Monday Musings: Graceful Is a Stretch, But I’m Still Dancing
Well, I wasn’t trying to hide my nose in this photo…it’s just the only one we managed to get yesterday during our walk that didn’t involve weird lighting, wind-blown hair, or me mid-blink… and right after a small rat scurried by (we’re all just trying to get by in the City). Sometimes you just go with the one that works.
And if you’re wondering what’s up with my nose, I mentioned it in yesterday’s email! A few of you even offered advice (and one sharp dermatologist weighed in) about the stubborn little spot that refuses to behave. I’ll be having it biopsied soon…not exactly my idea of fun, but better safe than sorry. If there’s one area where “wait and see” is a terrible strategy, it’s skin health. Consider this your friendly reminder to get that mole checked… and your excuse to treat yourself to a pumpkin spice latte afterward.
I also received many great style questions yesterday… thanks to everyone who joined in. I really enjoy the Sunday emails where we dig into your style questions, and it’s genuinely one of my favorite things to write. If you haven’t subscribed yet, I’d love for you to join us here. Just a quick note — the Sunday email only goes to readers subscribed to all new blog posts, not those on the Sunday-only list.
On a brighter note, ballet continues. I made it through almost the entire class this week, which felt like a small victory. My coupés were looking more on point (forgive the pun), and even though my foot and toe go intermittently numb, I loved every minute of it. I decided to take a seat when it was time for jetés…no need to tempt fate or risk a wobbly landing. Progress, not perfection.
Fall has me craving those warm, spicy scents that make a space feel calm and comforting, like the scent of cinnamon tea, crisp air, and a quiet evening in. My Brooklyn Candle Co. diffuser in the Itallia scent finally gave out after two solid years, and of course, I can’t find that exact scent again. So I’m ordering this candle version instead and hoping it brings the same soft, subtle warmth to the room.
Do you lean more towards a woodsy or amber-vanilla scent? I like something that feels cozy without veering into sugar cookie territory.
And finally, I stumbled upon a new book by Ellen Langer. Her work showed up at the exact moment I was feeling particularly old and mentally comparing how my body used to function with how it does now. (Spoiler: ballet brings these thoughts up more often than I’d like.)
She’s a Harvard psychologist often called the “mother of mindfulness,” but not in the yoga-mat-and-smoothie sense. Her research explores how our perspective on aging, health, and even time itself can directly influence our physical well-being. In one of her earlier studies, older men spent a week living as though it were 20 years earlier, surrounded by reminders of that era — and they actually showed measurable improvements in memory, flexibility, even eyesight.
Her more recent work looks at how the language we use around aging — even just in our own heads — can shape how our bodies respond. The idea that mindset affects biology isn’t new, but she makes it feel refreshingly practical.
It has me rethinking how I talk to myself — about balance, ballet, and getting older in general. Apparently, the brain is listening… even when I’d rather just mutter and reach for an ice pack.
How’s your self-talk holding up lately?
Glad you are sticking with ballet, you won’t be sorry. I never compare myself with what I use to do but what I can do in comparison with people in my age group. You will walk better, stand better and no one will believe your age. Yes my toes go numb but I choose to ignore that. Never give up!
That’s a great attitude!
Hi Jennifer,
Hoping for the best possible outcome for the spot on your nose.
If anything surgical is required I would personally go to a board certified plastic surgeon, not a dermatologist, especially considering the location.
P.S.
My husband is a retired plastic surgeon.
Thank you for the work you do!
I will if anything needs removing. I see my derm for her opinion in two weeks.
Hi Jennifer,
Good for you as you’re being mindful about your mind-body link at this time. I’ve been recovering from a broken leg since the middle of August. I am surrounded by supportive friends, keeping a positive forward-focused mindset, adding alternative methods to all my traditional medical healing, being thankful for the time to actually stay still, catching up on my reading, and enjoying the season from the big windows at the friends’ house where I’ve been staying for a couple of weeks. I believe that framing this as the accident that it was, that can happen to anyone vs “it happened because I’m getting older” has made a difference. I’ve progressed from a wheelchair to a walker to a cane in less than two weeks. I’ve been released by OT. I’m continuing with PT and I’m coming along well. I’m looking forward to handling the ups and downs of stairs soon. I’m doing well enough to get home at the end of this week and be my regular independent self again. Being out there and active in every way, taking good care of myself- body and soul, being myself, and not buying an ageist agenda or mindset is what will keep me going well for a very long time.
Amazing! It sounds like you’re doing all the right things!