Have you ever received a surprise via email?

I opened my email and started reading about his gorgeous green book called, Midlife Battle Cry: Redefining the Mighty Second Half, by Dawn Barton. The email mentioned my niche to midlife women and asked if I’d be interested in a free copy. Well, my ears perked up and I said, “Yes, I’d love a free copy of this book.”  All I had to do, in return, was write a blog for “my people” and share it on social media. Easy Peasy. The book arrived a few days later.

That evening, I crawled into the hot bubble bath and opened the introduction. I was hooked, even though she jokingly said, “No one reads the introduction.” I always read the introduction because this is where the writer tells us what we get from reading said book.  

She talked about the shock of reaching the “fiddy” milestone birthday and all the expectations we carry along with a bag of regrets. We wonder what’s next and if we’re all a little washed up in midlife.She proposes the second half is the best and half and I have to agree. 

More About the Book

 From the back cover:  “In Midlife Battle Cry, hilarious bestselling author Dawn Barton blends stories, insights and –yes some sass—to inspire you to 

• embrace who you are physically, spiritually, and emotionally;

• make your midlife a pivot point into a bold and powerful season; 

• share your experience and wisdom; and 

• accept that sometimes adding arch support to your favorite shoes is the way to go.”

 Dawn Barton is a hilarious best selling author, by the way. Her first book, Laughing Through the Ugly Cry, helped her win a ECPA New Author Award.  Dawn was a top producer for Mary Kay and left it all to pursue God’s call to write. She demonstrates courage. Oh, she’s also a cancer survivor! 

That’s the thing, this book will help you realize the second half of your life is the better half. There’s so much good to be had. There’s freedom, confidence, experience and wisdom and just the right amount of sass.

She talks about getting a girl gang, learning to hail to the no, and has a “I Love Me” Challenge. It’ll help you learn more about yourself in case you’re a little disoriented by midlife. She also recommends you buy new underwear and stand in front of the mirror and bless God for your body, the way it is, right now!! Acceptance is key!

I just celebrated my 58th Birthday and here’s

My Midlife Battle Cry. 

These are the lessons I am learning. 

• I understand it’s not too late and I’m not behind. I have carried dreams for decades and this is the season I get to walk in the calling God placed in me, long ago. He’s prepared me for this. It feels right. I can trust God’s timing for all of it. My ministry to midlife mommas is a gift.

• I don’t allow people-pleasing to impact me the way it did in my younger years. I’m trusting my boundaries and appreciate the freedom they provide. Saying “no” feels empowering.

• I abhor drama. If you’re a part of it, I prefer not to join you in it. Lovingly detaching is a gift. I crave peace. This includes more time sitting with the Prince of Peace. I’ve walked with Jesus for 37 years and my love for Him grows each year. I want to do His will now, more than ever.

• I embrace courage and the fresh mindsets that are required to fulfill God’s call on my life. I’m working hard to overcome limiting beliefs. I am who God says I am: loved, forgiven, accepted, called, chosen, redeemed, capable, courageous.

• I forgive quickly and try not to be offended. This is a challenge because I’m human, but I don’t want anything to stand in the way of my connection with God. Papa and I have been talking a lot about obedience as we hang out in Isaiah and Jeremiah. The Old Testament is powerful.

• I can do new things. Lifting weights is my new thing. Managing my curvier frame has been challenging. My Bestie, Marti and I, like to call this our “Queen Size.” Mostly, I want to be emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically strong going into the next decade. I have one body and I want to take care of it.

Dawn poses this question on the back of her book: What will you do with your second half? 

“When we hit forty, “fiddy,” and beyond, we ask, “Is this it? Did I do what I wanted to do in my life? Who am I now that my skin is sagging-and will it eventually hand all the way down to my feet?”

We assume our most exhilarating and meaningful moments are behind us. But what if they are still to come?

God doesn’t bring us to midlife so we can sit back and binge watch home makeover shows. We are His gift to the world at every age, in every season. True, we’re dealing with chin hairs and sparse eyebrows, but we’re actually the best we’ve ever been. We have the making of warrior women.”

Grab a copy of the book at the button below. This book is going to change the way you think about midlife. I also invited Dawn to join me on The Midlife Momma Podcast and I know we’re gonna laugh our heads silly. Dawn is the midlife girlfriend we’re looking for!

P. S. Dawn’s people wanted me to let you know I received the book as payment for a review. I’m happy to do it.