Well hello there. You are a founding member of The Ampersand Society. Twice monthly, I’m going to be publishing mini readings, voice notes or visualizations, prompts and oracle or spirit animal card pulls for this crew I’m calling “The Ampersand Society”. A nod to my “living in the &” subtitle for life in your 40s. […]
When is the last time you were uncomfortable? Like really, really uncontrollably uncomfortable—on purpose. I’m not talking about that weird conversation with a stranger in the parking lot or the awkward run in with your neighbor while walking the dogs, I mean really stretching yourself into new patterns. A few weeks ago, I was accidentally […]
It’s been a month-year. I haven’t been alone since December 13th, thank you flu, traveling, visitor, Christmas…without over complicating or explaining why this is “late” , I’ll let you into my December energy field Questions I’ve asked myself in the last month. What day is it? How many people need to be fed today? What […]
Midlife arrives with the subtlety of a raccoon in your kitchen at 2 a.m. Suddenly, your energy isn’t something you have, it’s something you manage. Your body, your emotions, your bandwidth, they all start sending memos in bold font you can’t ignore anymore. Photo by Art Institute of Chicago on Unsplash Energy is both a […]
Written and posted by Jackie Olmstead, Sun, Dec 14, 2025 “You’re a workaholic, Jackie.” said my mom several times in my life. I hear many of her quotes come to me during the days since she has passed. She has passed on to me her legacy of wisdom, beauty, joy of life. I am so […]
Having 2 operations (one of which my Harvard trained GI Doc pal had literally never heard of) means limping into your late 40s. Just because I’m collecting scars like they’re new personality traits doesn’t mean I can’t feel amazing. It just takes work and persistence. I have navigated the medical and mindfulness platforms to feel […]
Why I’m Not Buying Clothing Right Now One day, without clients or appointments or commitments, I took to my summer wardrobe, ready to move away from summer pastels to fall hues. My weight seems to have stabilized recently, no longer needing regular pants and bigger pants sections required. From my bed, leaning on my left, […]
What if you change your perspective for 2025? Read more
At the table with strangers, I nodded less than I listened. I was sad for the collective table, hearing patterns of constant roaring chatter. When did being taken advantage of take over our lives and our dinners out? Husbands who cannot turn on the stove, partners who cannot get to a grocery store or the […]
Have you noticed you’re a better wedding guest after you’ve had a wedding? You RSVP sooner, send gifts right away, check in on the bride. I was a maid of honor at 21 to a woman I barely knew. I didn’t give a speech because I didn’t even realize that was part of the job […]
