If you listened to Part 1, you already know why fun matters in midlife. Today, we’re shifting into the how.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Fun Expert Treena Innes, we get practical about bringing joy back into your everyday routine. From identifying your personal “fun type” to building simple habits, finding fun buddies, and experimenting with new rhythms, this episode will help you take small, meaningful steps toward a life that feels lighter and more alive.

You don’t need more time, money, or energy—just a few doable shifts. Let Treena show you how.

• How to identify your unique fun style
• Simple “fun experiments” to try this week
• Why leaving your environment can instantly improve your mood
• How a fun list makes joy easier to access
• Letting go of outdated responsibilities
• Why you need a “fun buddy” in this season
• The power of saying “Why not?” instead of “Why?”
• Daily reflection practices that help you notice what lights you up

Key Takeaways:

• Fun doesn’t require a big plan—just intentional small moments.
• A fun list keeps ideas visible so you stop defaulting to chores.
• Building a fun tribe helps you stay accountable and energized.
• Saying “why not?” opens doors to whimsy and spontaneity.
• You can create a fun-filled year with simple habits and tiny shifts.

Connect with Treena:

minddoodles.ca
Finding Fun Experiment Podcast
@treena_minddoodles

Resources:

• Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/
• Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tips
• Women Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer

When was the last time you did something just for fun?
If you had to pause and think… you’re not alone.

In Part 1 of my conversation with Treena Innes, Your Life Fun Expert, we unpack why fun feels so hard in midlife and how we slowly lost our connection to joy. This episode will help you feel seen, understood, and a little more hopeful—especially if life has felt heavy or too serious lately.

Next week, we’ll get practical. Today, we’re setting the foundation with the mindset shifts that make space for fun again.

What we cover:

Why so many women lose their “fun habit”

How guilt, comparison, and generational messages shape us

The impact of technology on how we view joy

What happens when we never make time for play

How fun strengthens resilience, clarity, and emotional well-being

What “Fun Health” is—and why it’s just as important as physical health

Key Takeaways:

You weren’t taught to prioritize fun—and that’s not a personal failure.

Fun isn’t frivolous. It’s fuel.

Joy actually supports your mental, emotional, and physical health.

You can’t wait for life to calm down to feel joy—you create it now.

Connect with Treena

minddoodles.ca
Finding Fun Experiment Podcast
@treena_minddoodles

Resources:

• Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/
• Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tips
• Women Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer

In Part 2 of this heartfelt and practical series, Shelly continues her conversation with parent coach Diana Davidson — and this time, they're moving beyond the emotions of drop-off and diving into what actually happens next.

Once the dorm room is set up and the goodbye tears dry, a brand-new season of parenting begins. The rhythms change, communication shifts, and the “How often should I check in?” questions start rolling in. And if you’ve ever struggled with things like Life360, texting boundaries, or knowing how to support your college student without hovering — you’re not alone.

Diana offers real-life strategies for navigating this new dynamic with confidence, peace, and connection. From communication rhythms to practical boundaries to fun creative ways to stay close across the miles, this episode gives you tools you can use today.

Whether your student calls every day or hasn’t texted you back all week, this conversation will help you build trust, stay grounded, and embrace this next chapter with intention.

Key Takeaways

• Parenting from a distance requires a shift from manager to guide on the side.
• Every child has different communication rhythms — honor their personality, not someone else’s.
• Before setting expectations, have a simple conversation: “What kind of communication feels good for you?”
• Boundaries create trust — and reduce anxiety on both sides.
• If Life360 causes stress or control, ask: Is this for my child or for me?
• Simple connection points (photos, pets, plants, playlists) can keep relationships warm without pressure.
• Your child grows when you give them space — and your confidence grows too.

Links and Resources

• Connect with Diana: https://dianadavidsoncoaching.com
• Diana’s free parent care package
• “They’re in College… Now What?” free webinar
• Join the Simple Shifts newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com

Resources:

• Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/
• Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tips
• Women Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer