In this conversation, Emma McLarty shares her personal journey through a perfect storm: when menopause, her children moving out, and supporting her aging parents all converged. Despite careful planning for this life transition, she found herself blindsided by the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that arrived unexpectedly. Through vulnerability and honesty, Emma reveals how her drive for perfectionism became unsustainable. Trying to appear "fine" only deepened her overwhelm until exhaustion forced her to drop the mask, leading to a profound revelation: letting go of perfect wasn't failure, it was the pathway forward.

Emma shares how she learned to sit with uncomfortable emotions instead of avoiding them, finding strength in reaching out to others who understood her journey. This isn't just a story about midlife and menopause. Emma's story reminds us that we have the wisdom within to navigate life's messy transitions, but we don't have to do it alone.

About Our Guest

Emma McLarty is a counsellor and women’s wellbeing practitioner who helps people navigate life’s big transitions with confidence and ease. Drawing on her own experiences and a love of meaningful conversation, she guides women toward clarity, growth, and what’s possible in their next chapter.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e7

00:00 Intro Emma McLarty

02:50 The Impact of Motherhood on Identity

04:56 Spiritual Practices and Self-Compassion

07:28 Understanding Grief and Loss

09:28 Finding Support and Mentorship

12:12 Societal Expectations and Personal Journeys

14:37 Trusting Yourself Through Change

17:15 Lessons Learned from the Journey

19:50 Embracing the Messiness of Life

23:00 The Gift of Self-Discovery

25:20 Advice for Women Facing Midlife Challenges

36:19 It's A Wrap