Meegan Cares About Midlife

Fear, Change & Choice: Inviting Growth in Midlife

The Power of Choice: How Fear and Change Can Lead to Personal Growth
To stay the same is to experience disappointment. To create change is to be willing to experience anxiety.
As we enter new phases in life's journey, we must be willing to confront feelings of fear and anxiety. 
Or we will get bogged down in the disappointment of staying the same.
We delve into the crucial process of preparing for life-changing moments in order to live a fuller and more empowered life.
I share a pivotal moment where an unexpected change in my business arose, what happened in my nervous system, how I navigated that moment, and the challenging conversation that followed. 
What can we do to prepare us for those "sharp intake of breath" moments, when we are standing at a fork in the road of our life? 
Because change and growth can be painful, our automatic, protective reactions cause us to shut out change possibilities.
But when we understand our inner landscape, we gain powerful tools to navigate life's experiences and invite in transformation. This understanding allows us to choose the path of growth, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.
As we discuss the energetic invitation of the heart center and setting intentions for change, we uncover the impactful process of inviting and embracing change.
Midlife becomes an opportune time for significant personal and life-altering transformations. 
Come along with us as we embark on a journey of transformation, exploring fear, change, and the power of choice.
 
Timestamp overview:
00:00:46 Embracing change and creating internal shifts.00:03:04 Choose familiar or embrace change and growth.00:09:01 Nervous system understood. Change ahead.00:13:37 Midlife brings hormone changes, opportunity for growth.00:17:13 Self reflection: noticing bodily reactions to emotions.00:19:41 Observe body, support change, navigate challenges, grow.00:22:44 Growing through shared experiences, join waitlist.
 
Jump on the waitlist for the next cohort of The Midlife Upgrade Course here
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/37/

How To Get Unstuck In Midlife

The Art of Getting Unstuck: Fresh Perspectives and Actionable Steps for Midlife Transformation
You might be feeling stuck in one area of your life, or treading water in an overall feeling of stuckness. This week on the podcast I'm talking about strategies that help us break loose from feeling stuck.
 
I discuss the impact of hormonal changes in midlife, which can affect our motivation and nurturing instincts, and opens the door to being able to prioritise yourself more effectively. 
 
If you're feeling stuck and struggling to make progress, I can suggest some strategies for approaching the situation from a different angle. These methods often help to shake things up in a helpful way.
 
I go into the transformation equation, which is about internal reflection, plus strategic external action which creates a change reaction in your life. In addition, learn how to identify if you are engaging in excessive introspection!
 
Let's have brave conversations, seek joy, and create change, we don't need to settle for unsatisfying relationships or the stale status quo. 
 
Come along for the ride as I share valuable strategies and personal experiences to guide you through midlife challenges, discover happiness, build stronger support systems, and embark on a path of personal development and fulfillment. Because you are worth it!
 
Timestamp overview:
00:00:33 Insomnia, feeling stuck in different areas of life.00:04:53 Recognize feelings of frustration, check in with yourself.00:07:11 Midlife transition alters nurturing and caretaking.00:11:01 Reconnect with passions, find time for vitality.00:14:24 "Don't always confront your stuck situation head-on. Try changing your behavior in other areas."00:19:20 Don't settle, take action for a change.00:22:17 Moving out of stagnation into growth requires building a support network and embracing others' perspectives.00:25:40 Seek support networks and embrace challenges.
 
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/36/
 

Rewriting Beliefs About Ageing

Unlearning Ageing Myths and Embracing Authenticity
 
This week on the podcast we’re delving into myths and beliefs surrounding ageing.
 
Let’s start with our intention - WHY do we want to examine these beliefs?
 
The WHY will be totally personal to you, but oh so important!
 
A clear intention will get you where you want to go, and help you move through any tricky parts along the way.
 
Your subconscious beliefs about aging may be limiting you and negatively impacting your self-esteem.
 
So it’s time we examined them - throw out the ones that are not serving us, update and upgrade some, and take on new beliefs that are going to serve you in this next most empowered chapter of your life!
 
Let's embark on a journey together to liberate ourselves from harmful age-related beliefs, so that we can choose what truly resonates with our lives.
 
Remember, you hold the key to embracing this next most authentic and empowered chapter of your life!
 
Ttimestamp overview:
00:02:28 Beliefs about aging need adjustment for empowerment.00:09:08 Reflect on aging with a flexible mindset.00:16:39 Aging beliefs shape our empowered next chapter.00:22:57 Limiting beliefs around aging hinder personal growth. Unlearn myths and embrace ageless self.00:25:04 Appreciate your body, it's a miracle.00:29:11 Discard unnecessary beliefs; appreciate and share joy.
 
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/35/

Unarmouring The Heart

Learning from Failure: Navigating Emotional Cycles and Expanding Perspectives
Let's dive into the concept of unarmoring the heart and emotions in midlife.
Armouring occurs when incomplete emotions become sort of stuck in time after an emotionally challenging event, such as failure. And then form an energetic rigidity around the heart and emotional self. 
We explore the true meaning of failure compared to our emotional response when facing an unsuccessful experience.
Failure is not a reflection of your worth. It's a natural part of the journey toward success, growth, and evolution.
Being armoured is the leftover, unintegrated emotional experience, and prevents joy, happiness, love, courage, and connection.
Feeling stuck in life and relationships is normal during midlife, but it's also a sign of armoring around the heart and emotions and may be a signal that there is some inner work we can do.
Completing the cycle of emotions after failure allows us to approach our experiences from a constructive and supportive perspective. It's important to process emotions that arise from failure, allowing oneself to feel disappointment while not letting it affect self-worth.
Showing up fully as yourself in life may feel uncomfortable and scary, but it leads to fulfillment and embracing your true self.
Unarmouring the heart in midlife is a transformative experience that allows us to once again show up with vitality and inspiration.
Our purpose in life is to continually show up more fully as ourselves, embracing vulnerability and playing at the edge of personal evolution. 
Join me on this episode for valuable insights and tools for unarmouring the heart and living life to its fullest potential.
 
Timestamp:
00:02:01 Failure is part of success and growth.00:05:30 Potential emotions arise, allowing oneself to feel.00:06:46 Cycle of emotions leads to clarity and growth.00:10:04 Distracting ourselves, blaming others; avoiding emotions.00:15:44 Breaking down armoring around the heart.00:20:35 Recognize and inquire into emotional obstacles; show up authentically.00:22:47 Thank you for your support, let's connect.
 
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/34/

Self Sabotage

Understanding and Breaking Free From Self-Sabotage
Ever found yourself in a self-sabotage cycle? 
Have you ever missed out on achieving a goal you've been longing for, possibly due to self-sabotage?
In this podcast I'm suggesting a radical reframe on self-sabotage. One that will free you from the grips of the self-sabotage and self-blame cycle.
Self-sabotage isn't just about preventing ourselves from reaching our goals. It's more nuanced than that. 
Self-sabotage can be viewed as a misguided protective mechanism, resulting from conflicting desires and motives within ourselves. 
We navigate this intriguing aspect of self-sabotage together. As well as uncovering the Nervous System connection.
We'll explore how cultural conditioning and attachment dynamics can influence and contribute to our self-sabotaging behaviors.
Tune in to discover effective ways to overcome self-sabotage, unlock your potential and rediscover your flow state.
 
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/33/
 

Disappointment and Dreams

Unmet Expectations: Exploring The Intersection of Disappointment and Dreams in Midlife
This episode we dive into the interplay of disappointment and how it relates to our capacity to envision and pursue our dreams, or create goals that excite us, during our middle years.
We explore the causes and feelings that arise from disappointment, highlighting the importance of recognizing and acknowledging these emotions without allowing them to diminish our self-worth - which can be a slippery slope!
Disappointment often stems from unmet expectations, both conscious and unconscious.
 
Meeting disappointment with acceptance and compassion can lead to personal growth and emotional resilience.
 
It's worth considering that unintegrated disappointment can bring us to a place of rigidity and brittleness in midlife.
 
I believe it is important to have someone who can hold space for us and share our experiences, helping to alleviate any feelings of shame, which often arises with disappointment.
 
By embracing disappointments in this way, we can prevent disconnection from our dreams and goals and move forward with renewed courage and authentic confidence during this second stage of life.
 
Join me as we explore the complexities of disappointment and find strength to navigate through midlife with purpose and impact.
 
Topics Covered:1. Introduction to disappointment and its intersection with our ability to dream and navigate midlife- Causes and feelings associated with disappointment- Patterns and reactions to disappointment
2. Unmet expectations as the root of disappointment- Conscious and unconscious expectations- Importance of feeling and acknowledging disappointment without lowering our self-worth
3. Benefits of disappointment- Personal growth and emotional resilience- Seeking someone to hold space and share experiences to minimize shame
4. Consequences of not integrating disappointment- Brittleness and disconnection from dreams and goals- Turning towards ourselves and seeking support to navigate disappointments
 
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/32/

Embodied Midlife Brilliance: Uncovering the Power of Somatic Wisdom

Midlife is a time to turn our focus inward and listen to the wisdom our bodies have to offer.
Those physical symptoms like fatigue and an increase in overwhelm? They're messengers from within, urging us to prioritize rest and rejuvenation.
But this journey is not one of decline, far from it! Midlife brings about shifts in our personality, goals, and worldviews. Let's not dismiss them; instead, let's see them as invitations to grow and evolve.
This is a prime time to access your inner wisdom in a way that hasn't been available to you in the past.
By paying attention to our inner experiences and emotions, we ignite the spark of self-discovery and true knowing.
During this episode, I share a somatic listening practice that enables both a pause in overdoing and a deep dive into the wisdom of your body and nervous system. It's all about being present with ourselves and understanding our moment-to-moment experience, and then being able to understand the language of the inner experience. 
Let's celebrate this second stage of life, unleashing our purpose and cultivating authentic confidence and courage.
Remember, midlife isn't a time to settle; it's an opportunity to make a unique impact on the world while prioritizing our well-being.
 
Episode Topics:1. Importance of listening to one's internal experience   - Accessing inner wisdom in midlife   - Midlife physical symptoms: fatigue, changes in menstrual cycles2. Listening to the body's need for rest in midlife3. Changes in personality, goals, and perspectives in midlife4. Paying attention to one's inner experience and feelings   - Practice of lying down, placing hands on the belly and heart, and listening to the breath and body   - Understanding moment-to-moment experience5. Journey of self-discovery and personal growth   - Targeting self-doubt, people-pleasing, impostor syndrome, and overwhelm6. Celebrating the second stage of life   - Developing authentic confidence and courage   - Unleashing purpose on the world in midlife7. Making an impact without compromising personal well-being
 
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/31/

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right For You?

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right For You? with Catherine Keenan Pharmacist
When I first went through menopause I didn’t think HRT was for me. Two years ago, after further research, and hearing of another woman’s experience with it, I began body-identical HRT, it changed my quality of life significantly and now I regret waiting so long to get started!
 
Catherine Keenan a pharmacist, pharmacy owner, and advocate for women’s health joins me on the podcast this week. I sat down with Catherine and asked her all the questions I’ve wanted to know the answers to related to HRT and menopause. 
 
From the difference between body identical, bio, and just plain generic HRT, the importance of starting hormone replacement therapy early to managing symptoms through exercise and diet, Catherine shares her own experiences and research on the topic. 
 
She highlights the need for more conversations and information around menopause and urges women to find knowledgeable GPs who are up-to-date on perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy. 
 
I’m grateful for Catherine’s expertise on this episode, tune in to learn more about managing menopausal symptoms and advocating for your own health.
 
About our guest:
Catherine KeenanVivian Pharmacy Ltd
 
Pharmacist and Owner/Founder of Vivian Pharmacy since 1994. Manage a team of 20 staff in a busy 7 day pharmacy in a medical centre in Vivian Street.
Board member of Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (2016-2021), Vice President (2019-2021)
 
“I noticed my perimenopause symptoms affecting my quality of life at the beginning of 2019 and with the help of my GP began HRT.  This is a special interest of mine now and I read a lot of information to assist as many women as possible navigate this time of their lives.  I also feel a holistic approach tailored to the woman themselves is important and this can include many practitioners.  Personally, I have found talk therapy, meditation, mindfulness, acupuncture, along with regular exercise and dietary modifications have assisted me with symptoms and creating a positive approach to menopause and ageing.”
 
www.vivianpharmacy.co.nzFacebook: @vivianpharmacyInstagram: vivianpharmacy
 
Links shared:
Dr. Louise Newsom https://www.balance-menopause.com/
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B099JC5HQK/
Timestamped overview:
[00:02:19] Investigated women's health, sharing findings widely.
[00:03:25] Difference between bio & regular HRT?
[00:06:32] Hormonal decline causes multiple symptoms, treatment available.
[00:12:26] Natural remedies tried, switched to HRT later.
[00:15:31] Find what works, HRT + vitamins, cautious on phytoestrogens.
[00:19:27] That debunked study, and its effect on women’s health.
[00:20:31] Older women using HRT breast cancer risk.
[00:24:55] HRT dose and initiation process explained briefly.
[00:31:24] Menopause: Need for clarity but irony reigns.
[00:37:33] Hormone helps sleep, with some exceptions.
[00:38:35] Sensitive women: adjust doses, manage symptoms, estrogen needed.
 
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/30/
 

Overcoming Fear of Visibility in Midlife

Shine Bright: Overcoming the Fear of Visibility in Midlife
Are you struggling with showing up and making an impact? 
Let's explore the issue of visibility and why it is so crucial for our personal and professional growth. As a life coach, I've noticed that it's common for clients, especially women in business, to struggle to make an impact despite having a clear strategy. Often finding it difficult to get out of their own way and show up boldly and authentically.
In this episode, I'll shine a light on the power of visibility and share valuable insights on how to harness the hormonal shift during midlife, especially in the phase of perimenopause, to overcome the fear of visibility that affects so many of us. Trust me, these changes can lead to deep and profound transformations.
Together, we'll tackle the issue of inherited trauma and cultural conditioning and discover how adopting a different perspective can unlock our true potential.
If you're a woman seeking to overcome fear, self-doubt, or imposter syndrome, this episode is tailor-made for you.
So no more hiding inside your mind and trying to get things organized in the background.
Get up, speak up, and connect with your community.
 
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/29/

Decoding the Fawn Response and Escaping the People Pleasing Trap

Learning about the fawn response was a light bulb moment for me as I recognised myself in its descriptions, providing an understanding of my people-pleasing tendencies and avoidance of conflict. 
We discuss how the fawn response, a nervous system reaction triggered by feelings of threat or unsafety, drives individuals to prioritize others' needs while avoiding conflict. 
We uncover the link between the fawn response and unhealed trauma, as well as the detrimental effects it can have on our success and fulfillment.  
Overwhelming empathy and a strong aversion to conflict often characterize those with a fawn response. 
We also explore the intersection of people-pleasing behaviors with gender and societal conditioning. 
We identify common signs of people-pleasing, such as difficulty saying no, constant approval-seeking, and self-neglect. 
By recognizing and addressing these behaviors, we can get ourselves unstuck and on an empowered path of personal growth and self-fulfillment. 
Join us as we unravel the complexities of the fawn response and its connection to people-pleasing, providing insights and strategies for positive change.
 
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/28/