Hi, I’m Victoria Byrd, and today’s episode is deeply personal. Recorded just moments after a workout, this raw and unfiltered conversation stems from my reflections on heart health this February and, more importantly, matters of the heart—self-love, resilience, and grace.
As midlife women, we often find ourselves juggling caregiving, careers, and personal health, leaving little room for self-compassion. In this episode, I’m sharing my own struggles with giving myself grace through the challenges of recovering from major spine surgeries, navigating perimenopause, and being a caretaker for my daughter. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin, this one’s for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
1. The Power of Grace in Recovery
• My journey through two spine surgeries and the mental, emotional, and physical toll of healing.
• How I balanced following strict post-surgery recovery rules with navigating the guilt and frustration of “starting over” in fitness and health.
2. Caregiving and Losing Yourself
• The emotional and physical challenges of caring for a loved one while neglecting your own needs.
• My reflections on balancing motherhood, being a wife, a health coach, and a woman—without losing myself.
3. Self-Love Isn’t Selfish
• Why self-love is critical for resilience and strength, even when it feels like the world expects you to do it all.
• How reframing self-care as a necessity (not a luxury) changed my mindset and helped me show up better for my family and clients.
4. Reclaiming Strength and Confidence in Midlife
• Accepting the imperfections of a nonlinear health journey and finding power in starting over.
• How the messy realities of my experience make me a better health coach for women navigating their own midlife challenges.
Key Takeaways:
• Grace isn’t just something we give others—it’s a gift we must give ourselves.
• Perfection isn’t the goal. Showing up with an open heart, even when it’s hard, is what truly matters.
• Your health journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Small, consistent steps are the foundation of sustainable change.
• Caregiving, motherhood, and work don’t have to mean losing yourself. Self-love is the bridge to balancing it all.
Quotes from the Episode:
• “Self-love isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.”
• “I’m doing the best I can with the resources I have, and that’s good enough.”
• “Showing up for yourself with an open heart, even when it’s hard, is an act of self-compassion we all deserve.”
Join the Conversation
Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!
Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com
Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses
Subscribe & Review
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.
Disclaimer
This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.
Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.