Slow Living: Find Peace, Balance, and Calm in Hustle Society

Authentically Yourself. Melessa Session 5 (Part 2)

BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! Adult ADHD and Autism Diagnosis in Midlife: Coaching with MelessaIn this episode of the Slow Living podcast, Stephanie and Melessa have an open, compassionate conversation about receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis and a level-1 autism diagnosis later in life—and how finally having answers has completely changed the way Melessa understands herself, her past, and the world around her.Melessa reflects on growing up without the language or support to explain why she felt different. From being placed in ballet as a child in an attempt to “fit in,” to internalizing expectations that never truly aligned with who she was, she shares how those early experiences shaped her identity. This episode offers deep validation for women navigating late diagnoses, neurodivergence, masking, and self-acceptance in midlife.The conversation also explores Melessa’s current focus on health and well-being, including weight loss, physical therapy, and the motivation that comes from wanting to stay active and present for her future grandchildren. She speaks candidly about body image, how she approaches those conversations thoughtfully with her four daughters, and why modeling self-respect matters more than perfection.As the episode unfolds, Melessa gives an update on her writing journey, sharing where she is in the process and how clarity has come from her family’s recent move into a new home. With fewer distractions and more peace, she’s finding balance, healing, and a deeper sense of self-trust.This is a thoughtful, honest episode for anyone searching for answers later in life, learning to work with their brain instead of against it, or embracing a slow, sustainable path toward growth, clarity, and self-understanding.Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Daily Journaling worksheet -- free download: https://stephanieodea.com/dailySimple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

Coming to Terms with Your Past. Melessa Session 5 (Part 1)

BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In “Coming to Terms with Your Past,” Stephanie and Melessa start with a fun look at the arcade room in Melessa’s new home—fitting since she and her husband met in an arcade in the ’80s. They talk through the emotions of moving, surprising their family with the news, and why big decisions still make Melessa feel like she needs her parents’ approval. They also touch on manifestation and how it has shown up in her life.Melessa opens up about her mirror homework—telling herself “there is nothing wrong with me”—and why it was harder than expected. The conversation shifts to family patterns, generational ties, and the stories behind old family photos. She reflects on shame, hidden secrets, and her lifelong urge to call out what’s right. It’s an honest, heartfelt episode about self-healing, family history, and personal growth.Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 12: Taking Stock of the Here and NowEpisode 14: Motivation is a ChoiceEpisode 20: Coaching Follow-Up -- Real Clients, Real ResultsEpisode 88: Internal DialogueWant to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

Writing Out Your Bucket List. Melessa Session 4 (Part 2)

BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this episode, Stephanie and Melessa dive into their three-year goals, bucket-list travel dreams, and the very different ways they each experience adventure. From RV road-tripping fantasies to reflections on slow living, Melessa shares how revisiting Stephanie’s Peace Course feels easier this time around—and how she’s been putting real changes into practice. They open up about aging, retirement, and the unique challenges of long-term planning when you’re raising a big family.The conversation flows into decluttering, time-blocking, and why structure with flexibility helps Melessa stay focused on big goals like writing her book. Stephanie encourages her to approach her creative projects the same way she tackles real-life responsibilities—with intention, deadlines, and heart. They wrap up with a nostalgic look at their teen years and a powerful challenge: to write her own obituary as a way to reflect on her journey and everything she’s accomplished so far.Past Episodes You May Love:Episode 150: Quarter and Midlife CrisisEpisode 155: BurnoutEpisode 170: Reinventing YourselfEpisode 175: Bringing Your Vision to LifeEpisode 189: Do It BadlyWant to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

Being Truly You. There is Nothing Wrong. Melessa Session 4 (Part 1)

BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! Stephanie and Melessa are now two-thirds of the way through their sessions, and this conversation dives deep into rewriting old beliefs. Melessa opens up about her tendency to overcomplicate things—how her mind feels something must be “hard” to be worthwhile—and how she’s learning to embrace ease and flow instead. Together, they explore the question: Do you have to suffer to succeed? For Melessa, this marks a powerful shift away from her old patterns and toward a mindset that allows success to come without struggle.The episode also takes a heartfelt turn as Melessa shares how she’s mapping out her upcoming book in three parts—her childhood, young adulthood, and family life—and how this process ties into her growth. She and Stephanie talk about the joy of her family’s move into a new home and how it’s brought them closer. As Melessa reflects on her daughters, she hopes her story shows them strength, resilience, and the beauty of transformation.Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 11: How Woo are You - intersecting belief with actionEpisode 42: Listening to The UniverseEpisode 104: 3 Year PlanEpisode 106: Manifestation vs Magical ThinkingEpisode 153: Slow Parenting Series: Adult Years and EstrangementWant to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

Stop Asking for Permission. Melessa Session 3 (Part 2)

BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this episode, Stephanie and Melessa dive into the power of routine—especially how simple habits like a nightly wind-down and consistent sleep with her CPAP have transformed Melessa’s energy and focus. She shares how she’s built a sustainable writing rhythm, dedicating a few hours several days a week to finish her book by year’s end (or stretch goal: March!). It’s all about creating structure that supports both creativity and self-care.Melessa also opens up about the deeper layers of her family story—balancing honesty and respect as she writes about the women who shaped her. She reflects on the contrast between traditional and nontraditional roles and how she’s learning to honor both perspectives. This conversation is an inspiring look at growth, forgiveness, and finding your authentic voice—perfect for anyone walking their own journey of healing and creative expression.Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 91: Time BlockingEpisode 96: Feeling the FearEpisode 97: Faking ItEpisode 134: Unconditional Love with Love Notes from MomEpisode 163: Are You a Perfectionist?Episode 164: Recovering from People PleasingWant to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/