Shows
Mindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife111. Don't Wake Up Already Feeling Behind: One-Word Mantras For Overly Busy Midlife DaysTired of waking up already feeling defeated before your day even begins? In this practical episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, host Valerie Mekki introduces a simple but powerful tool for exhausted midlife women: one-word daily mantras that transform chaotic days into intentional ones.Learn how to choose the perfect word to guide your day, whether you need an action word like "flow" or a quality word like "patience." Discover three practical strategies to keep your chosen word accessible throughout the day, including a simple breathing exercise that helps you reset when life...2025-06-2911 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife110. Exhausted from Your Never-Ending To-Do List? It's Time to Celebrate Your WinsFeeling exhausted from constantly moving from one task to the next without ever acknowledging what you've accomplished? In this empowering episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, host Valerie Mekki addresses the hidden reason behind midlife burnout—it's not just about having too much to do, it's about never celebrating what you've already done.Discover why your "normal mom stuff" is actually extraordinary daily heroism, and learn two practical strategies to start recognizing your wins: the Monthly Win Reflection Journal and the Monthly Photo Win Folder. Through guided affirmations and actionable advice, you'll transform fr...2025-06-2213 min
The Selfish WomanEp. 105: The Art of the Midlife Relaunch with Hilary DeCesareWhat if the biggest challenges in your life weren't meant to break you....but to relaunch you? In today's episode, I sit down with Hilary DeCesare - coach, speaker, and creator of the 3HQ Method - for a deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to rise again in midlife. From her own vulnerable story of starting over to the tools she uses to help women reconnect with their power, Hilary brings both heart and fire. She even takes me through her signature 'Tune-In' process live on the podcast - and yes, it...2025-06-1644 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife108. When Growth Feels Selfish: The Midlife Guilt of Choosing YourselfDo you feel guilty every time you want something for yourself? If pursuing a career opportunity, taking time for a creative project, or simply prioritizing your well-being triggers that familiar voice saying "Aren't you being selfish?", you're experiencing the classic midlife guilt trap that keeps so many women stuck.In this deeply personal episode, host Valerie Mekki shares her own full-circle guilt journey—from feeling guilty about working long hours when her kids were young to now experiencing similar guilt while caring for her father with Parkinson's disease. Discover the crucial difference between "founded" an...2025-06-0813 min
Aging with Grace & StyleUnlock Your Next Chapter With These 3 Powerful Questions for MidlifeShow Notes:Summary:Let’s dive into some real talk about what we truly want out of life, shall we? Today, we’re tackling three vital questions that every woman over 50 should be asking herself. Seriously, if you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about your next chapter, this episode is like that refreshing breeze on a hot summer day! We chat about how these questions helped me reconnect with my purpose and embrace who I’m becoming. Plus, I’ll share some personal stories and tips for making small shifts that can lead to big change...2025-06-0306 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife107. Feeling Behind in Midlife? It's Not Too Late - Empowering 'I Am' Affirmations for Your Next ChapterDo you feel like time is slipping away while you've been busy caring for everyone else? If you're staring at the calendar realizing you're halfway through another year with nothing to show for your personal growth, or facing an empty nest wondering what's next for you, this deeply personal episode is exactly what you need.In this special 2nd anniversary episode, host Valerie Mekki shares how caring for her father with Parkinson's disease became an unexpected gift—a profound reminder that health isn't guaranteed and dreams can't wait for "someday." Through a powerful regret vi...2025-06-0117 minAging with Grace & StyleThe Invisible Weight: Unpacking Mental Load in MidlifeShow Notes:Summary:Ever felt like you’re just plain old tired? Well, it turns out it's not just your body that needs a break—it's your mind, heart, and soul that are waving the white flag of surrender! Today, we’re diving deep into the invisible load of emotional labor that so many of us are carrying around, especially in midlife. We're chatting about the quiet toll it takes on our mental health and how we can start to reclaim our joy and resilience, one tiny step at a time. So grab your favorite cozy b...2025-05-2712 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife106. Stop Comparing Your Chapter 5 to Someone's Chapter 20: Embracing Your Unique Midlife JourneyDo you find yourself minimizing your achievements or feeling chronically "behind" in life? In this transformative episode, discover why comparing your Chapter 5 to someone else's Chapter 20 creates painful "comparative disappointment" that drains your energy and steals your joy. Host Valerie Mekki shares her non-linear journey from failed business owner to laid-off professional to successful content writer, revealing how each detour built essential wisdom that a straight path never could have provided.Learn practical strategies to break free from the midlife comparison trap, including how to measure progress against your own past rather than others...2025-05-2512 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife104. Mother's Day Mantra: Finding Peace When Motherhood Is Never Easy But Always Worth ItMother's Day isn't simple for everyone. In this special episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, host Valerie Mekki creates a sanctuary for those with complicated feelings about this holiday. Whether you're missing a mother, doing your best as one, or navigating a difficult maternal journey, this episode offers a compassionate space for reflection and healing.Join Valerie as she shares her own complicated Mother's Day experience and guides you through a gentle mantra practice: "Being a mom is never easy, but always worth it." Through calming affirmations and mindful breathing, you'll find validation for the full...2025-05-1109 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife99. Affirmation For Bravery: How to Put Yourself Out There After 40 CourageouslyDoes putting yourself out there in midlife feel infinitely more terrifying than it did in your 20s? Whether you're considering a career change, returning to dating, launching a business, or starting a creative pursuit, the stakes feel higher now—and that inner voice of doubt sounds louder than ever. In this courage-building episode, discover the B.R.A.V.E. framework that breaks down bravery into practical, manageable steps specifically designed for midlife courage-building.Host Valerie Mekki shares her personal experience of launching a YouTube channel at 46 and the fear that came with it. You'll learn how to...2025-04-0614 min
Mindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For MidlifeSpecial Announcement: We're on now on YouTube! Oh, hello midlife & Mindful Life ChangesJoin me for an exciting announcement as I reveal my brand new YouTube channel "Oh Hello Midlife"! After months of preparation, I'm expanding beyond audio to bring you visual content that captures the real-life challenges and triumphs of midlife. Discover how you can now watch animated versions of your favorite affirmations, see candid videos about navigating the sandwich generation, and follow my personal journey caring for my parents at age 46. This channel represents the next step in our shared midlife adventure—a space where we can see and hear the experiences that connect us. Subscribe to "...2025-04-0602 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife97. Midlife Slump? You Deserve Better— ‘I Am’ Affirmations for Self WorthAre you constantly putting everyone else's needs before your own, leaving nothing but exhaustion and emptiness at the end of each day? That midlife slump—where you barely recognize the vibrant woman you once were—doesn't have to be your new normal. In this rejuvenating episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, discover how to reclaim your sense of self-worth and inner light through the power of "I Am" statements and simple self-care practices that fit into even the busiest life.Host Valerie Mekki guides you through understanding how you gradually lost connection with your...2025-03-2312 minAging with Grace & StyleWhy Making Friends After 50 Is Different and How to SucceedShow Notes:Summary:The intricacies of forging friendships in adulthood, particularly after the age of fifty, constitute the central theme of today’s discourse. As we traverse this stage of life, we often encounter a myriad of challenges that render the establishment of new connections increasingly arduous. The dissolution of structured social environments, coupled with shifting priorities and emotional hesitations, significantly complicates our pursuit of meaningful relationships. However, we assert that it is never too late to cultivate profound and lasting friendships; intentionality is the key. Throughout this episode, we will explore the nuanced dynamics of...2025-03-0418 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife94. When You’ve Dropped The Ball: Affirmation for Self Compassion in MidlifeIn the complex juggling act of midlife, we're often managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously—from career demands and parenting challenges to caring for aging parents and maintaining our own wellbeing. In this heartfelt episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, host Valerie Mekki explores the shame and perfectionism that emerge when we inevitably drop one of these balls.Through personal stories and compassionate insights, Valerie offers a powerful affirmation for grace that reminds us we're human, not superhuman. Learn three practical approaches to transform moments of perceived failure into opportunities for self-compassion and growth. Discover ho...2025-03-0211 minAging with Grace & StyleNavigating Stress in Midlife: Practical Strategies for PeaceShow Notes:Summary:Stress and anxiety, often perceived as inevitable companions during midlife, need not dictate our existence. A significant portion of adults in this life stage grapple with overwhelming responsibilities, ranging from career advancements to familial obligations, all while navigating physiological changes. In this discourse, we elucidate practical methodologies to alleviate stress, aiming to empower individuals to reclaim their tranquility rather than merely endure their circumstances. We delve into the nuances of how stress manifests uniquely in midlife and offer actionable strategies that are not mere temporary solutions, but sustainable practices capable of fostering...2025-02-2523 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife92. When Life Shifts: A Midlife Affirmation for GrowthLife has a way of surprising us with unexpected turns, especially in midlife. From caring for aging parents to navigating career shifts and watching children grow into adults, these changes can feel overwhelming. But what if every disruption was actually an invitation to grow? Join host, Valerie Mekki, as she shares her personal journey of transformation at 45 and discover how to turn life's challenges into opportunities for growth.In this episode, learn the powerful GROW method for thriving through change, followed by soul-nurturing affirmations for growth in midlife. Whether you're facing major life transitions or subtle shifts...2025-02-1609 minAging with Grace & StyleThe Soft Life Shift: Embracing Ease and Joy in MidlifeShow Notes:In this episode of Aging with Grace and Style, host Valerie Hatcher discusses the concept of the "soft life" and how it contrasts with the hustle culture many have known for years. Valerie shares her personal journey from embracing constant busyness to realizing that a more intentional, peaceful approach can lead to true fulfillment. She highlights the importance of prioritizing mental and physical health, building meaningful relationships, and finding joy beyond a filled schedule. Valerie offers practical steps to help listeners embark on their own soft life journey, emphasizing that productivity isn't just about doing...2025-02-1112 minAging with Grace & StyleFrom Doubt to Daring: Building Confidence in Your Next ChapterShow Notes:Summary:Midlife insecurity is more than just a feeling; it's an invitation to grow and transform. Valerie and her co-host dive deep into the common sources of insecurity that many face during this phase of life, including concerns about appearance, relevance, and life transitions. They discuss practical strategies to reframe negative thoughts and embrace change with curiosity rather than fear. By focusing on personal strengths and celebrating small wins, listeners can build confidence that grows stronger with each decision they make. Ultimately, this episode encourages everyone to recognize that every doubt faced is...2025-01-2112 minAging with Grace & StyleFinding Your Joy: Steps to Freedom After 50Show Notes:Summary:Freedom in midlife is about stepping back, reassessing what matters most, and creating space for joy and fulfillment. Valerie Hatcher explores the barriers that often hold us back, such as fear, guilt, and the weight of old expectations, and emphasizes the importance of intentional choices to reclaim our lives. This journey involves letting go of commitments that no longer serve us and embracing new opportunities that align with our true selves. Through practical steps like decluttering and setting micro-goals, listeners are encouraged to find small ways to cultivate freedom in their daily...2025-01-1414 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife86. Feel Lighter This Year—Affirmation For Letting Go of Old Habits, Thoughts and IdentitiesAre you feeling overwhelmed by the weight of creating New Year goals and resolutions? Like many of us, you might find yourself caught in the cycle of ambitious goal-setting planning, but with midlife, you never know what unexpected curve balls that could derail your carefully crafted roadmap. In this episode, host Valerie Mekki shares her own transformative journey of letting go after receiving an unexpected call about her father's hospitalization—a moment that challenged her relationship with control and long-term planning. Discover the liberating practice of intentionally releasing what no longer serves you, as Val...2025-01-0512 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife80. Gratitude Practices for Midlife: Transforming Challenges into Blessings (Replay Ep.68)In this replay episode, we explore the transformative impact of gratitude on navigating midlife’s unique challenges. Whether you’re feeling stuck, stressed about family, or navigating personal transitions, gratitude can be a powerful tool to shift your perspective. Discover three practical ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily, weekly, and monthly routines, allowing you to cultivate a mindset that embraces life’s blessings, big and small. You’ll also be guided through a calming affirmation practice to anchor these gratitude habits, bringing a renewed sense of peace and resilience to your everyday life. If you’re...2024-11-2411 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife74. (Replay) 55. The Power of "I Am": Affirmations for Resilience and Empowerment in MidlifeIn this replay episode of Mindful Life Changes, we explore the power of “I Am” statements. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges and changes of midlife? Do doubts and negative self-talk hold you back from fully embracing this transformative phase? In this episode, Valerie shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating midlife with grace and resilience. Discover the power of "I Am" affirmations to cultivate self-love, confidence, and a positive mindset.Tune in as she guides you through a mindfulness practice designed to help you overcome self-doubt, embrace change, and create a life...2024-10-1313 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife68. Gratitude Affirmations for Midlife: Transforming Challenges into Blessings Midlife comes with its unique set of challenges—whether you’re feeling stuck, stressed about an aging parent or child, or even navigating the end of a relationship. In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of gratitude and how it can reshape your perspective during life’s most difficult moments.You’ll learn about three practical ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily, weekly, and monthly routines, helping you to create a mindset that embraces the positive aspects of life, no matter how small they may seem. These practices are designed to be simple yet profound, providing...2024-09-0110 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife66. Reactivating Your Imagination: Affirmation for Visualization To Help You Achieve Your Dream GoalsWhen was the last time you daydreamed? We explore the incredible power of imagination and how it can shape our reality. Host Valerie Mekki shares personal insights and scientific findings on how visualization and daydreaming can turn dreams into tangible achievements. Discover practical tips to reignite your imagination, allowing you to envision and create the life you desire, even in midlife. By embracing daydreams as seeds of your future reality, you'll learn to nurture your dreams and transform them into purposeful actions.Tune in to engage in a powerful affirmation practice designed to open...2024-08-1811 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife65. Stop Protecting Your Ego & Making Excuses: Affirmation for Positive Thinking In MidlifeAre excuses taking over your life and mindset? We dive into the concept of the ego and how it often uses excuses to protect us from stepping out of our comfort zones. Host Valerie Mekki explores why trying something new at midlife can be daunting and how self-doubt can hold us back from achieving true fulfillment. By understanding how the ego operates, you can learn to recognize and overcome the mental barriers that keep you from pursuing your passions.We flip the script on common excuses with empowering affirmations designed to...2024-08-1008 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife64. It’s Never Too Late To Start: Affirmation for Timing in MidlifeIt’s never too late to start something new, even in midlife. In this episode, we unpack the misconception about time. Host Valerie Mekki explores how to Reframe the perceptions about timing and age, replacing common excuses with powerful affirmations. Whether you’re considering a new career, becoming an empty nester, or finally tackling that passion project, this episode offers the motivation and tools to take the first step towards your next venture. Tune in to discover how to harness your life experiences and knowledge to propel you forward, proving that the best time to st...2024-08-0411 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife61. (Replay) Affirmation For Relieving Stress: “With Each Breath I Release Stress and Fear…”This week, Valerie reflects on her recent life changes, having moved into a new home with her mom while her father transitions to assisted living. Her personal experiences highlight the importance of managing stress and finding peace amidst significant life transitions. In her commitment to practicing mindfulness and realigning with one's center, we are replaying episode 45, which covers four compelling strategies to help you navigate midlife changes.Stress, anxiety, and pent-up emotions can take up unnecessary space in your body and mindset. To navigate these changes effectively, it is essential to release negative energy to make room...2024-07-1413 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife60. Healing Affirmation: Accepting and Embracing Midlife Body Changes with CompassionFeeling down or frustrated by the changes happening in your body, especially the bloating? The more pronounced this area becomes, the more it seems to negatively impact our emotional well-being. In this episode of Mindful Life Changes, host Valerie Mekki explores the link between perimenopause, menopause, and the emotional and physical experience of bloating. Learn how hormonal shifts affect your body and mood, and discover a healing affirmation practice to cultivate self-compassion and acceptance during this transformative stage of life.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our...2024-07-0712 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife59. Coping With Midlife Stress and Challenges: Motivating Affirmation: I Have The Power...Feeling overwhelmed and stressed by the challenges of midlife? In this episode of Mindful Life Changes, host Valerie Mekki shares her personal experience with using movement as a powerful tool for stress relief, clarity, and focus. Learn how simple physical activity can transform your emotional well-being and discover practical strategies for incorporating movement into your daily life to navigate the ups and downs of this transformative stage. Plus, a motivating affirmation to help shift you into action; from feeling stuck to feeling energized and empowered.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I...2024-06-3012 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife58. Affirmation For Acceptance: “I accept and embrace the duality of my life...” Building Inner Strength & ResilienceNavigating the dualities of midlife can often feel overwhelming, but you don't have to simply ‘get by’ and hope the stress will disappear on its own. In this episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, host Valerie Mekki explores the complexities of midlife and offers practical insights to help you thrive amidst the contrasts.Join Valerie as she introduces the A.C.E. method—Accept, Commit, and Exhale—a powerful three-step approach to finding balance and staying present. Learn how to embrace the full spectrum of your emotional experiences, build inner strength...2024-06-2310 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife55. The Power of "I Am": Affirmations for Resilience and Empowerment in MidlifeOn this first anniversary of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, host Valerie Mekki delves into the power of our words. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges and changes of midlife? Do doubts and negative self-talk hold you back from fully embracing this transformative phase? In this episode, Valerie shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating midlife with grace and resilience. Discover the power of "I Am" affirmations to cultivate self-love, confidence, and a positive mindset.Tune in as she guides you through a mindfulness practice designed to help you...2024-06-0211 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife54. Setting Boundaries Without Feeling Guilty + Affirmation of Letting GoFeeling overwhelmed or stuck? In this episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, host Valerie Mekki offers a pathway to release what no longer serves you and create space for renewal. Join her for a guided affirmation practice that empowers you to let go of guilt, embrace healthy boundaries, and prioritize your well-being, especially as you navigate the unique mindset shifts of midlife.Through calming visualizations and empowering "I am" statements, we'll explore how to confidently set boundaries without worrying about others' opinions and fully embrace your worth at midlife. Learn to let go of what's holding...2024-05-2610 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife49. When You Can’t Fall Asleep: Breathing Exercises for Night & BedtimeEver have those nights when you just can’t go to sleep? No matter what you do you can’t catch those precious “Z’s”, until now. In this enlightening episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, host Valerie Mekki delves into the transformative power of breathing exercises as a natural remedy for improving sleep quality and managing stress. With an in-depth exploration of diaphragmatic and 4-7-8 breathing techniques, Valerie offers practical guidance on how to incorporate these exercises into your nightly routine. Whether you're struggling with sleep due to the stresses of midlife or simply seeking ways to enhance...2024-04-2113 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife45. Affirmation For Relieving Stress: “With Each Breath I Release Stress and Fear…”In the midst of a life challenge, it's difficult to see beyond the current moment. However, you don’t have to ‘just get by’ and hope the stress will just go away on its own. Discover four compelling strategies to help you navigate through midlife changes in this episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast with host, Valerie Mekki. Stress, anxiety, and pent-up emotions can take up unnecessary space in your body and mindset. In order to navigate the significant life changes that come your way, it is essential to release the negative energy to make...2024-03-2412 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife44. Positive Affirmation: “I Am Capable of Letting Go”— Navigating The Busyness of MidlifeWhat do we truly need when there never seems to be enough hours in the day? Through insightful questions and revelations, we unpack and explore the way we use our time and how there are more resources available to us than we think. In this episode of the Mindful LIfe Changes podcast, host Valerie Mekki introduces three pivotal questions aimed at shifting our perspective from seeking more time to embracing convenience, grace, and the power of delegation. This episode is a call to action for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, offering a path to a...2024-03-1713 minMindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife43. Affirmation for Movement: “I Am Built To Thrive”— Overcoming Midlife Stresses with MovementDive into a journey of empowerment and resilience in this inspiring episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, where we uncover the transformative benefits of movement and exercise on our mental well-being. Join host, Valerie Mekki, your guide through the trials and victories of midlife. She shares how embracing physical activity can be the key to managing life's stresses, conquering self-doubt, and unlocking an inner strength you may have never known you had. With insights from neuroscience and personal anecdotes, Valerie illuminates the path to a more resilient and confident self, proving that we...2024-03-1012 min