112. Summer Break? What Summer Break? Your 10-Minute Mental Escape for Mom Burnout
Summer break? What summer break? While everyone else seems to be relaxing, you're busier than ever managing camps, activities, and vacation planning—all while still caring for aging parents and keeping up with work. If you're wondering when moms get their summer break, this episode is your answer.Join host Valerie Mekki for a reality check about mom summer burnout, followed by something you desperately need: an 8-minute guided beach meditation that will give you the mental vacation you've been craving. No packing required, no planning needed—just pure escape and rejuvenation.This episode is for the midlife mom who's tired of being everyone's summer activity coordinator while never getting a moment to herself. It's time to take that break you deserve, even if it's just in your mind.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges on YouTube, IG,and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this ever changing and beautiful season of life.ORFind us on YouTube! Check out a playlist of beautifully animated affirmation videos. I also publish helpful videos about midlife changes for career changers, being in the sandwich generation, vlogs on living part-time with my mom and more. You'll find me "Oh, hello midlife" on YouTube. Connect with me on YouTube @ohhellomidlife
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16:31
111. Don't Wake Up Already Feeling Behind: One-Word Mantras For Overly Busy Midlife Days
Tired of waking up already feeling defeated before your day even begins? In this practical episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, host Valerie Mekki introduces a simple but powerful tool for exhausted midlife women: one-word daily mantras that transform chaotic days into intentional ones.Learn how to choose the perfect word to guide your day, whether you need an action word like "flow" or a quality word like "patience." Discover three practical strategies to keep your chosen word accessible throughout the day, including a simple breathing exercise that helps you reset when life gets overwhelming.This episode is for midlife women who are mentally drained from caring for both kids and aging parents, feeling like their days just happen TO them rather than feeling any sense of control. Instead of hoping for a good day, you'll learn how to set a clear intention that serves as your daily compass, no matter what chaos unfolds.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges on YouTube, IG,and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this ever changing and beautiful season of life.ORFind us on YouTube! Check out a playlist of beautifully animated affirmation videos. I also publish helpful videos about midlife changes for career changers, being in the sandwich generation, vlogs on living part-time with my mom and more. You'll find me "Oh, hello midlife" on YouTube. Connect with me on YouTube @ohhellomidlife
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11:42
110. Exhausted from Your Never-Ending To-Do List? It's Time to Celebrate Your Wins
Feeling exhausted from constantly moving from one task to the next without ever acknowledging what you've accomplished? In this empowering episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, host Valerie Mekki addresses the hidden reason behind midlife burnout—it's not just about having too much to do, it's about never celebrating what you've already done.Discover why your "normal mom stuff" is actually extraordinary daily heroism, and learn two practical strategies to start recognizing your wins: the Monthly Win Reflection Journal and the Monthly Photo Win Folder. Through guided affirmations and actionable advice, you'll transform from someone who's barely surviving to someone who recognizes they're actually thriving.This episode is for the midlife woman who achieves incredible things but immediately moves on to the next task. If you're tired of feeling unrecognized and want to break the cycle of achievement without acknowledgment, this episode will change how you see yourself and your accomplishments.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges on YouTube, IG,and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this ever changing and beautiful season of life.ORFind us on YouTube! Check out a playlist of beautifully animated affirmation videos. I also publish helpful videos about midlife changes for career changers, being in the sandwich generation, vlogs on living part-time with my mom and more. You'll find me "Oh, hello midlife" on YouTube. Connect with me on YouTube @ohhellomidlife
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109. Stressed Out Dad? 3 Breathing Techniques to Reset Your Day
Dads, this one's for you. Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or like you can't turn off your mind after a long day? In this special Father's Day episode, discover three simple breathing techniques specifically designed for busy, overwhelmed fathers who need practical stress relief that actually works.Host Valerie Mekki addresses the gap in self-care content for dads, sharing her own father's story of chronic stress and how simple breathing exercises might have transformed his well-being. Learn Box Breathing for instant reset, 4-7-8 Breathing for better sleep and quick calm-downs, and Power Breathing for energized focus—all techniques used by Navy SEALs, athletes, and first responders.These aren't "woo-woo" practices but practical tools that take 3-5 minutes max and can be done anywhere—in your car before walking into the house, during your morning routine, or when you're lying awake at 2 AM. Discover when and where to use each technique, plus how taking care of yourself actually helps your entire family. You matter too, and strong dads take care of themselves. Press play for the stress relief you deserve.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges on YouTube, IG,and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this ever changing and beautiful season of life.ORFind us on YouTube! Check out a playlist of beautifully animated affirmation videos. I also publish helpful videos about midlife changes for career changers, being in the sandwich generation, vlogs on living part-time with my mom and more. You'll find me "Oh, hello midlife" on YouTube. Connect with me on YouTube @ohhellomidlife
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108. When Growth Feels Selfish: The Midlife Guilt of Choosing Yourself
Do you feel guilty every time you want something for yourself? If pursuing a career opportunity, taking time for a creative project, or simply prioritizing your well-being triggers that familiar voice saying "Aren't you being selfish?", you're experiencing the classic midlife guilt trap that keeps so many women stuck.In this deeply personal episode, host Valerie Mekki shares her own full-circle guilt journey—from feeling guilty about working long hours when her kids were young to now experiencing similar guilt while caring for her father with Parkinson's disease. Discover the crucial difference between "founded" and "unfounded" guilt and why most midlife guilt around personal growth falls into the unfounded category.Learn three powerful strategies to navigate midlife guilt: the "Good Intentions" test, the "What Would They Want?" question, and the game-changing "Both/And" approach that proves you can care deeply for others AND pursue what fulfills you. Through a transformative affirmation practice, you'll internalize that both caring for others and honoring your dreams are expressions of love. Press play to finally release the guilt that's been holding you back and embrace the truth that choosing yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges on YouTube, IG,and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this ever changing and beautiful season of life.ORFind us on YouTube! Check out a playlist of beautifully animated affirmation videos. I also publish helpful videos about midlife changes for career changers, being in the sandwich generation, vlogs on living part-time with my mom and more. You'll find me "Oh, hello midlife" on YouTube. Connect with me on YouTube @ohhellomidlife
About Mindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife
A weekly affirmations podcast that takes a deep dive into the heart of life's transitions for those 40 and over. From embracing an empty nest and caring for elderly parents to navigating the body and mind changes of a certain age and reshaping careers. Every Sunday night, join host, Valerie Mekki, offering a blend of mindfulness practices, heartfelt affirmations, and real-life stories to guide you through the evolving landscape of midlife. Whether it involves professional pivots, personal growth, or embracing the changes within, this podcast is designed to create a comforting space where you can learn, grow, and thrive together.
Listen to Mindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife, A Bit of Optimism and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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