Episode 154: Midlife Is Not a Crisis—It’s a Catalyst with Heather Hetchler

Today’s conversation with Heather Hetchler, MA, is one that will stick with me for a long time. Heather is an author, speaker, and communication consultant who equips women in midlife to face unexpected challenges with clarity, confidence, and courage. A seasoned relationship coach and breast cancer survivor, Heather is a master at reframing our most difficult life transitions into opportunities for growth.

We dive into why work-life balance is a myth, the power of perspective when navigating personal and professional challenges, and how grief is often the hidden thread running through so many of life’s changes. Heather shares powerful stories from her coaching practice—from stepfamily dynamics to empty nesting to navigating workplace boundaries—that show how small shifts in perspective can transform relationships.

And at the heart of this episode is emotional intelligence—the ability to be self-aware, to see situations through the other person’s eyes, to navigate the intertwining of work and life, and to respond with compassion and intentionality even in difficult circumstances.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a catalyst for transformation.

• The surprising “backpack” of hidden workplace stressors many women carry.

• How to see relationship challenges from the other person’s perspective—and why that shift can be the key to reconnection.

• How the line between work and life isn’t just blurred, it’s irrevocably intertwined.

• The many forms of loss, including the natural but profound grief that comes when children leave the nest, and how to navigate it in a healthy way.

• The role of emotional intelligence in moving through divorce, co-parenting, step-parenting, and workplace stress.

• How to identify the gap between where you are and where you want to be in work and life—and start closing it.

• The single daily practice Heather recommends to clear emotional clutter and start your day with intention.

Whether you’re in midlife yourself, navigating a major change, or simply looking for tools to approach life and work with more resilience, this episode will encourage you to reframe your challenges, embrace your agency, and see this moment in your life as a launching pad—not a limitation.

 

Guest Links

🔗 Connect with Heather:
Website: www.HeatherHetchlerCoaching.com
Instagram: @reframingrelationships
Email: heather@learning2step.com

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Brand for Good Links

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