In this episode of Midlife Sparkle, I explore a familiar feeling for so many of us - anxiety. I call mine Anxious Annie, and she’s been with me most of my life. Annie has a way of showing up when things feel uncertain, whispering fearful thoughts about what might happen. She loves to predict the future, and in her world, it’s never good news.
I share how anxiety can take hold when we face change - whether it’s a new job, a big decision, or even closing a business, as I did. I talk about what it felt like to be consumed by fear and self-doubt, and how I learned to manage Annie’s voice with practical, grounding strategies that really work.
Through my own story and examples from my clients, I unpack how anxiety convinces us that disaster is coming - and how to gently challenge that thinking. We look at how to separate fact from fiction, bring ourselves back into the present, and use physical and mindset tools to calm our nervous system.
You’ll learn how to:
I also share a client story that beautifully illustrates how our minds can spiral into worry when the reality is often far kinder than we imagine. By naming our anxiety voice, we create distance from it, and by accepting it with compassion, we regain control.
Key takeaway:
You are not your anxiety. When you name it, challenge it, and soothe it, you take back your power.
Action step:
Next time your version of Anxious Annie pipes up, pause and ask yourself: Is what she’s saying actually true? Then breathe, move, or write it out. The truth is always calmer than the story in your head.
