Birthdays have a way of sneaking up on us. When we were kids, it was all about cake, candles, and balloons. As adults - especially as moms — they can start to feel like just another date on the calendar, squeezed between school emails, soccer games, and endless to-do lists.
But what if birthdays weren’t just about a number? What if they became checkpoints, gentle pauses to reflect on how far we’ve come and what we want for the season ahead?
In this heartfelt episode, Vanessa - licensed therapist, mom coach, and host of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast - shares her own mid-forties reflections and the lessons that come with raising both a tween and a toddler at the same time. With humor, honesty, and plenty of real talk, she dives into how aging can feel less like loss and more like coming back to yourself.
Vanessa also opens up about the simple practices she uses around her birthday to reset, writing down reflections, creating an “I Want List,” and giving herself permission slips for rest, joy, and change. And she reminds moms everywhere that we don’t have to wait until birthdays or New Year’s to check in with ourselves.
Whether you’re in survival mode, juggling all the things, or just needing a reminder that it’s never too late to get yourself back, this episode offers grounding, laughter, and a mindful meditation to carry with you.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
TUNE IN TO LEARN
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
Getting older isn’t about losing who we are - it’s about finding our way back. With each year, we’re invited to stand more firmly in our truth, honor our growth, and give ourselves permission to be more us.
Parents.Com Referenced Article
1:1 PRIVATE COACHING FOR MOMS: https://www.amigamoms.com/
120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills
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LET’S STAY CONNECTED
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DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.
