A Personal Independence Day (with Zero F*cks Given)
This holiday weekend, I can't help but think about independence and all of it's power. Not the fireworks-and-flag-waving kind (though I love those too), but the deeply personal freedom that comes when we finally stop caring what everyone else thinks.
A client said something to me this week that stopped me in my tracks: "I'm looking forward to the time in the very near future where I just don't give a f*ck." I looked at her and smiled. "Oh yeah. I am squarely in that phase and it feels amazing."
There's something so liberating about this conversation, and I think you'll relate to what I'm sharing today about reclaiming our own narrative and finding beauty in unexpected places.
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This week's inspiration: A Personal Independence Day (with Zero F*cks Given)
Latest blog post: Digestive Drama: How to De-Bloat Naturally
What I'm listening to: John O'Donohue: The Inner Landscape of Beauty
A Personal Independence Day (with Zero F*cks Given)
After spending a lifetime trying to be pleasing in my appearance and demeanor, it is so freeing to be moving on. A bit of a personal Independence Day, if you will.
As women, we are often told something is wrong with us. Growing up in the 1980s in a Jewish family with a prominent nose that sprouted from my face early (just as my feet were growing into a size nine), I was offered or asked repeatedly if I wanted a nose job. I declined—fortunately, because if you're going to adopt new technology, you definitely don't want it to be a nose job. Those early ones were bad. If you're not sure what I'm talking about, look up some Michael Jackson photos!
But on a deeper level, it was painful to be told I was not good enough.
The Language of "Defective"
This defective language extends far beyond childhood comments. In the medical arena, women older than 35 are called "geriatric" in their pregnancies, and women who have repeated miscarriages are said to have "incompetent cervixes"—like their cervixes were sleeping on the job. For those who have endured such hardship, this language is barbaric in both tone and blame.
Finding Freedom at 50
So here I am, not giving a f*ck. There is something inherent in discovering our own value and strength, even if it comes at 50. Yes, people will judge and say hurtful things, but it is in our own open-hearted love and acceptance of ourselves that what others say can simply drip off us. It has nothing to do with our dignity, individuality, and innate goodness.
This isn't about being reckless or unkind—it's about finally understanding that our worth isn't determined by others' opinions. It's about stepping into our power and saying, "This is who I am, and that's enough."
Your Independence Day
What would your personal Independence Day look like? What would you stop apologizing for? What parts of yourself would you finally embrace without reservation?
Remember: Yes, you can live authentically, unapologetically, and beautifully—at any age.
Latest blog post
Digestive Drama: How to De-Bloat Naturally
In my 20 years of experience seeing clients, almost all women struggle with abdominal bloating—making it hard to feel comfortable in their bodies, or even zip up their pants. This could be from digestive reasons, hormonal reasons, or many other contributing factors—even stress.
The blog post covers practical solutions including:
How hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause contribute to bloating
The connection between stress and digestive inflammation
Simple dietary adjustments that can provide immediate relief
Acupressure points you can use at home for digestive support
Bloating isn't just uncomfortable—it can affect your confidence and how you move through your day. The good news? There are natural, effective ways to address it that honor your body's wisdom.
If this applies to you, I hope the post helps! Remember, your body isn't broken—it's just asking for a little extra support.
What I'm Listening To
John O'Donohue: The Inner Landscape of Beauty
This podcast episode is one I come back to several times a year as a touchstone. John O'Donohue was a priest and poet who had so much wisdom to share, and this beautiful interview captures his gentle brilliance perfectly.
I don't know if you remember that series "Chicken Soup for the Soul," but this feels like that to me—nourishing and deeply comforting. I love the quiet and introspective nature of what he says, and how landscape informs our psyche. There's something about his Irish accent and the way he speaks about beauty that just soothes the soul.
O'Donohue talks about how true beauty isn't about perfection—it's about wholeness, authenticity, and the courage to be fully yourself. He reminds us that "beauty is the illumination of your soul."
I want to share this with you as you wind down from your busy weekend—probably in a quiet, hopefully cool, nice corner where you can put your feet up, close your eyes, and listen. It's the perfect companion for a moment of reflection and restoration.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts →
Here's to your personal independence, your innate beauty, and the freedom that comes with embracing exactly who you are.
I'm cheering for you!
Dr. Cat 🥰
Dr. Catherine Wellness
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