

If not feeling like yourself resonates with you, I want to help you change that.

Reclaim Midlife, my 7-week virtual group program helps high-achievers integrate ambition and ease in perimenopause.

(photo of me feeling like myself again. whew)

Our upcoming Shanthi After Hours on June 13 will feature a *huge* basket raffle, with over 50 baskets to win! 🎁 In anticipation of the exciting evening, we want to thank the donors who have generously made this raffle possible.

In addition to the basket raffle (the proceeds of which will support our mindfulness programming!), Shanthi After Hours will also feature a DJ, three exciting guest bartenders, and food & drink from local businesses.

We'll be sharing more on our social media in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, be sure to check out our website. Here, you can find all the information about this upcoming event: shanthiproject.org/shanthi-after-hours

I am a proud board member of Shanthi Project, the Lehigh Valley nonprofit that brings mindfulness right into the classroom.

Students are taught from a young age how to access calm so they can focus, think creatively, and make wise choices.

This stuff changes lives, setting kids up for future success.

Locals, join us for this upcoming event--we're hosting in a brand new venue, featuring fun guest bartenders, and gathering a mix of interesting folks. All for a fantastic cause!

Fatigued, Female, and in Your 40s? It Might Be Perimenopause Did you know there are 40 possible symptoms associated with perimenopause? Here are 4 tips to help you recognize and navigate this often tumultuous season of life.

I am excited to announce that I have been accepted into the Milestone Circles program at the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center.

Milestone Circles is a 12-week program that provides women entrepreneurs with the access, resources, and knowledge they need to grow. Over the next 12 months, Milestone Circles will support thousands of women and their businesses. This program remains free for entrepreneurs.

To apply or learn more, visit https://thecenter.nasdaq.org/milestone-circles/



A shout-out to Larissa Noto for sharing and bringing Milestones to my attention.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and if you're looking to learn about mental health, practice self-care, and support loved ones who are struggling, dive into some of The Experiment's books. Get your copies at https://bit.ly/ExpMentalHealth.

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We are one month away from the next Reclaim Midlife co-hort!

If you are looking for the latest research-backed perimenopause information all wrapped up in a supportive, engaging group of ambitious women, this program is for you.

Space is limited to 10. More info and register here:
https://www.shondamoralis.net/midlifegroupprogram

Thank you, everyone, for the sweet birthday wishes!
It was a good one.

It's not too late to get your copies of BREATHE, MAMA, BREATHE and DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE before Mother's Day! These two guides to mindfulness by Shonda Moralis, LCSW, are perfect for busy moms who want to add self-care to their routines. Get your copies at https://bit.ly/ShondaMoralisBooks.

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50 Mother’s Day Gifts on Amazon She'll Never Guess You Bought Last-Minute The best last-minute Mother's day gifts on Amazon will be thoughtful, unique to her and, most importantly, arrive right on time. Shop 50 top presents, from wellness journals to candles, here.

The timing couldn't be better—our upcoming event with Kendra Scott falls on Mother's Day weekend! You're supporting our mission when you shop any jewelry, watches & fragrance on Sat. 5/11 from 12:30 - 2:30 PM at the Kendra Scott store in the Lehigh Valley Mall. We'll also be showcasing the below Shanthi Project-inspired pieces during the in-person event!

If you can't make it in person, check out the virtual giveback code below. Every purchase supports our mindfulness programming for kids and adults!

Honored to be on this fantastic Mother's Day list!

Whether you listen to your books 🎧 or curl up reading them 📚 these are some of our top picks for new or expecting moms!🤰🏻🤱🏽

They'll make you laugh, they'll make you think (but not too much because we know from experience there is limited brain capacity in this season!) and most importantly, they'll remind you that you're not alone in this crazy journey called motherhood.🌻

You can find them at your library or wherever books are sold!

⭐️
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman The Postpartum Stress Center
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Breathe Mama Breath by Shonda Moralis, LCSW
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Long Days of Small Things by Catherine McNiel
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Cribsheet by Profemily Oster
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The Fifth Trimester by Lauren Smith Brody The Fifth Trimester
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Knowledge is power.

When women are provided solid perimenopause information, they make wise choices impacting not only quality of life, but the rest of their lives.

Thanks to Karin Mallett WFMZ and Bo Koltnow at WFMZ for the perimenopause air time yesterday. It's so important that women recognize when they've entered this wild season of life.

Thanks also to Karin for the Reclaim Midlife group program testimonial!

Sunrise Guest: Psychotherapist and author Shonda Moralis Click here to view this video from wfmz.com.

It's coming around to that time of year again.... Mother's Day!
It's not too soon to start thinking about what those moms in your life would love.

Thanks to PureWow for the Breathe Mama Breathe and other fantastic recommendations!

The Experiment

50 Mother’s Day Gifts on Amazon She'll Never Guess You Bought Last-Minute The best last-minute Mother's day gifts on Amazon will be thoughtful, unique to her and, most importantly, arrive right on time. Shop 50 top presents, from wellness journals to candles, here.

Health, Wealth, & Harmony - RSVPify May 3, 2024 @ 8:00 AM - Glasbern - A Historic Hotel of America - 2141 Packhouse Rd, Fogelsville, PA 18051, USA

Mark your calendars for May 11! We're *so* excited to be partnering with Kendra Scott for a Mother's Day jewelry promotion at the Lehigh Valley Mall.

Whether you come in to purchase your Mother's Day gifts or something special for yourself, 20% of all proceeds will directly benefit our essential mindfulness programming. We'll also be showcasing a few custom Shanthi Project-inspired pieces, too.

We'll share more details in the coming month — but for now, save the date, and we'll see you there!

LOVE

Period.

Did you know s*x trafficking is happening all over the U.S.?

​Gratefully there are organizations like Bloom for Women to educate our community and help survivors learn to thrive.

​Thanks to Bloom for Women, Kate Murray of Homeland Security, and Congresswoman Susan Wild for your tireless, dedicated work.

So happy to see a packed room of engaged, empowered and empowering women raising awareness and funds.

Nichola Gutgold

Thank you to Avery Books for sending a copy of The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi!

This gem has now made its way straight to the top of my highly recommended list.

Dr. Mosconi manages to make complex, evidence-based medical information accessible and fascinating. Validating, educational, and ground-breaking, The Menopause Brain should live on every midlife woman’s bookshelf.

Lisa Mosconi, PhD

Not too shabby!

It thrills me that, even after 7 years!, BREATHE MAMA BREATHE continues to speak to moms all over the world.

With each printing, my publisher sends me a copy of the book. To celebrate I've decided to give it (AND a copy of my second book, DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE) away over on IG.

BMB is for moms with little ones. DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE is packed with dozens of stress reduction, confidence-boosting, life-balancing tools for midlife women.

There's something for everyone. Go to IG to enter--good luck!

Feel free to share with the women in your life!

The Experiment

“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” ~Rumi

If you’re a midlife woman, your life (and hot-flashing body) might already feel on fire.

If yes, skip Sentence 1 and proceed directly to Sentence 2:

Are there people in your life cheering on your successes? Encouraging you to try again when you stumble? Fanning your (literal or metaphorical) flame?

If so, let them know you appreciate them! If not, it might be time to seek out and nurture some new positive relationships.

If you’re looking to surround yourself with welcoming, likeminded women while rediscovering your power and thriving in perimenopause, Reclaim Midlife just might be for you.

We’ve extended the early-bird pricing to Monday 3/11, the final day to register.

https://www.shondamoralis.net/midlifegroupprogram

"I have already lost touch with a couple of people I used to be." Joan Didion

What a liberating statement. We are free to shift at any time--to hang on to those qualities that serve us and release those that do not.

Perfectionism. People-pleasing. Martyring ourselves. Outdated goals. Pushing to exhaustion. Ignoring our own needs. Disconnection from our bodies. Unrealistic self-expectations.

What might it FEEL LIKE to let go the slightest bit? What might it feel like to become more ourselves? To show up real and unadorned?

Midlife is full of opportunities for fresh perspectives and new habits, for re-evaluating who we are, where we are headed, and the ever-evolving ability to shape this next season of life.

If a subtle spark of possibility has been provoked, Reclaim Midlife could be the right next shift for you.

https://www.shondamoralis.net/midlifegroupprogram

Midlife is messy. Perimenopause is hard.

If you're ready to:

Gain a clear understanding of perimenopause

Regain your balance, energy, and focus

Restore confidence and motivation

Embrace this new phase of life

Create a strategic plan for thriving

Be part of like-minded community

Feel like yourself again (maybe even better)

Reclaim Midlife is for you.
Early bird registration ends this Friday.

https://www.shondamoralis.net/midlifegroupprogram

Rediscover your power and thrive with ease in perimenopause.

Join our 8-week virtual, live group program, Reclaim Midlife.

It's time to feel like yourself again.

Register by Friday for early bird discount.

https://www.shondamoralis.net/midlifegroupprogram