Vania Dunn - Coach

As a woman currently on the rollercoaster of midlife, I am totally aware there's ALOT of info out there around nutrition, and training and many "experts" telling us many different things. So much of that info is conflicting and confusing.

And that SUCKS when we feel literally out of control with what is happening to our bodies.

But ladies, Dr Stacy Sims is someone I believe we can listen to and take on board her advice. Attached is a great article she has written with research backed advice. I got a lot from reading this one.

Tell me what you think!

With love,
Vx

Perimenopause vs Postmenopause: What Active Women Need Learn how to train, eat, and recover through perimenopause and postmenopause. Understand your hormones and optimize performance at every stage.

I feel much of my life has been captivated by the pursuit of knowing Gods purpose for my life. I’m earnest in my belief in Gods word - Jeremiah 29:11 - that there is a plan and purpose for each and every persons life.

I believe it. It’s true.

But also, something is shifting in me.

What if I’ve misunderstood this whole plan and purpose thing? The thing I keep urging you all towards. (Sorry).

An idea that I’ve held for a while now, but has just sat in the background of my mind and heart.

A thought that’s moving more central in my mind and heart.

What if the idea that Gods purpose for me and my life hasn’t got anything to do with what I do or where I go or what my vocation is, but that centrally, it is simply that I know Him.

That I slow down enough to realise this.

That the rushing and doing might be all a part of numbing.

Instead of focusing on the fear that maybe I’ve made a wrong turn somewhere down the line and things aren’t turning out and just maybe I’ve missed the dramatic overriding God appointed purpose for my life, that in fact, I can just stop.

And just do the next. right. thing. - Is it enough?

Could I stop?

Could I just behold?

To Know and to be known?

I want to try.

Unpack it with me?

I can’t tell you exactly why—maybe because my eldest baby is turning 21 next month (how did I get here?)—but I’ve been thinking a lot about younger me these past few days.

Specifically, 29-year-old me. The stay-at-home mama who intentionally put her physio career on the back burner to focus on her babies and home.

Born just 17 months apart, my first two babies were the greatest gift. Being their mama was a dream come true.

But wow, that season was hard. I remember the intensity of it—the “Groundhog Day” feeling, the long days and interrupted nights.

The desperation and confusion of knowing I was exactly where I wanted and needed to be… yet still longing for a break.

I look back now, and I feel sad. Sad that I can’t go back in time to just sit, laugh, and play with those two little girls. To tell them how precious, amazing, and loved they are.

To worry less about following all the “rules” I thought I had to and instead, trust my own intuition. But I also know how hard that is when you’re completely exhausted and tapped out.

I’m sorry that I didn’t live up to my own impossible expectations of being “the perfect mama.” I did my best. But oh, how I made mistakes.

And as I sit here writing this, I realize—29-year-old me needs my compassion. My love. She needs to know that perfection in motherhood is a myth. A lie.

She was doing it.

She worried about containing the mess, tackling the laundry pile, figuring out what was for dinner. But I want to remind her to worry less. That spaghetti on toast is just fine, and no one else knows (or cares) if the clothes in the drawers are folded or not.

I want to tell her it’s okay to collapse on the couch and just be with her babies. That the days may feel long, but the years truly are short.

She needs to know that her two eldest girls will grow into beautiful, independent, strong leaders—who will follow their dreams and forge their own paths.

That two more babies will come to complete the family. That together, the six of us will be imperfect, but deeply connected by love that cannot be broken.

That life won’t be easy—because struggle is part of being human.

…But she is stronger than she knows.

I want to wrap my arms around that 29-year-old version of me and whisper, You are enough. You always were.

She doesn’t need to carry the weight of trying to be perfect—just present. Just loving. Just real.

And if I could, I’d thank her. Thank her for showing up, for pouring her heart into those little lives, for embracing both the joy and the struggle. Because every exhausted bedtime story, every tear wiped, every deep breath taken in the middle of chaos—it all mattered.

And now, from where I stand, I see it so clearly: She was never failing. She was always growing.

And that? That is more than enough.

PAUSE to PURPOSE Workshop is this Friday!

If you haven’t locked in your spot here’s 3 reasons why you should…

1. You’re tired, so anytime you get a break, you don’t have the energy to spend it on planning or setting goals for yourself. (Putting this in your diary would be an intentional and kind investment in your self-care).

2. You really sense a need to get out of chaos mode and find some clarity and calm (Spoiler alert - PAUSE to PURPOSE Workshop is planned to help you to exactly this).

3. You crave connection and two hours with other beautiful women who “get” you is exactly what you need to fill your cup. (And I’ll be there too 🤩).

Need to know more? Hit the link to book or send me a message. https://vaniadunn.com/shop/pause-to-purpose-workshop

Can’t wait to see you there
Vania x

PAUSE TO PURPOSE – Goal Setting & Action Planning Workshop — Vania Dunn Join the PAUSE TO PURPOSE workshop and turn your dreams into action! This small-group, faith-centered workshop will help you gain clarity, set meaningful goals, and create an actionable plan for success. Say goodbye to survival mode and step into a purpose-driven life. Limited spots available! 📍 ...