Hello, my friend!
​

Happy Midsummer! ☀️
​

I've been thinking about bodies lately. Specifically, the complicated relationship we have with our own—especially in midlife.

​

You know that feeling when you catch a glimpse of yourself in a dressing room mirror and think, "When did this happen?" Or when you're scrolling through Instagram and wonder if you should be eating like that 25-year-old wellness influencer? (Spoiler: probably not.)

​

​

I can't help but think about "Our Bodies, Ourselves"—that groundbreaking book that felt revolutionary when it came out. A whole encyclopedia of women's health, sexuality, and empowerment in one thick volume. Today, that approach feels almost quaint, doesn't it? Not because the information isn't valuable, but because we're drowning in so much noise about how our bodies should look, perform, and exist.

​

👇 In today's email:

• This week's inspiration: The Conversation We've Been Trained to Avoid—Until Now
• Latest blog post: What the Hell Am I Supposed to Be Eating?
• What I'm Listening to: Sex, Safety & Embodied Intimacy

​

The Conversation We've Been Trained to Avoid—Until Now

We're living in a time where media influence on our sense of self is unprecedented. In my very unscientific study (N=1), I asked my A++ waxer in Boston about the trend toward disappearing pubic hair. Her observation? It coincides with the ubiquity of online porn. She would know—she's in the Brazilian waxing business and sees a lot of vaginas.

This got me thinking about all the ways we've internalized external expectations about our bodies, our sexuality, our worthiness.

Our Crazy Relationship with The Mirror

Here's what I've learned after two decades in practice: every woman I see is fighting some version of this battle. The 45-year-old who apologizes for her "mom body." The 52-year-old who won't let her husband see her naked with the lights on. The accomplished professional who feels embarrassed when her clothes don't fit right.

We've been trained to see our bodies as problems to solve rather than allies to celebrate.

Reclaiming Your Narrative

The truth is, your body has carried you through everything—every heartbreak, every triumph, every sleepless night with sick children, every deadline, every joy. It's adapted, changed, and kept showing up for you. Maybe it's time we returned the favor.

This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending everything is perfect. It's about recognizing that the conversation about our bodies has been hijacked by forces that don't have our best interests at heart.

The Permission You've Been Waiting For

You don't need anyone's permission to feel beautiful, worthy, or enough. Not your partner's, not society's, not that voice in your head that sounds suspiciously like your mother. You especially don't need to look like you did at 25 to be magnificent at 45.

Your body is not an apology. It's a masterpiece in progress. Yes, you can change the conversation—starting with the one in your own mind.

Latest blog post
​

​What the Hell Am I Supposed to Be Eating? A Guide for Midlife and Beyond​

During these 20 years of private practice, there's no subject that seems more challenging than figuring out what to eat. I've learned that if I tell a woman to stop eating ice cream because it's contributing to her health issues, she'll most likely fire me as her practitioner. That's telling, isn't it? Food isn't just about fuel—it's deeply tied to comfort, happiness, and our emotional history.

It's genuinely challenging to navigate what we should be eating these days. Keto? Paleo? Vegan? The conflicting advice is incredibly confusing, and as our bodies change in midlife, we desperately need some clear guidance.

The Real Truth About Midlife Nutrition

Your 45-year-old body doesn't process food the same way your 25-year-old body did. Your hormones are shifting, your metabolism is changing, and your nutritional needs are evolving. Yet most dietary advice completely ignores this reality.

In this post, I break down:

• Why restrictive diets often backfire in midlife
• The nutrients your changing body actually craves
• How to eat for energy, not exhaustion
• Simple swaps that make a real difference

I'm hoping this post will give you some direction—and as always, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

​Read the full guide here →​

What I'm Listening to
​

​Sex, Safety & Embodied Intimacy​

When did our bodies become the stage for cultural conversation and political unrest? And what does that have to do with how we feel as women and express ourselves in the world?

Here's what I know: the role of intimacy, being embodied, and feeling safe is fundamental to how we fully experience our bodies. This podcast was both illuminating and surprisingly frank about how our bodies actually work—and what they need to feel satisfied, whether by ourselves or with our partners.

Why This Conversation Matters

We live in a culture that simultaneously oversexualizes women while keeping us disconnected from our own pleasure. We're told our bodies exist for others' consumption while being denied honest conversations about our own desires and needs.

This episode dives deep into:

• How trauma affects our relationship with intimacy
• The connection between feeling safe and experiencing pleasure
• Practical approaches to reconnecting with your embodied self
• Why these conversations are crucial for overall wellness

This conversation feels so important right now, especially when even the most progressive among us struggle to have these frank discussions. Give it a listen, and feel free to share with a friend who needs to hear it too.

Remember, your pleasure matters. Your comfort in your own skin matters. Yes, you can reclaim this part of yourself too.

Stay curious, stay brave, and remember—you're already enough.

Dr. Cat 🥰

Dr. Catherine

Looking to book a session in my Newport Studio? If you are new to my practice, book a Free Consult or if you know what you want, reserve your spot for a One-on-One experience.

🫶

Your Email Preferences

Your email address is Reader

​Change your account details ↗​

​Unsubscribe from all emails ↗​

The studio address: 10 Deblois Street, Newport, RI 02840

​Get Directions​

Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe here.​

© 2025 Dr. Catherine On Wellness. This content may convey general information related to medical conditions, research, testing, treatment, and other healthcare topics. Any such information is provided for informational purposes only. You should always consult a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice or information about diagnosis and treatment.