Tag Archives: midlife crisis

Dr. Natalie Podcast, Midlife Women

Empty Nest Syndrome: What Nobody Tells You

Summary:

This episode explores the emotional shock many midlife women feel when they drop a child off at college and come home to a quieter house. Dr. Natalie reframes empty nesting as more than just missing a child – it can be a loss of role, identity, and a long-standing way of getting needs met. She also connects this transition to grief, self-worth, caregiving patterns, and the need to build a new relationship with yourself as kids become independent.


Keywords and Phrases

  • empty nesting
  • grief
  • identity loss
  • motherhood
  • caregiving
  • self-worth
  • pattern interrupt
  • self-abandonment
  • midlife transition
  • perimenopause
  • inner critic
  • rebuilding yourself
  • self-reflection

Quotes:

  • “The reward for being a good parent is that they’re gonna eventually not be in our lives every day.”
  • “The person you’re gonna pick up and caretake for the rest of your life, that’s you.”
  • “Self-abandonment is not a great way to manage grief and loss.”
  • “What hurts is not just the child leaving, but the loss of being needed.”
  • The inner critic often shows up when you’re trying something new.”
  • “The work now is building a relationship with yourself.”


Key topics:

  • Empty nesting can feel intolerable because it is not only separation, it is a major identity disruption.
  • Dr. Natalie says many women are grieving the loss of the mom role, not just the child leaving home.
  • If self-worth has been tied to being a “good mom,” empty nesting can trigger a crisis of identity.
  • Some women have also used parenting as the main way they have ever felt loved, which makes the transition even harder.
  • Parenting may have functioned as a coping strategy to numb old wounds, especially for women who grew up in emotionally barren families.
  • Her central message is that the path forward is building a relationship with yourself through reflection, counseling, new friendships, and honest self-inquiry.

Timestamps

(00:00) Why empty nesting hits so hard in midlife

(01:22) The grief of letting kids go

(03:46) When over-contacting children can damage the relationship

(04:16) Grieving the role, not just the child

(05:44) When worthiness gets tied to caregiving

(08:06) Parenting as a source of being loved

(09:03) Grief as a recurring process, not a single emotion

(10:03) Building a relationship with yourself

(11:28) Parenting as a way to avoid other unresolved issues

(12:18) Why counseling or coaching can help in this transition

(13:39) How Gen X women were trained to hide needs

(14:38) Midlife, menopause, and lower distress tolerance

(16:31) Why caretaker dynamics strain adult relationships

(18:27) Relearning relationships and needs outside the family role

(20:48) Empty nesting as a pattern interrupt

(21:47) Moving through transition with less resilience

(23:15) Journaling, reflection, and making space for self-knowledge

(24:42) The inner critic as a sign of change, not failure

(27:09) Giving yourself permission to grieve

(28:32) Reorganizing life around your own needs

(29:31) Why self-abandonment makes adjustment harder

DISCLAIMER:

The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, https://NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums.


If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources):

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠or CALL 988

Crisis Text Line:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Text HOME to 741741

Dr. Natalie Podcast, Emotional Wellness, Midlife Women

The Hidden Trauma of Midlife: How Childhood Shapes Your Stress Resilience

Summary

Dr. Natalie explores the intersection of midlife challenges, hormonal changes, and childhood trauma, emphasizing that women’s struggles are often systemic and not personal failures. She discusses how hormonal shifts affect stress resilience and the importance of inner work and therapy to achieve a centered midlife.

Keywords

midlife, hormonal changes, childhood trauma, stress resilience, inner child work, therapy, estrogen, progesterone, systemic issues, personal growth

Key Topics

  • Hormonal changes in midlife and their impact on stress resilience
  • The role of childhood trauma in adult midlife struggles
  • Inner child work and shadow work as tools for healing
  • Systemic societal expectations and their effects on women in midlife

Key Frameworks

  • Inner Child Work
  • Shadow Work
  • Core Belief Systems

Action Items

  • Seek therapy to unpack childhood trauma
  • Consider hormone therapy with medical guidance
  • Set boundaries to protect your mental health
  • Prioritize love and acceptance of your current life

Sound Bites

“Childhood trauma can resurface in midlife.”
“Love your life right now, all of it.”
“This was never your fault.”

Chapters

00:00 The Burden of Expectations on Women
13:18 Childhood Trauma and Its Resurgence in Midlife
19:07 Introduction and Disclaimer
20:43 Crisis Resources and Support

Midlife/Trauma Resources

  • Therapy for Trauma and Inner Child Work – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hormone-replacement-therapy
  • Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause – https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause

Resources & Links to Connect with Dr. Natalie

  • Website: ⁠⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠
  • Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/learntoloveyourstory⁠⁠
  • Instagram:⁠⁠ instagram.com/dr.nataliemarr⁠⁠
  • Linked In: ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/natalie-m-marr-psy-d-lp-6a9298147⁠⁠
  • Tik Tok: ⁠⁠tiktok.com/@doc.natalie

Disclaimer

⁠⁠The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with ⁠⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠, ⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠),⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources):

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CALL 988

Crisis Text Line: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Text HOME to 741741

Dr. Natalie Podcast

Why Burning Out at 50 is More About Brain Habits Than Age

In this conversation, Dr. Natalie reflects on her journey through midlife, particularly focusing on the challenges of perimenopause and the emotional turmoil that often accompanies it. She discusses the importance of letting go of societal expectations and the pressure to conform, emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and compassion. Dr. Natalie also explores the concept of procedural memory and how our ingrained habits can shape our perceptions and emotional responses. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to redefine their narratives and embrace a centered midlife, free from the burdens of self-judgment and societal standards.
Episode 117: Expert Advice on Addressing the #1 Symptom in Perimenopause:⁠ https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/y7WjcCkjf1b⁠ or ⁠https://youtu.be/GFTFQGbN1rg⁠
Keywords:
midlife, perimenopause, self-acceptance, emotional health, procedural memory, self-compassion, personal growth, women empowerment, mental health, life transitions

Takeaways

  • Turning 50 can be a liberating experience.
  • It’s important to decide what truly matters to us.
  • Perimenopause can bring significant emotional challenges.
  • Irritability is a common symptom of hormonal changes.95% of our thoughts and behaviors are pre-programmed.
  • We can reprogram our thoughts to be more compassionate.
  • Self-acceptance is crucial for mental well-being.
  • We often hold ourselves to unrealistic standards.
  • It’s essential to shift our narratives about ourselves.
  • You are not broken; you are a work in progress.

Sound bites

“I was waking up that way.”
“Tell yourself a new story.”
“You are not broken.”

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Midlife: A New Perspective
06:35 Reprogramming the Mind: Breaking Free from Old Habits
12:20 Redefining Self-Worth: A Journey to Centered Midlife

Resources & Links to Connect with Dr. Natalie:

Website: ⁠⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠
Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/learntoloveyourstory⁠⁠
Instagram:⁠⁠ instagram.com/dr.nataliemarr⁠⁠
Linked In: ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/natalie-m-marr-psy-d-lp-6a9298147⁠⁠
Tik Tok: ⁠⁠tiktok.com/@doc.natalie⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER:

The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with ⁠⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠, ⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠),⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources):

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
CALL 988

Crisis Text Line:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Text HOME to 741741

Dr. Natalie Podcast, Midlife Women, Self-Awareness, Self-Compassion

What to Let Go of in Midlife

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Natalie addresses midlife women feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to fix and manage everything alone. She offers insight into how hyper-independence and the fear of abandonment can contribute to burnout and midlife struggles—and most importantly, how self-love can help rewrite these patterns.


Key Topics:

  • The emotional toll of hyper-independence in midlife women
  • The neurochemistry of pursuit and addiction to dopamine hits
  • Childhood experiences shaping adult patterns of fixing and pleasing
  • Recognizing and interrupting the spiral of justification and validation
  • The importance of self-love as an antidote to burnout and scarcity mindset
  • How fear of abandonment fuels hyper-independence
  • Practical steps to love yourself through mistakes and vulnerabilities
  • Moving away from rescuing everyone and focusing on personal peace

Time Stamps

00:00 – Addressing hyper-independent women in midlife

02:09 – The neurochemical roots of pursuit and addiction to dopamine

03:34 – How the chase reinforces the cycle of burnout

04:33 – Personal stories of controlling or fixing others

05:58 – Childhood patterns influencing adult need for approval

06:53 – Recognizing the spiral of justifying and validating

08:22 – The pain of not being liked or validated

09:04 – The risks of over-investment in work and relationships

10:30 – How derailments in pursuit reveal deeper patterns

11:56 – The spiral of self-justification in times of stress

13:20 – The link between childhood chaos and adult control issues

14:19 – Self-love as the key to breaking free from cycles

16:41 – The importance of loving yourself despite mistakes

19:34 – Understanding the fear of rejection and scarcity mindset

20:03 – Letting go of blame and the need for approval

21:01 – Managing relationships without spiraling into chaos

22:24 – Embracing age and experience for self-compassion

23:21 – The power of loving your story, including dysfunction

24:19 – Sharing this message with other midlife women

25:17 – Letting go of the cycle of justification and abandonment fears

26:15 – Finding peace and building inner self-worth

Resources and Links

Connect with Dr. Natalie:

Website https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠
Facebook facebook.com/learntoloveyourstory
Instagram instagram.com/dr.nataliemarr
Linked In linkedin.com/in/natalie-m-marr-psy-d-lp-6a9298147
Tik Tok tiktok.com/@doc.natalie

DISCLAIMER:

The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with ⁠⁠(⁠LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠, ⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠),⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources):

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠ or CALL 988

Crisis Text Line: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/ or⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Text HOME to 741741

Dr. Natalie Podcast, Midlife Women

The Great Unlearning: Reclaiming Self-Worth in Midlife

Summary
In this episode, Dr. Natalie explores the concept of ‘The Great Unlearning,’ a transformative journey that challenges the societal belief that doing everything right leads to a fulfilling life. She reflects on her personal experiences, particularly during midlife, where she realized that striving for perfection and external validation often leads to burnout and disillusionment. Dr. Natalie emphasizes the importance of self-worth and the need to reclaim it from within, rather than through external achievements or approval. Through poignant anecdotes, she illustrates how the pressure to conform to societal expectations can lead to a double life and emotional turmoil, ultimately advocating for a shift towards self-love and acceptance.

Dr. Natalie introduces the metaphor of the tugboat versus the lighthouse to illustrate the difference between exhausting oneself in the pursuit of perfection and standing firm in one’s self-worth. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives, identifying where they may be sacrificing their well-being in the name of doing everything right. The episode serves as a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from within, and that midlife can be an opportunity for profound personal growth and self-discovery.

Keywords:
midlife, self-worth, personal growth, self-love, great unlearning, emotional well-being, tugboat lighthouse metaphor, reclaiming self-worth, Dr. Natalie

Takeaways:
​The version of you that you’re most proud of may be blocking your actual life.
​Midlife can be an invitation to examine the mess of our lives and love it as it is.
​Reclaiming self-worth from the inside out is essential for true fulfillment.

Sound bites:
“What if I told you that the version of you that you’re most proud of… is in the way of your actual life?”
“Today we’re gonna talk about the great unlearning.”
“You do not need to fix yourself. You just need to find yourself.”

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to The Great Unlearning
03:49 A Holiday Dinner Reflection
10:20 The Tugboat vs. The Lighthouse
18:10 The Power of Self-Love
23:39 Reflecting on Your Journey
JOIN the https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠ Mailing List! Join my newsletter and receive my FREE video and workbook, “Freeing Yourself: A Guide for Letting Go of Other People’s Opinions”

SIGN UP on the website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/762561/109840834025752017/share⁠⁠⁠⁠ DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with ⁠⁠(⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠, ⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠https://NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠),⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources): National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠
CALL 988Crisis Text Line: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠Text HOME to 741741

Midlife Women

An open letter to midlife women…

My dear sweetheart,

I know exactly how you feel right now. You see it. You know that there are ways that you’ve participated in your own suffering for so long now. You didn’t always get it but you do now. And that’s painful. Honestly it’s excruciating. And there is a helplessness to it. It’s almost as if you don’t think that you would ever be able to overcome these patterns that you’ve got yourself into that are just habits of being you now. How would you ever stop being yourself? Is that even possible?

I’m writing this blog right now because I saw you today. I saw you in your exhaustion. I saw you contemplating returning to work after a holiday season and rinsing and repeating this whole mess again. I saw you wondering, is there ever a New Year’s resolution that really would change your life. I wanted to reach out and tell you, while there is no resolution there is acceptance. And while there is no quick fix, there is a road I’ve taken and many like me have taken that will lead you to more peace. More joy. More content. More of a life that you want instead of a life you feel you have to lead, because it’s what you’ve always done.

I know you think you’ve lost the plot. I know you think it’s impossible to live a life without feeling exhausted and possibly even hating getting up in the morning and doing it all over again. I know you think that pining for an idea of a life that you were sold you “should” have by now is the only way to get your shit together enough to have goals in place to course correct all this. What if I told you you’ve always been on the correct path? What if I told you that designing a life that you want to be in means looking at your life from the perspective that you are exactly where you need to be? What if I told you that exhaustion with recognition that you’ve participated in patterns of behavior that keep you trapped in a life you don’t like is exactly where you should be right now?

I imagine hearing some of those last questions makes you want to smack me across the face and honestly, I understand that. I wanted to smack my own self as I started to recognize these things. I wanted to rage against the machine that had put me in the place where I had meticulously created a life that I was told I “should” have when in fact, it was a life destined to give me grief. What kind of bullshit is that? That you do everything right and you end up in a space where you hate it? It just isn’t fair! But then again who said life was ever going to be fair. No one did.

And I still think that the reward here is recognizing that where you are is not where you want to be. And the helpless feeling makes sense to me and I hope to help you see it makes sense for you. The helplessness is that all the things you’ve learned to do to get yourself out of a pickle in your life won’t work here. Why? Well think about it. If they had worked, wouldn’t you be in a better place already? Of course you would. I know this has never been a problem with effort. I know you’ve started every January 1 with a whole list of things you’re gonna do to fix your life. And yet you end up back in the same exhausted place. Here where you hate it. Here where the life you’re in is not the life you want to be in. Here in your resentment that you’ve done everything right and yet can’t seem to get it right.

My invitation to you is that maybe this is exactly where you need to be. And maybe you needed to be here as many times as necessary to really get the motivation to look at this differently. To see that everything you’ll do from this point forward is going to be brand new and therefore awkward, uncomfortable, and even painful at times. However, the excitement, the hope is that it will bring you to a new place. That on this next stretch, you will be ready to choose differently for yourself. That maybe you’ll even find that you like living in your life or dare I suggest love it. But only if you choose the road less traveled. Only if you go through the doors, you’ve never gone through before. Only if you engage in patterns of behavior that you haven’t even dreamed of having yet.

Have you grown exhausted enough that you’re ready to lay down everything that you know how to do? Are you that tired yet? Are you resentful enough that you’ve done everything right that you’re ready to consider that doing things that way isn’t right for you? Can you feel that very small hope living inside your soul that whispers, “Believe!”

If that’s where you think you are, then let’s begin. Let’s begin designing a new life. A life that you can’t wait to get up for every single day. A life you never knew you could even dream of for yourself. Let’s begin living that life. Let’s let go of the idea that we need to be fixed or improved or find the right goal or engage in the right behavior to finally reach happiness. That has never been how this was going to work. Let’s give all that up and listen to that small voice on the inside. Let’s Believe.

Dr. Natalie Podcast, Grief, Midlife Women

Episode 118: This is What You’re Not Prepared for in Midlife

Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Natalie discusses the challenges and transformations that occur during midlife, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changes rather than resisting them. She highlights the emotional and psychological aspects of navigating this transition and offers insights into personal growth during this critical phase of life.

Takeaways:

  • The life we have built may no longer serve us.
  • Midlife transition can lead to significant personal growth.
  • Resisting change can lead to a midlife crisis.
  • Emotional well-being is crucial during transitions.
  • Understanding our feelings is key to navigating change.
  • Support systems play a vital role in midlife adjustments.
  • Self-reflection can aid in personal development.
  • Embracing change can lead to new opportunities.
  • Midlife is a time for reevaluation and growth.
  • Adapting to change is essential for happiness.

Keywords: midlife transition, life changes, personal growth, crisis management, emotional well-being

Sound bites
“The life that we have built is no longer gonna work for us.”
“Midlife transition is a critical phase.”

Chapters
00:00 Facing the Unpreparedness of Midlife
00:18 Grieving the Loss of Past Versions

JOIN the ⁠⁠⁠⁠LearnToLoveYourStory.com (https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com) ⁠⁠ Mailing List! Join my newsletter and receive my FREE video and workbook, “Freeing Yourself: A Guide for Letting Go of Other People’s Opinions” SIGN UP on the website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/762561/109840834025752017/share⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with ⁠⁠(⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠, ⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠https://NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠),⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources):

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠

CALL 988

Crisis Text Line: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

Text HOME to 741741

Dr. Natalie Podcast, Midlife Women, Self-Compassion, Selfish is the New Selfless

Episode 117: Expert Advice on Addressing the #1 Symptom in Perimenopause

Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Natalie explores the often-overlooked symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, particularly irritability, and emphasizes the importance of community support during this transitional phase. She discusses the impact of sleep disturbances on mental health and the necessity of prioritizing self-care and self-compassion. Dr. Natalie also highlights mindfulness as a crucial practice for navigating the challenges of midlife, encouraging women to be kind to themselves and recognize that they are not alone in their experiences.

Keywords
perimenopause, menopause, irritability, mental health, self-care, community support, sleep disturbance, self-compassion, mindfulness, women’s health

Takeaways

  • Irritability is the number one symptom of perimenopause.
  • Sleep disturbances can lead to significant mental health issues.
  • Women in midlife face increased rates of anxiety and depression.
  • Self-care is essential during the perimenopausal journey.
  • Community support can alleviate feelings of isolation.
  • Self-compassion involves being kind to oneself during struggles.
  • Mindfulness helps in recognizing and addressing personal suffering.
  • Women often prioritize others over themselves, especially during this phase.
  • Understanding hormonal changes can help in managing symptoms.
  • It’s important to acknowledge that many women share similar experiences.

Sound bites

“Selfish is the new self-care.”
“We have to be kind to ourselves.”
“We’re all in this together.”

ChapterS
00:00 Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms
11:06 Navigating Irritability and Self-Care
17:16 The Importance of Self-Compassion
23:34 NEWCHAPTER

JOIN the ⁠⁠⁠⁠LearnToLoveYourStory.com (https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com) ⁠⁠ Mailing List! Join my newsletter and receive my FREE video and workbook, “Freeing Yourself: A Guide for Letting Go of Other People’s Opinions” SIGN UP on the website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/762561/109840834025752017/share⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with ⁠⁠(⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠, ⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠https://NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠),⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources):

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠ CALL 988

Crisis Text Line: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Text HOME to 741741

Dr. Natalie Podcast, Midlife Women

Episode 115: Navigating Midlife – Dr. Natalie’s Personal Journey

In this podcast episode, Dr. Natalie shares her personal journey through midlife, discussing the challenges she faced with hormonal changes, medical care, and the importance of self-care. She emphasizes the need for women to advocate for their health, explore alternative medicine, and find supportive communities. Dr. Natalie also touches on the role of nutrition and exercise in managing midlife changes and encourages listeners to engage in conversations about women’s health.


Key Takeaways:
– Dr. Natalie discusses her absence from the podcast and the importance of self-care.
– She reflects on the hormonal changes of midlife and their impact on health.
– The medical field often overlooks women’s health issues, especially in midlife.
– Dr. Natalie shares her frustrating experiences with traditional medical care.
– She emphasizes the importance of finding healthcare providers who listen and understand.
– Alternative medicine provided her with a sense of being heard and supported.
– Nutrition and exercise play crucial roles in managing midlife health.
– Dr. Natalie encourages women to advocate for their health and seek support.
– She acknowledges the emotional toll of midlife changes and the need for community.
– The podcast aims to create a roadmap for women navigating midlife challenges.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Update
09:37 The Search for Effective Treatment
16:20 Reflections on Health and Future Plans
17:44 Season 2 Legal Disclaimer.MP4

https://youtu.be/9v8yWLjW8Vw?si=VMtGDY4TgZKE2ILT

Dr. Natalie Podcast, Midlife Women, Self-Awareness, Self-Compassion, Selfish is the New Selfless

Episode 71 – How to Address Regrets in Midlife

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In this episode of Midlife Crisis to a Centered Life Thriving, Dr. Natalie reflects on one of her favorite episodes of the podcast, instructing her listeners on how to address regrets in their lives instead of letting their regrets run their lives. She discusses the importance of setting oneself up for experiences that bring joy and fulfillment and connects this to the power of loving and accepting oneself, even in the face of regrets and struggles. Dr. Natalie emphasizes that each individual is their own life’s purpose and encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and community support.

The episode explores the theme of regret and how it can prevent us from fully living in the present moment. By learning to the importance of loving the life we’re in and learning from our regrets without getting stuck in them, Dr. Natalie helps us to see our true purpose in life is taking care of ourselves and making choices that align with our values.

Dr. Natalie offers a us a gift of a guided meditation to listeners, in a link below in the notes. This meditation revolves are one of her favorite poems called ‘Finding Her Here’ by Jane Relaford Brown. The poem explores the themes of self-reflection, self-acceptance, and embracing the present moment of our midlife. It serves as a reminder to love and honor oneself in the journey of becoming, helping us on our journey of finding our own centered life, thriving.

LINK to FREE GUIDED MEDITATION

Takeaways

  • Setting oneself up for experiences that bring joy and fulfillment in life is important.
  • Loving and accepting oneself, even in the face of regrets and struggles, is powerful.
  • Each individual is their own life’s purpose.
  • Prioritizing self-care and seeking community support are essential for living a regret-free life.
  • Regretting what we have done or haven’t done takes us away from the present moment of our lives.
  • Use regret as a rumble strip to guide us towards what we want to be doing in our lives.
  • Living in a life of regret is not productive; focus on what needs to change in our present life to stay in the present moment and enjoy what we have.
  • Identify with the idea that we are our life’s purpose and make choices that align with our values.
  • Practice self-compassion and use regrets as opportunities for growth and learning.
  • Self-reflection and self-acceptance are important in the journey of becoming.
  • Embracing the present moment and loving oneself as they are is key to finding fulfillment.
  • Regrets should not define one’s life; it’s about embracing and loving the person one is becoming.
  • Creating a centered life and thriving requires letting go of regrets and focusing on the present.

Do any of these sound like you?

    • Feel a sense of lack, despite success in life or having done everything “right”
    • Struggle to articulate how you feel to others
    • Experience guilt about how you’re feeling
    • Have lost your way
    • Are struggling to overcome turmoil in your life
    • Have become resigned to accepting a life you don’t love

Many of us are suffering like this — daily life has become an ordeal, and we don’t know where or how to find help.

Dr. Natalie’s Online Courses and Coaching CAN HELP. Click below and get started.

Click Here for Your FREE Gift

You don’t want to miss a thing we are doing here at LearnToLoveYourStory.com.  From our weekly podcasts to our library of blogs and videos that can help you step into a more centered life.

Allow Dr. Natalie to guide you on this empowering adventure to break free, rediscover your passion, and create the life you’ve always envisioned for yourself. Your journey to empowerment starts here. Join our Mailing List today!

Join Now

Need more clarity on your midlife journey? Sign up for a complimentary call with Dr. Natalie to explore if her transformative coaching program aligns with your aspirations.

Get personalized answers to your questions and discover if Dr. Natalie can help you untangle where you life is now and design the life you want to be living.

Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a life-changing experience – schedule your complimentary call today and take the first step toward designing the life you deserve!

Please press the “START” button below to answer a few questions and schedule your consultation:


Keywords: podcast, journey, experiences, joy, fulfillment, love letter, regrets, struggles, self-care, community support, present moment, life’s purpose, choices, self-awareness, guided meditation, poem, self-reflection, self-acceptance, present moment, becoming, centered life thriving, Dr. Natalie, podcast for women, Midlife Crisis to a Centered Life Thriving

Disclaimer

The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with LearnToLoveYourStory.com and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources):

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

CALL 988

Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Text HOME to 741741</p

Dr. Natalie Podcast, Selfish is the New Selfless

Episode 62 – You’ve Got to Hear This if You’re a Woman in Midlife!

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How Midlife Looks Different For Women

 

In this episode of Midlife Crisis to a Centered Life Thriving, Dr. Natalie helps us debunk the mystery of midlife crisis. She explains that this is a natural part of the transition into the second stage of life and the term crisis is the best description for the insurmountable amount of changes we are going through at this stage in life. She emphasizes that midlife crisis is not a character flaw, and urges us to stop judging ourselves so harshly for struggling at this stage of our lives.

Dr. Natalie seeks to teach us in this episode how midlife crisis for women looks different than our preconceived notions. As she explains the biological and hormonal shifts that occur during this time and how they can impact our physical and mental well-being, she also explores the different responses and behaviors that can arise. She helps us to understand what brings about such changes as mood swings, anxiety, and avoidance. Dr. Natalie encourages listeners to anchor back into a state of safety and security and offers strategies for managing and thriving during this phase of life.

Takeaways:
  • Midlife crisis looks different for women.
  • Midlife crisis is a natural part of the transition into the second stage of life and should not be seen as a character flaw.
  • Biological and hormonal shifts occur for women during midlife crisis, impacting physical and mental well-being.
  • Responses to midlife crisis can include mood swings, anxiety, avoidance, and feeling stuck.
  • Anchoring back into a state of safety and security is important for managing and thriving during midlife crisis.
  • Seeking therapy or medical help can be beneficial for navigating significant challenges of midlife crisis.


Do any of these sound like you?

    • Feel a sense of lack, despite success in life or having done everything “right”
    • Struggle to articulate how you feel to others
    • Experience guilt about how you’re feeling
    • Have lost your way
    • Are struggling to overcome turmoil in your life
    • Have become resigned to accepting a life you don’t love

Many of us are suffering like this — daily life has become an ordeal, and we don’t know where or how to find help.

Dr. Natalie’s Online Courses and Coaching CAN HELP. Click below and get started.

Click Here for Your FREE Gift

You don’t want to miss a thing we are doing here at LearnToLoveYourStory.com.  From our weekly podcasts to our library of blogs and videos that can help you step into a more centered life.

Allow Dr. Natalie to guide you on this empowering adventure to break free, rediscover your passion, and create the life you’ve always envisioned for yourself. Your journey to empowerment starts here. Join our Mailing List today!

Join Now

Need more clarity on your midlife journey? Sign up for a complimentary call with Dr. Natalie to explore if her transformative coaching program aligns with your aspirations.

Get personalized answers to your questions and discover if Dr. Natalie can help you untangle where you life is now and design the life you want to be living.

Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a life-changing experience – schedule your complimentary call today and take the first step toward designing the life you deserve!

Please press the “START” button below to answer a few questions and schedule your consultation:


Keywords: midlife crisis, transition, change, biological shifts, hormonal changes, crisis levels, survival mode, thrival mode, ventral vagal, sympathetic nervous system, dorsal vagal, freeze, fall, fawn, self-care, therapy, medical help, podcast for women, Dr. Natalie’s podcast, how midlife looks different for women, women’s silent crisis Midlife Crisis to a Centered Life Thriving

Disclaimer

The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with LearnToLoveYourStory.com and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources):

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

CALL 988

Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Text HOME to 741741

Emotional Wellness, Midlife Women, Self-Awareness, Self-Compassion

What Midlife Crisis Looks Like For Women…You Might Be Surprised

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Picture this with me. You’re a woman in midlife and you are preparing for a holiday dinner. You are so excited. You have really gone through every small detail you can think of in preparation for this event.  For instance, you have considered everybody’s dietary needs and made sure that this meal is going to be magnificent. You’ve shopped for all the specific items each person would need, which took you to three different stores because of course one person needs gluten -free, one person needs dairy -free, one is eating most keto and you just couldn’t find that all at one shop. So you went to all the places that you had those perfect items.

Now its the day of the event. You’re cooking and people are there at your house, but you’re kind of busy because you’re preparing the meal, right? So you’re in and out and you’re talking to people, but you’re also feeling a little rushed and feeling a little pressured. There’s just something agitating about that feeling.  You have thoughts going through your mind, like, “Oh, I gotta get this on the table”, “I wanna make sure everything looks right.” “I forgot to get out my new tablecloth”, and “I want to be sure that this holiday dinner is really wonderful.”

You finally get everything prepared. Everything is sitting out for your family to sit down and eat. And they do, and they truly enjoy this meal you have prepared for them.  They say thank you. And they are truly appreciative of all the work that you’ve put in. And you might even have some people offer to wash the dishes for you in thanks. You even bring out some dessert and a nice fresh pot of coffee. And your family is able to visit a little bit longer.

Here’s the thing though. From front to back, this meal maybe lasts about 45 minutes. That’s it. You’ve spent the better amount of several days planning and hours preparing, trying to create the best meal possible.  Yet, front to back, the experience is gone in about 45 minutes.  It can feel a little deflating can’t it?  Like the reward is not matching up to the work you put in.  Or maybe you are feeling disappointed that it wasn’t more appreciated.  Your family came, ate, and left without much recognition of all the effort you put in.

It isn’t the traditional idea of a midlife crisis. Instead it’s a series of events just like this one, where you just don’t feel happy with the outcome of your efforts… I have news for you, my friend.  This is what midlife crisis looks like for most women.

All of that preparation was really about your trying to set the stage of capturing having people that you love be around you for a period of time. And it can be kind of deflating when that is only 45 minutes, right? You aren’t being ungrateful, nor are they, for the time that you all spent together.  And yet it can feel that way.  This is the kind of thing that I hear about from women in midlife. It isn’t the traditional idea of a midlife crisis. Instead it’s a series of events just like this one, where you just don’t feel happy with the outcome of your efforts.  You may even be questioning where you fit or whether these efforts are even worth it.

You have done all the right things.  Made all the right choices.  Done what was expected of you all your life.  And you continue to be the consummate hostess.  The good spouse.  The loyal employee.  The dutiful mother.  And yet at the end of an evening that should have brought you great joy you feel down.  Like it didn’t quite hit the mark for you.  I have news for you, my friend.  This is what midlife crisis looks like for most women.

What do you do with that? If this is midlife crisis what are you going to do to turn this around.  Its not like you are going to rewrite this narrative. Not at all. I mean, holidays will come and go and meals will usually only take about 45 minutes. It can feel not only confusing, it can be quite frustrating when you realize you won’t be able to buy enough sports cars, have enough divorces/break-ups, or start your career over enough times to make these smaller events seem less disappointing.  And honestly, none of us really want the new sports cars, divorces/break-ups, or new careers.  We just want to feel good at a holiday meal with our family.  So now what?!?

Honestly, this is exactly why I created LearnToLoveYourStory.com. So many of the women I work with aren’t searching for a complete overhaul in their lives.  They are wanting a better way of showing up in their lives that leave them feeling joy and happiness after a holiday meal with their families, instead of sad and underappreciated.  A better way of experiencing the life they are already in, not a new life altogether.  So how do you do that?  Easy…you focus on you.  Seem too simple.  Let me tell you, there is nothing simple about teaching women to hold themselves in first position in their lives.  Nothing at all simple about that.

None of us really want the new sports cars, divorces/break-ups, or new careers.  We just want to feel good at a holiday meal with our family.  So now what?!?

Listen, you did check all the boxes for that holiday dinner. You did do all the right things in your life. You have done a remarkable job of accommodating everybody’s needs…except for yours. And there’s a reason for that. You’ve never been taught in all the things you have been taught as a woman in this world, how to consider yourself. In fact, you were taught considering yourself was something that was selfish and was something that you should not do. Well, I’m here to tell you a different story, a story that helps you love your life…learn to love yourself.

And that’s what LearnToLoveYourStory.com is all about. If I can help you to change the narrative in your life and learn new ways to approach the preparation of a holiday meal with your family and friends, so that you can have that outcome that you’re seeking so desperately, then I can help you avoid that midlife crisis feeling of disappointment and dissatisfaction in your life.  I will help you to obtain the connection you are seeking. I will help you find the alignment with your purpose.  I will help to give you that desire that you want to get up every single day. That you are excited for the day. That’s what LearnToLoveYourStory.com and Midlife Crisis to a Centered Life Thriving is helping women to do.

I have online courses. I have coaching, I have a podcast, and it’s all geared at giving you the tools that you need to learn not to just do it like it’s always been done. Because that’s not working for you anymore. Instead, you’re gonna shift into a new set of skills.  A set of skills that help you focus on you.  That help you see yourself in the story of your life.  That help you always accommodate for you first and in so doing, improve how you show up in everything you do and with everyone that you love.  That helps you love the life you’re in.  Now doesn’t that sound like something that you want for yourself.  It sure does to me.

Do any of these sound like you?

    • Feel a sense of lack, despite success in life or having done everything “right”
    • Struggle to articulate how you feel to others
    • Experience guilt about how you’re feeling
    • Have lost your way
    • Are struggling to overcome turmoil in your life
    • Have become resigned to accepting a life you don’t love

Many of us are suffering like this — daily life has become an ordeal, and we don’t know where or how to find help.

Dr. Natalie’s Online Courses and Coaching CAN HELP. Click below and get started.

Click Here for Your FREE Gift

You don’t want to miss a thing we are doing here at LearnToLoveYourStory.com.  From our weekly podcasts to our library of blogs and videos that can help you step into a more centered life.

Allow Dr. Natalie to guide you on this empowering adventure to break free, rediscover your passion, and create the life you’ve always envisioned for yourself. Your journey to empowerment starts here. Join our Mailing List today!

Join Now

Need more clarity on your midlife journey? Sign up for a complimentary call with Dr. Natalie to explore if her transformative coaching program aligns with your aspirations.

Get personalized answers to your questions and discover if Dr. Natalie can help you untangle where you life is now and design the life you want to be living.

Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a life-changing experience – schedule your complimentary call today and take the first step toward designing the life you deserve!

Please press the “START” button below to answer a few questions and schedule your consultation:


Keywords: Midlife transitions, Women in midlife, Self-discovery, Empowerment for women, Women’s empowerment, Personal growth, Self-care for women, Authentic living, Thriving in midlife, midlife crisis in women, improving your life, thriving in midlife, learning to love yourself, self-care, self-love, self-awareness, self-compassion, growth mindset, emotional agility

Disclaimer

The content in this blog is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with LearnToLoveYourStory.com and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources):

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

CALL 988

Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Text HOME to 741741