Heather Francis and I met when I slid into her DMs. Her post about friendship was in my feed, I took a moment to stalk her IG and podcast. I knew I had to chat with this mom, Stroke survivor and pod host about 45 minutes from me.
It’s October and I’m hot but also so cold. It’s windy and also very sunny. It’s lovely and also cloudy.
Fall is the epitome of living in the & from my wardrobe to shoes to sunglasses to hats.
What is midlife? When do we hit it? Heather and I explore that on her podcast, Midlife Moves recently.
We also dove into a ritual of pulling an oracle deck to start October off with intention.
Lynn: What’s one ritual you cling to every season that feels especially important in Fall?
Heather: Cooking.
In summer it’s all light, salads, sandwiches, meals that don’t require the oven. But once the air shifts, I crave what simmers all day.
Soup, chili, casseroles are the kind of meals that fill the house with scent and slow the pace. Cooking becomes my grounding ritual, the way I care for my Family and myself.
Lynn: What old version of yourself tries to sneak back in when the seasons change — and do you let her stay?
Heather:
The over-doer.
She shows up right around September 1st with her pumpkin-spice enthusiasm and mile-long to-do list. Apple picking, hayrides, matching pajamas, elaborate holidays — all of it.
But I’m at my best when I don’t overcommit. The season feels more meaningful when I don’t try to make every single moment magical.
Lynn: What’s one thing you’d Love to confess about midlife this Fall — something no one really says out loud?
Heather: As much as I love Fall, it can feel lonely.
It’s a season of gatherings, but not everyone is gathering with you. You see friendgivings and parties and sometimes, you’re not part of them. Even if solitude feels right, it can still feel tender. I’m learning to see those quiet weekends as invitations to go inward.
Lynn: If you’re navigating a life transition and craving deeper alignment, I’d love to support you. Let’s work together!
Heather: Balance in Fall feels almost impossible.
Once September hits, we joke that the year’s basically over — it’s a blur of sports, school, work, and holidays until January. So our family motto is “no forcing.” If someone doesn’t want to go, they don’t. That small autonomy keeps everyone saner. It’s not perfect balance, but it’s peace.
Lynn: You’ve shared about friendships in midlife. What are you looking for in a friend now, and what would you tell your younger self?
Heather: Understanding.
In my twenties, I thought friendship meant constant communication. Now, it’s presence without pressure. You can go weeks without talking, and when you finally do, it’s easy. There’s no guilt or keeping score. The best friendships feel like exhale energy — effortless and kind.
Lynn: What small rebellion keeps you fully alive right now?
Heather: Boundaries.
For me, they feel wildly rebellious. After years of saying yes out of habit or guilt, I’m learning to honor my no and it feels liberating.
Lynn: Let’s talk wellness. What’s one high-cost wellness habit you swear by?
Heather: Facials — 90-minute hydra-facials every six weeks. They make me feel renewed, inside and out.
And one low-cost must-have?
Heather: Walks. They move my mind as much as my body. Whether it’s a trail at Valley Forge or just around the neighborhood, walking brings me back to center.
Lynn: Where can people find you and learn more?
Heather: midlifemoves.co and on Instagram at @themidlifemovespodcast.
