Hélène’s
Musings
I’m Hélène Stelian, the Midlife Mentor with a passion for facilitating personal development in women 40+. Through my THRIVE Courses, I help introspective, curious, action-oriented women 40+ deepen their journeys of self-discovery and growth—and create their next chapter with courage and intention.
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I felt like I was back in middle school!
I recently spent a long week-end with my daughter Bianca at a beautiful spa in California. Beyond the standard fitness classes, we also enjoyed less common experiences like mountain hikes and...
Everything Is P%#*ing Me Off Today
I snapped at the pool guy who was giving me a hard time for not adding water to our rental's leaky pool. I hung up on the Blue Cross Blue Shield rep who left me on hold for 1/2 hour while he was...
And Just Like That… Sh*t Happens
On day 1 of my husband's ski trip last week, he had a freak accident and tore the ACL in his right knee. Now he's back home and we've had to re-orient our lives to address this unwelcome surprise....
Sing Even if You Suck at It!
I just finished a one-hour virtual sing-along and it was so much fun I couldn't wait to tell you about it! Today's session featured the songs of the prolific composer and performer Carole King. Do...
She Dissed Me in My Own Facebook Group!
Last week, I posted in my free Facebook group, Empowering Women in Midlife, about my paid offering, the recently rebranded THRIVE Coaching Community for Women 40+. I was excited to share that this...
Happiness = Low Expectations?
A few months ago, my husband Peter and I went to beautiful coastal Montauk, NY for the weekend. On our flight back to Chicago, only 1/2 hour from landing, the captain got on to alert us that we...
I Did NOT Want to Exchange Gifts This Christmas
I have a difficult relationship with gifts. I love discovering special gifts that the recipients might enjoy but not find or buy for themselves. That takes quite a bit of thought and research. I...
My Dog Pooped in the Hotel Lobby
Oh yes, she did. We were staying overnight in Chattanooga (the halfway point on our drive from Chicago to Sarasota) at the lovely pet-friendly Westin Hotel. We had taken 1-year-old Marley for a walk...
I Numbed with Food…
We each have our own way of coping with the crap in our lives. I used to eat. SUGAR and CARBS were my go-to. Ice cream sundaes. French toast doused in butter and syrup. Warm chocolate chip cookies....
My Girlfriend Let Me Down
Earlier this year, I shared a personal crisis with a long-time friend of mine over dinner. She showed interest and asked questions. She got teary-eyed as she listened. She assured me that she was...
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