Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Natalie discusses the challenges women face during midlife, particularly around wellness shaming, hormonal changes, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. She emphasizes the importance of introspection and listening to one's body rather than relying solely on external validation and wellness culture. Dr. Natalie encourages women to embrace their individuality and build self-worth from within, acknowledging that it's okay to make mistakes along the way.

Takeaways

• The exhaustion women feel in midlife is real and valid.
• Hormonal changes can create chaos in our bodies, similar to adolescence.
• Habit formation is challenging, especially when trying to adapt to new life phases.
• Introspection is crucial; we should listen to our bodies rather than just external advice.
• Wellness culture often exploits women's insecurities for profit.
• It's important to recognize that each woman's experience is unique.
• Building self-worth from within is essential for navigating midlife.
• It's okay to not have all the answers about what your body needs.
• Listening to your body can lead to better health outcomes than following external advice.
• You are not broken; you are evolving.

Keywords

midlife, wellness, hormones, introspection, self-worth, health, women, perimenopause, wellness culture, body positivity

Sound bites

"The exhaustion is real."

"It's okay to mess it up."

"You are not broken."

Chapters

00:00 The Pressure of Midlife Wellness

06:18 The Challenge of Habit Formation

11:38 Critique of Wellness Culture

21:00 Embracing Your Inner Expert

Resources & Links: Connect with Dr. Natalie:Website ⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠ ⁠

Facebook ⁠facebook.com/learntoloveyourstory⁠

Instagram⁠ instagram.com/dr.nataliemarr⁠

Linked In ⁠linkedin.com/in/natalie-m-marr-psy-d-lp-6a9298147⁠

Tik Tok ⁠tiktok.com/@doc.natalie⁠

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with ⁠⁠(⁠⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠, ⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠),⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources):

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CALL 988

Crisis Text Line: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Text HOME to 741741

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Natalie explores the concept of 'The Great Unlearning,' a transformative journey that challenges the societal belief that doing everything right leads to a fulfilling life. She reflects on her personal experiences, particularly during midlife, where she realized that striving for perfection and external validation often leads to burnout and disillusionment. Dr. Natalie emphasizes the importance of self-worth and the need to reclaim it from within, rather than through external achievements or approval. Through poignant anecdotes, she illustrates how the pressure to conform to societal expectations can lead to a double life and emotional turmoil, ultimately advocating for a shift towards self-love and acceptance.

Dr. Natalie introduces the metaphor of the tugboat versus the lighthouse to illustrate the difference between exhausting oneself in the pursuit of perfection and standing firm in one's self-worth. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives, identifying where they may be sacrificing their well-being in the name of doing everything right. The episode serves as a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from within, and that midlife can be an opportunity for profound personal growth and self-discovery.

Keywords:

midlife, self-worth, personal growth, self-love, great unlearning, emotional well-being, tugboat lighthouse metaphor, reclaiming self-worth, Dr. Natalie

Takeaways:

• The version of you that you're most proud of may be blocking your actual life.

• Midlife can be an invitation to examine the mess of our lives and love it as it is.

• Reclaiming self-worth from the inside out is essential for true fulfillment.

Sound bites:

"What if I told you that the version of you that you're most proud of... is in the way of your actual life?"

"Today we're gonna talk about the great unlearning."

"You do not need to fix yourself. You just need to find yourself."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to The Great Unlearning

03:49 A Holiday Dinner Reflection

10:20 The Tugboat vs. The Lighthouse

18:10 The Power of Self-Love

23:39 Reflecting on Your Journey

JOIN the https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠ Mailing List! Join my newsletter and receive my FREE video and workbook, “Freeing Yourself: A Guide for Letting Go of Other People's Opinions”

SIGN UP on the website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/762561/109840834025752017/share⁠⁠⁠⁠ DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with ⁠⁠(⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠, ⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠https://NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠),⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources): National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠

CALL 988Crisis Text Line: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Text HOME to 741741

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Natalie explores the emotional challenges faced by women in midlife during the holiday season, particularly in relation to hormonal changes and the pressures of self-care. She discusses the impact of menopause on emotional well-being and the importance of self-compassion as women navigate these changes. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support and acceptance of one's evolving identity during this transitional phase of life.

Takeaways

• The holiday season can amplify feelings of irritability and self-focus in midlife women.
• Hormonal changes during menopause significantly affect emotional well-being.
• Women often prioritize others' needs over their own, leading to burnout.
• It's important to give oneself grace and acknowledge limitations during the holidays.
• Self-compassion is crucial for navigating midlife transitions.
• Emotional awareness shifts during menopause, leading to a more egocentric perspective.
• Accepting the current version of oneself is key to personal growth.
• Building self-awareness is essential for overcoming harmful habits.
• Community support can alleviate feelings of isolation during midlife.
• Midlife can be a time of significant personal growth and transformation.

Keywords: midlife, menopause, holiday stress, self-care, emotional well-being, hormonal changes, self-compassion, personal growth, women empowerment, mental health

Sound bites

"We want the routine to be the same."

"It's okay to give yourself grace."

"You really aren't alone in this."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Holiday Emotions in Midlife

09:45 Understanding Brain Changes During Midlife

17:38 Embracing Self-Compassion and Growth in Midlife

Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Natalie discusses the challenges and transformations that occur during midlife, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changes rather than resisting them. She highlights the emotional and psychological aspects of navigating this transition and offers insights into personal growth during this critical phase of life.

Takeaways:

• ​The life we have built may no longer serve us.
• ​Midlife transition can lead to significant personal growth.
• ​Resisting change can lead to a midlife crisis.
• ​Emotional well-being is crucial during transitions.
• ​Understanding our feelings is key to navigating change.
• ​Support systems play a vital role in midlife adjustments.
• ​Self-reflection can aid in personal development.
• ​Embracing change can lead to new opportunities.
• ​Midlife is a time for reevaluation and growth.
• ​Adapting to change is essential for happiness.

Keywords: midlife transition, life changes, personal growth, crisis management, emotional well-being

Sound bites

"The life that we have built is no longer gonna work for us."

"Midlife transition is a critical phase."

Chapters

00:00 Facing the Unpreparedness of Midlife

00:18 Grieving the Loss of Past Versions

JOIN the ⁠⁠⁠⁠LearnToLoveYourStory.com (https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com) ⁠⁠ Mailing List! Join my newsletter and receive my FREE video and workbook, “Freeing Yourself: A Guide for Letting Go of Other People's Opinions” SIGN UP on the website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/762561/109840834025752017/share⁠⁠⁠⁠ DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with ⁠⁠(⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠, ⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠https://NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠),⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources): National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠ CALL 988Crisis Text Line: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Text HOME to 741741

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Natalie explores the often-overlooked symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, particularly irritability, and emphasizes the importance of community support during this transitional phase. She discusses the impact of sleep disturbances on mental health and the necessity of prioritizing self-care and self-compassion. Dr. Natalie also highlights mindfulness as a crucial practice for navigating the challenges of midlife, encouraging women to be kind to themselves and recognize that they are not alone in their experiences.

Keywords

perimenopause, menopause, irritability, mental health, self-care, community support, sleep disturbance, self-compassion, mindfulness, women's health

Takeaways

• Irritability is the number one symptom of perimenopause.
• Sleep disturbances can lead to significant mental health issues.
• Women in midlife face increased rates of anxiety and depression.
• Self-care is essential during the perimenopausal journey.
• Community support can alleviate feelings of isolation.
• Self-compassion involves being kind to oneself during struggles.
• Mindfulness helps in recognizing and addressing personal suffering.
• Women often prioritize others over themselves, especially during this phase.
• Understanding hormonal changes can help in managing symptoms.
• It's important to acknowledge that many women share similar experiences.

Sound bites

"Selfish is the new self-care."

"We have to be kind to ourselves."

"We're all in this together."

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms

11:06 Navigating Irritability and Self-Care

17:16 The Importance of Self-Compassion

23:34 NEWCHAPTER

JOIN the ⁠⁠⁠⁠LearnToLoveYourStory.com (https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com) ⁠⁠ Mailing List! Join my newsletter and receive my FREE video and workbook, “Freeing Yourself: A Guide for Letting Go of Other People's Opinions” SIGN UP on the website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/762561/109840834025752017/share⁠⁠⁠⁠ DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with ⁠⁠(⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠, ⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠https://NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ (about:invalid#zCSafez) ),⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources): National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠ (about:invalid#zCSafez) CALL 988Crisis Text Line: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Text HOME to 741741

Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Natalie shares her personal journey through midlife health challenges, focusing on her struggles with fatty liver disease, weight management, and the emotional toll of navigating the healthcare system. She reflects on her family history of health issues, the feeling of inadequacy despite her efforts, and the importance of self-compassion in the face of adversity. Dr. Natalie emphasizes the need for understanding and support for women experiencing similar challenges during midlife.

Takeaways:

• As a woman in midlife, it's common to feel unheard by healthcare providers.
• Weight management can be particularly challenging during midlife due to hormonal changes.
• Family history plays a significant role in health outcomes and awareness.
• The emotional impact of health struggles can lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy.
• Self-compassion is crucial when facing health challenges and societal pressures.
• Navigating the healthcare system can be frustrating and disheartening.
• It's important to seek validation and understanding from healthcare professionals.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a journey that requires patience and resilience.
• Women often feel the burden of societal expectations regarding health and appearance.
• You are not alone in your struggles; many women share similar experiences.

Keywords: midlife health, women's health, weight management, liver disease, emotional health, healthcare experience, self-compassion, menopause, health challenges, personal journey

Chapters:

00:00 Facing Health Challenges in Midlife

09:41 Navigating the Healthcare System

14:24 The Emotional Toll of Weight Management

19:12 Finding Compassion in the Struggle

Summary

In this podcast episode, Dr. Natalie shares her personal journey through midlife, discussing the challenges she faced with hormonal changes, medical care, and the importance of self-care. She emphasizes the need for women to advocate for their health, explore alternative medicine, and find supportive communities. Dr. Natalie also touches on the role of nutrition and exercise in managing midlife changes and encourages listeners to engage in conversations about women's health.

Takeaways:

• Dr. Natalie discusses her absence from the podcast and the importance of self-care.
• She reflects on the hormonal changes of midlife and their impact on health.
• The medical field often overlooks women's health issues, especially in midlife.
• Dr. Natalie shares her frustrating experiences with traditional medical care.
• She emphasizes the importance of finding healthcare providers who listen and understand.
• Alternative medicine provided her with a sense of being heard and supported.
• Nutrition and exercise play crucial roles in managing midlife health.
• Dr. Natalie encourages women to advocate for their health and seek support.
• She acknowledges the emotional toll of midlife changes and the need for community.
• The podcast aims to create a roadmap for women navigating midlife challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Update

09:37 The Search for Effective Treatment

16:20 Reflections on Health and Future Plans

17:44 Season 2 Legal Disclaimer.MP4