Shows
Midlife SpotlightCalories, carbs, and compassion: Making peace with food in midlifeSend us a Text Message.Many women have a complex relationship with food. From battling with cravings to calorie counting, this relationship can often feel tumultuous.This episode of Midlife Spotlight examines what it looks like not to be at peace with food. We touch on the diet culture's impact on our perceptions and Kate’s struggles with weight post-quitting smoking. Our environment, like calorie information on food, can deeply influence our eating habits. We then dive into what not being at peace with food looks like. Think:skimping on nutritionovereating and the...2023-10-2934 min
Midlife SpotlightReconnecting in the empty nest with couple ritualsSend us a Text Message.In this episode of Midlife Spotlight, Kate and Sara delve into the significant topic of reconnecting as a couple during the empty nest phase of life and suggest that rituals can play a pivotal role in fostering closeness, purpose, and meaning.We explore various types of rituals that couples can integrate into their lives. These include couple time rituals, which are planned activities like date nights. Next are celebration rituals, centered around commemorating special occasions such as anniversaries or achieving personal milestones. Daily routines and tasks, like the simple act...2023-10-2224 min
Midlife SpotlightBigger nests: Managing family expansion in midlifeSend us a Text Message.In this episode of Midlife Spotlight, Kate and Sara explore the expanding families during the midlife phase. Having connected and enjoyable interactions with your family can be a source of great pleasure. But with growing families, you’re continually adding people that come from their own families and backgrounds. It can feel very stressful when no one seems to have read the manual on how you think things should be done!As such, our growing families bring all kinds of new opportunities for growth and invite us to con...2023-10-1552 min
Midlife SpotlightOut with the old: Choosing again in midlifeSend us a Text Message.In this episode of Midlife Spotlight, Sara and I dive deep into understanding why we often cling to things, habits, and beliefs that no longer serve us.We talk about three core psychological concepts: the "sunk cost fallacy," where people find it challenging to abandon things due to previous investments; "commitment bias," highlighting the human tendency to want to remain consistent with past decisions; and "loss aversion," which speaks to the human experience where the pain of losing something is more intense than the joy of gaining.Centr...2023-10-0827 min
Midlife SpotlightFocus on what you do right to reach your goals fasterSend us a Text Message.Many people, especially women, tend to be experts at recognizing what they’re doing wrong - but they rarely acknowledge their successes.In this podcast episode of Midlife Spotlight, we discuss the importance of focusing on what you do right in order to make positive changes in your life. Celebrating progress and achievements not only feels better but also accelerates the journey towards your goals.Overall, we’d like to encourage you to shift your perspective. And remember, "what you do right" is subjective and personal - you get t...2023-10-0146 min
Midlife SpotlightWhy being positive isn't always the answerSend us a Text Message.In this podcast episode, we delve into the concept of toxic positivity, which pressures people to show only positive emotions while suppressing negative ones. We stress the importance of acknowledging genuine emotions, while emphasizing the need to find hope, process negative emotions, and create meaning from adversity. Denying life's challenges is unrealistic. What’s more, negative emotions are a part of growth. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be uncomfortable but it’s necessary to make progress in life. Finally, we conclude that forcing yourself to be consta...2023-09-2437 min
Midlife SpotlightHow to make your life great with advice from your younger selfSend us a Text Message.In this episode of Midlife Spotlight, we discuss how to make the most out of midlife by reflecting on advice we would give our younger selves and using that advice to make our lives better in the future. In particular we look at:conquering fearappreciating your bodysavoring small pleasuresknowing who you arelistening to your emotionsgetting coachingMidlife is a rewarding and fulfilling phase. By viewing the past with appreciation rather than regret, you can use the wisdom gained over the years as a wonderful resource for personal growth and decision-making.2023-09-1743 min
Midlife Spotlight"I can't be happy on my own," and other single in midlife mythsSend us a Text Message.Calling all the single ladies!If you’re one of the 29% of women who are aged between 50 and 64, or the 49% aged 65 plus who are single, then this one's for you!In this episode, we explore the journey of being single in midlife, discussing the challenges, growth, and empowerment that can emerge from unexpected transitions. Sara shares her personal experience of divorce in her early 50s, and opens up about her initial beliefs about what it meant to be single in midlife and how these beliefs held her back. Over ti...2023-09-1032 min
Midlife SpotlightCreating joy: Embracing your creative superpowersSend us a Text Message.Creativity lives in all of us. In this podcast episode, we highlight the importance of embracing and nurturing this innate human trait. We challenge common misconceptions around creative pursuits, debunking the notion that creativity is reserved for the chosen few. Creativity is not about being the best but rather about the joy of expression. It is a learnable skill, comparable to any other skill developed over time. Creative pursuits also lead to a sense of accomplishment and personal fulfillment, extending far beyond the final product. With this in mind, we enc...2023-09-0338 min
Midlife SpotlightHow money can buy happinessSend us a Text Message.I'm sure you've heard the sayings, " Money can't buy happiness. ""Go for experiences not things." However, in this episode, we discuss the relationship between money and happiness, focusing on the idea that money can buy happiness, and not just through experiences but possessions too.We explore the concept of anticipating, savoring, and reminiscing as key elements in enhancing happiness through material possessions, and emphasize the importance of aligning purchases with personal values and goals. Happiness through possessions can also come from a few of your favorite things (cue T...2023-08-2728 min
Midlife SpotlightHow to love your midlife bodySend us a Text Message.Weight gain. Tummies. Random hairs. The relationship with your midlife body can be complex.In this episode Sara and Kate delve into the important topic of loving and appreciating your midlife body. Loving your body is not about appearance; it's about making a conscious decision to treat your body with care and respect. Your body is unique, amazing, and worthy of care and appreciation, irrespective of societal standards. By making a deliberate choice to love and nurture your body, you can embark on a transformative journey towa...2023-08-2030 min
Midlife SpotlightUsing strengths to survive and thriveSend us a Text Message.Every one of us has unique strengths and these are perhaps one of our most valuable assets when it comes to navigating through life. Relying on them can create a roadmap for not only dealing with challenging situations but also thriving through positive ones.Kate and Sara share how they used their strengths to get through cancer, drinking and divorce.There are many practical ways to identify strengths, including taking formal assessment tools like StrengthsFinder, observing activities that bring joy and flow, reflecting on past successes, and seeking feedback f...2023-08-1335 min
Midlife SpotlightAre you an "invisible" woman?Send us a Text Message.“I feel invisible,” is a common complaint for midlife women. But it’s never too late to become visible in your own life.In this podcast episode, we discuss the concept of "invisible woman syndrome" that many women experience in midlife. We explore the idea that feeling invisible is not solely caused by society valuing younger individuals, but also by the suppression of certain parts of yourself for all the best of reasons. However it’s important to recognize and embrace all parts of yourself, even the ones that may be consid...2023-08-0635 min
Midlife SpotlightFrom routine to ritual: Infusing meaning into daily lifeSend us a Text Message.When the familiar roles and identities fade away, especially during transitional periods like midlife or retirement, a loss of meaning in your life can result. As we search for a new sense of meaning, it’s important to realize that meaning doesn't necessarily require grand gestures but can be found in the small things.For example, by examining your routines and infusing them with intention and significance, you can rediscover meaning, presence, and joy in your daily activities. In this podcast episode, we look at how you can turn rout...2023-07-3025 min
Midlife SpotlightEscaping overwhelm at workSend us a Text Message.Many women feel overwhelmed at work.In this podcast episode, we look at some reasons behind work overwhelm. These can include the fear of disappointing others, prioritizing other people's needs over your own, and striving for perfection. Unrealistic expectations from others and poor time and task management can also contribute to overwhelm. We then emphasize the need to become aware of your overwhelm and take intentional steps to address it, providing you with practical solutions.Addressing work overwhelm not only improves well-being but also enhances productivity and performance. We e...2023-07-2332 min
Midlife SpotlightChill pills: Managing your midlife moodsSend us a Text Message.Perimenopause often comes with a massive helping of crankiness, anger, sadness, loss of confidence, anxiety, forgetfulness, and fatigue. No wonder we can feel like we’re losing it.Acknowledging these mood swings are a normal part of hormonal changes and that many women go through similar experiences is the first step to getting to grips with them. You’re not alone and it’s completely normal to love your life one minute and the next to feel as though everything sucks.In this podcast episode, we cover strategies for ma...2023-07-1629 min
Midlife SpotlightEat up! A diet is not the solutionSend us a Text Message.Midlife is a time when you may struggle with your weight. There’s new curves and lumpy bits. You eat a donut and gain 10 pounds. Your body feels like a stranger’s. So you try this diet, then that diet - but none of them work.In this podcast episode, we discuss why diets are NOT a sustainable solution for weight loss. While they may lead to losing pounds, they’re frequently followed by weight regain, and are essentially punishment for being a certain size. Now that doe...2023-07-0927 min
Midlife SpotlightTime travel: Finding joy in revisiting childhood interestsSend us a Text Message.If you have the career, the partner, the home, but still don’t feel happy - as though something’s missing in your life - you’re not alone.There’s a difference between having purpose and meaning, and feeling joy in the moment.However even when you realize this, knowing how to find that joy can be tricky.In this podcast episode of Midlife Spotlight, we discuss one strategy for finding joy in the present by revisiting favorite activities from childhood - specifically by asking two questions:What’s s...2023-07-0225 min
Midlife SpotlightAge is irrelevant: Challenging the 'I'm too old' mindsetSend us a Text Message.Are you one of the many midlife women telling yourself “you’re too old” to wear that dress, take that course, or start that new hobby? Did you ever consider that it’s this belief - and NOT your age - that’s stopping you doing what you want?In this episode, we challenge the “I’m too old” mindset and discuss how to embrace the fear of discomfort that comes with change.Both of us have made midlife shifts with careers, relationships, homes, and hobbies. They haven’t always been easy...2023-07-0227 min
Midlife SpotlightWhat about me? Putting yourself first in midlifeSend us a Text Message.If you’ve ever sacrificed not just your own wants, but also your own needs, because you’ve been told that putting yourself first is selfish, you’re in good company.But it’s important to realize that being concerned excessively or exclusively with yourself, without regard for others, is 100% different from asserting your own desires.In this podcast episode, we look at how constantly prioritizing others' needs leads to feeling unappreciated and undervalued, and serves up experiences of burnout, and mental exhaustion. We note that it's our generati...2023-07-0231 min
Midlife SpotlightMidlife Spotlight trailerSend us a Text Message.Midlife Spotlight is a weekly podcast hosted by Kate Campion.Tune in each week as I discuss issues around health, happiness and how to get out of your own way in this next act of your life. Talk about coaching with Kate Visit Kate Campion Coaching Disclaimer: This podcast, along with associated websites and social media materials, are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are that of Sara Garska and Kate Campion, and...2023-06-1201 min