Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m not like other women”?

In this episode, we explore where that quiet need to be “chosen” comes from — and how so many of us learned, often without realizing it, to please, adapt, and shrink ourselves just to feel safe, seen, and loved.

I share my own story of unlearning the “pick-me” pattern — from being agreeable and easygoing to finally embracing my full, authentic voice.

You’ll hear about how social conditioning, media ideals, and early praise for being “the good girl” shaped our generation — and how to slowly break free from that cycle with compassion and awareness.

This episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to be different to be worthy.

You don’t have to earn your place.

You don’t need to be chosen — you already belong.

Mentioned in this episode:

🌿 Barrière vitamin patches — available at havuwellness.com, shipped within Nordic Europe, the Baltics, and Central Europe

🌿 Follow me on Instagram: @thriveat40+ for more slow wellness inspiration

Female empowerment, people-pleasing, self-worth, authenticity, slow wellness, midlife growth, mental health for women over 40

Food should be simple — but today, it feels more complicated than ever. Carbs are called the enemy, sugar is labeled poison, gluten and lactose are feared, and every week there’s a new diet trend promising perfection. No wonder so many women feel stressed about eating.

In this episode of Thrive at 40+: The Slow Wellness Podcast, I explore what healthy eating really means — without extremes, fear, or endless rules. I’ll share my own food philosophy, practical tips, and gentle reminders that eating well is about balance, not obsession.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

🌿 Why every macronutrient matters — carbs, protein, fats, and fiber all have their place.

🌿 The truth about nutrition trends — sugar, gluten, and lactose aren’t villains unless you have real medical reasons.

🌿 Why cooking simple meals at home is more powerful than chasing “perfect” diets.

🌿 The hidden traps of buffets and overeating “for value.”

🌿 How often should we eat? The breakfast debate — and why it’s completely individual.

🌿 Building a healthy relationship with food: why balance beats restriction, every time.

This episode is for women who are tired of diet confusion, done with fear-driven food culture, and ready to create a calm, joyful relationship with eating.

Follow me on Instagram @thriveat40+ for daily slow wellness inspiration, sample meal ideas, and more balance in your life.

Why do so many women feel like they’re constantly falling short — no matter how much they do? The answer lies in the invisible weight of social pressure. From body image to career to family roles, women have been told for generations how they “should” look, act, and live. And after 40, those expectations don’t always fade — sometimes, they grow louder.

In this episode of Thrive at 40+: The Slow Wellness Podcast, I share a personal and honest reflection on the pressures women face — and how to release them. We’ll explore where these pressures come from, how they shape daily life, and what they cost us emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Most importantly, I’ll guide you through gentle, practical ways to set down the weight of expectation and step into a life that feels more authentic, balanced, and joyful.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

🌿 Where social pressure comes from: culture, family, media, and social media

🌿 How it shows up in daily life — body, career, motherhood, relationships

🌿 The hidden costs: stress, burnout, loss of identity

🌿 Tools to release the pressure — awareness, boundaries, redefining success, joy as rebellion

🌿 A closing mantra to carry with you through the week

This episode is for every woman in her late 30s, 40s, or beyond who’s tired of proving, performing, and comparing — and ready to live life on her own terms.

Follow me on Instagram @thriveat40+ for more inspiration and slow wellness reminders.