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EMBRACING SEASONAL SHIFTS: HOW
WOMEN CAN FIND BALANCE IN
CHANGING SEASONS
THE POWER OF FEAR: HOW IT SHAPES
OUR CHOICES AND DRIVES US TO THE
UNCONVENTIONAL
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH FASHION:
HOW WOMEN USE STYLE TO BOOST
CONFIDENCE
FEATURE
WHAT WOULD YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE IF
YOU DIDN’T TOLERATE ANYTHING THAT
WAS NOT WORKING?
FROM SERVICE TO STORYTELLING: A
JOURNEY IN VETERAN ADVOCACY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
14
18
22
32
35
SHE SHOWED HER(SELF)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHY IS SELF-
CARE SO HARD
FOR WOMEN?
44
VERSATILE FASHION FOR BUSY WOMEN
50
WEIGHT LOSS LIES: WHY SCALES AND TOOLS DON'T TELL THE
WHOLE STORY!
54
FALL DRINK TIME
58
BUILDING STRONG
COMMUNITIES
THROUGH
INCLUSIVE AND
EMPOWERING
COMMUNICATION
61
BACK TO SCHOOL
MOMENTS:
EMBRACING THE
CHAOS WITH LOVE
66
FALL FOR STYLE
AND BEAUTY
39
54
58
Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Julie Ducharme
Tia Cristy
Erin Roberts
Joshua Ducharme
Lifestyle Editor
Managing Editor
Managing Designer
CONTRIBUTORS
Wendy Watson
President
Dr. Julie Ducharme
Izzy Spruit
Designer
Niurka Castaneda
Veteran Columnist/Editor
Kim-Adele Randall
Heather Coe Clark
Tia Cristy
Sally Anderson
Niurka Castaneda
Julie Ducharme
Belinda Jane
Nikki Ternay
Shelby Jo Long
Hi, I am Dr. Julie Ducharme editor in chief of our She Talks Mag. We are so excited to have our
first-inaugural edition of She Talks Mag. This vision of She Talks was started almost 8 years ago
with the idea that we would have a platform for all women to tell their story. You don’t have to
be famous or have a certain number of followers to grace the stage. We know that your
strength of story and power transcends being a celebrity, and you don’t have to be popular to
tell your story, just be transparent and authentic. The other part of this vision was to create a
group of women who could come together and support each other in a way that women do not
usually do. To create a sisterhood where we are each other’s biggest fans, not competitors.
Where we pick each other up and climb that ladder together. I am proud to say we have been
successful in building this sisterhood across the country over the last 8 years. We also decided
that we needed to make sure we give back and that is where our women’s Veteran program
called Combat Boots to Heels comes in. This program helps women veterans transitioning out of
the military. We take a portion of funds from the ticket sales and put that towards our women
veterans to help support them in their transition. The inception of this magazine came from the
idea that we needed to expand the opportunities to tell women’s stories as all of them may not
be ready to take the stage but they might be ready to write about them. Our She Talks Mag is
filled with inspirational stories of our She Talkers’ members and more. We hit on everything
from women in leadership, to food, fashion, and great tips. If you’re interested in being a part of
this amazing community, you can join our She Talks community at https://shetalks.locals.com/.
Use the code SHETALKSMAG to get one month free. If you’re interested in being a guest writer
for our mag, apply at https://shetalksmag.com/apply-to-write/ or if you would like to be an
advertiser or collaborate check out our packages here. Most importantly, Live, Love, Laugh and
Always be your authentic self!
LETTER
EDITOR'S
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Dr. Julie DuCharme
s we transition from the carefree
days of summer to the more
reflective season of fall, it’s
impossible not to notice the
changes all around us.
Embracing
S easonal
by Wendy Watson
S hifts
Each season has its own unique vibe, rhythm,
and energy that influence not only the world
outside but also our internal landscape.
Summer bursts onto the scene like a favorite
song on the radio—full of life, excitement, and
warmth. It’s a time for adventure, long days,
and soaking up the sunshine. But as the sun
starts to set a little earlier each day and the air
How Women Can Find Balance in
Changing Seasons
takes on a crisp edge, we find ourselves
naturally slowing down, preparing for
the more introspective and grounding
energy of fall.
Summer is a season that invites us to live
with our hearts wide open. We’re drawn
to the outdoors, connecting with others,
and embracing the spontaneity and joy
that summer brings. The longer days
encourage us to stretch our time, filling
it with activities, social gatherings, and
moments of pure enjoyment. It’s easy to
get swept up in the high energy of
summer, saying “yes” to everything, and
making the most of every opportunity
that comes our way. This season is all
about growth, abundance, and living in
the moment. However, with this surge of
energy and enthusiasm comes the risk of
overextending ourselves. We may find
ourselves running on empty, drained
from giving too much, or feeling
overwhelmed by the lofty expectations
that often accompany summer’s
optimism.
As we move toward fall, there’s a noticeable shift—not
just in the environment, but also in our mood and
energy levels. The transition from summer to fall is like
the gentle fading of a song, where the tempo slows,
and we’re invited to dance to a different beat. Fall
encourages us to reflect on the past few months, to
assess what we’ve achieved, and to consider what’s
most important as we head into the latter part of the
year. This is a season that calls for balance, where we
find ourselves caught between the lingering warmth of
summer and the approaching chill of winter.
Fall is a time to slow down, take stock, and prepare for
the changes ahead. It’s about finding a new rhythm,
one that’s more sustainable and mindful. This season
invites us to shift our focus inward, to nurture
ourselves, and to create a sense of stability as the
world around us changes. It’s a time to appreciate the
beauty of what is while also letting go of what no
longer serves us.
Here are some practical tips to help you navigate this
transition from the high energy of summer to the more
reflective pace of fall. By integrating these practices
into your daily life, you can move through this
seasonal shift with greater ease and grace.
One of the most powerful ways to process the transition
from summer to fall is through journaling. As summer winds
down, take some time to reflect on the experiences and
memories you’ve created over the past few months. What
did you enjoy most about the summer? What challenges did
you face? What lessons did you learn? Writing down your
thoughts and feelings can help you gain clarity and insight
as you move into the new season.
Your journal can also be a space to set intentions for the
fall. Consider what you want to focus on in the coming
months. Are there any goals or projects that you’d like to
pursue? What changes do you want to make in your life?
Setting intentions can help you stay focused and motivated
as you navigate the transition into fall.
1. Start a Reflection Journal
SHE TALKS | 8
2. Rework your Routine
As the days get shorter and the weather starts to cool, it’s
a good idea to take a fresh look at your daily routine. The
long, lazy days of summer often come with a more
relaxed schedule, but fall brings a different kind of
rhythm. With the return of school, work, and other
responsibilities, now is the perfect time to reassess how
you’re spending your time and make any necessary
adjustments.
Consider how your energy levels fluctuate throughout
the day. You may find that you have more energy in the
mornings and early afternoons, making these the best
times for tackling important tasks. On the other hand, as
the evenings grow darker earlier, you might feel the need
to wind down sooner. Adjust your schedule to reflect
these natural shifts, prioritizing tasks that align with your
goals for the season while also making room for rest and
relaxation.
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for
navigating change, and it’s especially
helpful during seasonal transitions. As
you move from the high energy of
summer into the more subdued pace
of fall, take some time to tune in to
how you’re feeling. Are you excited
about the change in seasons, or are
you feeling a bit of resistance?
Whatever emotions arise, try to
approach them with curiosity and
without judgment.
Rather than rushing through your days,
make an effort to slow down and really
savor the small moments. Notice the
colors of the leaves as they start to
change, the sound of the wind rustling
through the trees, or the feeling of the
cool air on your skin. These little
details can help ground you in the
present moment and foster a deeper
connection to the world around you.
Incorporating mindfulness into your
daily routine can also help you manage
stress and anxiety. Whether through
meditation, deep breathing exercises,
or simply taking a few minutes each
day to sit quietly and reflect,
mindfulness can help you navigate the
ups and downs of life with greater
ease.
3. Stay Mindful
SHE TALKS | 9
4. Connect with Nature
One of the best ways to embrace the transition from
summer to fall is by spending time in nature. The natural
world is full of subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that the
seasons are changing, and taking the time to observe
these changes can help you feel more in tune with the
world around you.
Take a walk in your local park, visit a nearby forest, or
simply spend some time in your garden. As you do, pay
attention to the changing colors of the leaves, the
different sounds you hear, and the way the light shifts
throughout the day. Connecting with nature in this way
can be incredibly grounding, helping you feel more
centered and balanced as you move through the season.
If you’re feeling particularly connected to the outdoors,
consider bringing a bit of nature into your home. Collect
some colorful leaves, pinecones, or branches on your
walks and use them to create a seasonal display. This can
serve as a reminder of the beauty of fall and help you feel
more connected to the changing season, even when
you’re indoors.
5. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful practice that
can help you shift your focus from
what’s missing to what’s abundant in
your life. As you transition from
summer to fall, take some time each day
to reflect on the things you’re grateful
for. This could be as simple as
appreciating the warmth of a cozy
sweater, the taste of a hot cup of tea, or
the beauty of the changing leaves.
Expressing gratitude for the
experiences and opportunities of the
past summer can also help you make
peace with the end of the season.
Reflect on the memories you’ve made,
the goals you’ve achieved, and the
lessons you’ve learned. Acknowledging
these things can help you feel more
fulfilled and ready to embrace the new
season with a positive mindset.
6. Establish New Rituals
As the season changes, it’s a great time
to establish some new rituals that help
you settle into the rhythm of fall.
Rituals can provide a sense of stability
and comfort, helping you navigate the
transition with greater ease.
Consider creating a morning or evening
ritual that aligns with the slower pace of
fall. This could be something as simple
as starting your day with a hot cup of
tea and a few moments of quiet
reflection or ending your day with a
warm bath and a good book. These
small rituals can help you create a
sense of routine and provide a calming
way to start or end your day.
In addition to personal rituals, consider
establishing some seasonal traditions
with your family or friends. This could
be something like apple picking, visiting
a pumpkin patch, or hosting a cozy
dinner party with seasonal foods. These
traditions can help you connect with
loved ones and create lasting memories
that you’ll look forward to each year.