171. What Even is Midlife? Navigating the Cocoon of Transformation

I was recently invited to be a guest on my friend and fellow coach Darlynn Childress's podcast, Become a Calm Mama. Darlynn has been a guest on Raising Happy Teens several times, and in addition to sharing a passion for coaching, we are both moms in midlife with grown children.

The conversation was so rich that I wanted to share it with you. In this episode, Darlynn and I explore what it truly means to transition into midlife—from the chaos of letting go of traditional caregiving roles to rediscovering your purpose and identity.

We dive into:- The emotional toll of moving beyond day-to-day parenting and redefining your value.- Why midlife often feels overwhelming despite newfound freedom.- My transformative “Cocoon Phase” and the subtle shifts that reignited my joy.- How societal expectations shape—and often misalign with—our sense of success.

- Practical ways to embrace discomfort, reconnect with your body, and foster meaningful relationships.

I open up about my personal struggles, including my midlife confusion while on vacation and the pivotal moment on my Peloton that inspired my Subtle Shifts method.

If you’ve ever felt lost in the in-between of post-parenting and pre-grandmothering or wondered how to channel dissatisfaction into growth, this episode is your guide to creating a life filled with healing, peace, and purpose.

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