A New Life Story: Emotional Healing & Midlife Transformation for Women

Send us Fan Mail What happens when life doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would? In this honest conversation, LaShonda welcomes Christina Lopes of Life Over 45 (IG: @life_over_45) to explore midlife reinvention, healing after heartbreak, and finding yourself again after loss. If you’re navigating divorce, identity shifts, emotional pain, or starting over in your 40s or 50s, this episode will feel like a real conversation with someone who understands. Christina shares the moment she left a 16-year marriage—and how one vulnerable post sparked healing, connection, and community for women around the world. Together, they talk about rebuilding your life with self-love, intention, and authenticity. 💫 In this episode: Midlife isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. A chance to reconnect with who you are and how you want to live. If you’ve ever felt like you had to start over… this episode will meet you right where you are. If this episode resonated with you, follow, rate, and share A New Life Story with another woman navigating the powerful transformation of midlife. 💫 Listen to these episodes next: Episode 01Episode 3Episode 14 WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/ Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Buy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bfuvfvi7hc Produced by Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send a text Love evolves, especially in midlife and the nervous system support you need at 25 is often very different from what you need at 45. Many women in their 40s and 50s begin reassessing relationships, emotional needs, and personal identity. Midlife is not a crisis—it’s a rebirth of emotional clarity, where we begin asking deeper questions about connection, authenticity, and the relationships that truly support our well-being. This episode explores the 7 types of love—Eros, Philia, Storge, Agape, Pragma, Ludus, and Philautia—and how each one transforms during midlife. You’ll learn how emotional safety, nervous system regulation, boundaries, and self-love shape healthier connections in romantic relationships, friendships, family dynamics, and within yourself. If you’ve been feeling a shift in what you want from love, partnership, and connection, this episode will help you understand why—and how to move forward with clarity and compassion. In this episode, we discuss: 01:11 How Midlife Love Shifts how women relate to love 06:13 Eros Passion Reimagined 07:50 Philia and evolving Friendships 10:58 Storge and Family Dynamics 14:14 Agape and Unconditional Grace 18:54 Ludus and Playful Joy If this episode resonated with you, follow, rate, and share A New Life Story with another woman navigating the powerful transformation of midlife. 💫 Listen to these episodes next: • Episode 42: Midlife Burnout & Emotional Labor: 5 Ways to Stop Carrying the Mental Load • Episode 35: Nervous System Regulation — Where Inner Connection Begins • Episode 29: Protecting Your Energy: 5 Tips for Navigating Emotional Triggers WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/ Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Buy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bfuvfvi7hc Produced by Wowow Podcasts Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send a text This episode explores the impact of emotional labor, the mental load, and burnout for women in midlife. Many women silently carry the responsibility of managing other people’s emotions, needs, schedules, and relationships—often without realizing how much emotional energy and mental bandwidth it requires. LaShonda shares personal insight into how emotional labor and the invisible mental load showed up in her friendships, marriage, parenting, and career, and how constantly anticipating needs and managing emotions can lead to exhaustion, resentment, anger, and feeling unseen. For many women, emotional labor includes monitoring moods, keeping track of family responsibilities, remembering important dates and obligations, mediating conflict, soothing hurt feelings, and trying to keep the peace in relationships. Over time, this invisible responsibility can create emotional burnout, overwhelm, and a deep sense of imbalance in relationships. Learn five practical ways to stop carrying the mental load and begin reclaiming your emotional capacity, boundaries, and personal well-being. In this episode you’ll learn: • What emotional labor and the mental load look like in everyday life • Why women in midlife often carry the emotional responsibility for everyone else • The link between emotional labor, burnout, and resentment • 5 ways to stop carrying the emotional load in relationships and family life • Two powerful questions that can help you reconnect with your emotional bandwidth and energy If you’re a woman who feels like you’re holding everything together for everyone else, this episode will help you understand the mental load many women carry—and how to begin releasing it. 01:29 What Is Emotional Labor 05:01 Resentment And Burnout 05:45 Notice Overfunctioning 09:43 Let Emotions Be Theirs 12:45 Dropping Perfectionism 16:02 Micro Boundaries WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/ Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Buy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bfuvfvi7hc Produced by Wowow Podcasts Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send a text Rest is not a luxury — it is essential for emotional wellness, nervous system regulation, and whole-body health, especially for women navigating the demands of midlife, burnout, and constant mental load. In a world that constantly demands attention and productivity, intentional rest can help restore energy, emotional balance, and mental clarity. When we neglect rest, our bodies and minds carry the cost through fatigue, overwhelm, stress, and nervous system dysregulation. Learning how to intentionally rest allows the body to recover, the mind to quiet, and the spirit to reconnect. In this episode, learn about: • Physical rest – allowing the body to recover and restore energy • Mental rest – calming racing thoughts and reducing cognitive overload • Spiritual rest – reconnecting with meaning, purpose, and inner grounding • Sensory rest – reducing stimulation from screens, noise, and constant input Learn simple, actionable ways to integrate restorative practices into daily life while navigating emotional transitions, physical changes, and increasing mental demands. If you’ve been feeling tired, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained, this episode will help you understand how intentional rest can support healing, clarity, and emotional well-being. 01:09 Introduction to the Four Additional Types of Rest 02:54 Physical Rest: Listening to Your Body 10:20 Mental Rest: Easing the Overthinking Mind 15:56 Spiritual Rest: Connecting Beyond Productivity 20:58 Sensory Rest: Giving Your Nervous System a Break 24:52 Conclusion and Looking Ahead LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 16Episode 18Episode 24 WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/ Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Buy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send a text This episode begins a two-part series exploring the 7 Types of Rest, a framework developed by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith that explains why traditional rest alone doesn’t resolve burnout, emotional exhaustion, or mental fatigue. Many women—especially in midlife—are constantly giving their time, energy, and emotional labor to family, work, and relationships. Over time, this can lead to nervous system overload, mental exhaustion, and deep depletion, even when you think you’re resting. LaShonda shares why intentional rest became non-negotiable for her and how ignoring certain types of rest can quietly drain emotional health, creativity, and overall balance. In Part 1, we explore three powerful forms of rest essential for emotional wellness and restoring energy: Emotional Rest – Learn how constantly holding it together, people-pleasing, suppressing feelings, or managing others’ emotions can lead to burnout. Social Rest – Not all relationships restore your energy. Discover the difference between draining and nourishing connections and how to choose social environments that support your well-being. Creative Rest – Creative rest isn’t just for artists. Constantly consuming information and solving problems can drain creativity. Discover how beauty, curiosity, and inspiration can refill your creative energy. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in midlife, this conversation will help you understand how different types of rest can restore your energy and support emotional balance. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore the remaining types of rest and how they support nervous system regulation and long-term well-being. Enjoyed the show? Please leave a review on Apple or a rating on Spotify (click 3 dots > “Rate Show”) LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 16Episode 24 WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/ Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Buy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bfuvfvi7hc Produced by Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send us a text We exist in a fast-paced world where there’s always something vying for our attention, so it’s easy to find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply out of sync with our own bodies. But what if you could hit the reset button on your nervous system in just seconds? In this conversation, Certified Adult Chair® Master Coach Angela Johnson, Open Hands Coaching, explains simple, effective steps to help you instantly reconnect with your body and bring your nervous system back to a state of calm and balance. From understanding the power of a single breath to easy practices you can use throughout the day, Angela’s insights will inspire you to find pockets of peace in the chaos of modern life. In this episode, Angela breaks it all down in an easy-to-understand way: she starts by explaining what the nervous system is and how it connects to different parts of the body. She then offers practical, real-life examples to show how you can tap into this powerful system in just seconds. Through simple steps—like mindful breathing, gentle movement, and body awareness—Angela guides you to reconnect with your body and create more calm, ease, and presence in your everyday life. Read the full blog post here. In this episode, we cover: (10:08 - 14:24) Angela discusses the nervous system, explaining its structure and its three main states. (17:00 - 18:14) Understand the significance of feeling emotions to heal and how stimulating the vagus nerve can help shift from fight or flight to a more regulated state. (40:12 - 41:07) Learn how to feel safe in your body to process emotions. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 35 - Episode 29 - WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with Angela Johnson Email: angela@openhandscoaching.com Website: www.openhandscoaching.com Free Nervous System Reset: www.openhandscoaching.com/regulated Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send us a text Sometimes, things happen in childhood that we tuck away so deeply, we convince ourselves they no longer matter. We grow up, move forward, and tell ourselves we’re “over it.” But just because something is buried doesn’t mean it’s healed. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, life delivers a trigger—a situation, a relationship, a loss—that stirs something old and familiar. Suddenly, the emotions we thought were long gone rise like a sleeping giant, demanding our attention. This was the very experience of Mindset and Empowerment Coach Olivia Martinez. Olivia appeared to have it all—from a loving family and a successful career to a beautiful home. But behind the polished exterior, she carried a deep, unexplained void. Despite all the boxes being checked, she felt unseen, unloved, and stuck. It wasn’t until life presented her with a breaking point that she realized old wounds from the past were still shaping her present. Read the full blog post here. In this episode, we cover: (03:49 - 05:05) Olivia shares the challenges she faced with feelings of not being loved or seen, which led to struggles with self-worth. (09:06 - 10:14) A pivotal moment that served as a wake-up call, prompting Olivia to confront her anger and the impact it had on her family. (30:07 - 31:02) The inner child work - uncomfortable but essential for her healing journey. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 3 - Episode 15 - Episode 20 - FREE RESOURCE: The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with Olivia Email: olivia@riseupandbebold.com Website: https: Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send us a text (Rerun of Episode 2). In this episode I discuss The Adult Chair® Model, a framework integral to my work as a life & emotional wellness coach, as well as a guide I use to educate people through this podcast. This episode provides a comprehensive introduction to The Adult Chair® Model to help establish context for the work I do with clients and the aim of this podcast - to help people connect to their authentic self. The Adult Chair® Model, crafted by Michelle Chalfant, is a framework where simple psychology meets grounded spirituality. It’s a tool to help process emotions, identify unconscious beliefs and understand the different parts of yourself. I begin by sharing my personal story about how I found this methodology and how it changed my life. Then, I explain the Three Chairs: The Child Chair, The Adolescent Chair and The Adult Chair. Next, I explain and provide examples of how each chair serves as a unique phase of your life story. You can expect more in-depth discussions about how to use this model and the tools in future episodes. If this approach resonates with you, let's connect - click the link below and book a free consultation session. Thank you for tuning in, please Like, Subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts to help my podcast get discovered by like-minded people. See you next week! LINKS About The Adult Chair® - https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/about-the-adult-chair Work With Me - https://anewlifestory.as.me/schedule.php Website - https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send us a text In this informational, inspiring and deeply emotional conversation, Emely Rumble, LCSW and founder of Literapy_NYC, shares her personal story of resilience and healing through literature. From growing up with a teen mother and an absent father to discovering the power of bibliotherapy, Emely explores how books can help individuals process grief and trauma. She delves into the intersection of faith, spirituality, and mental health, discussing the importance of a holistic understanding of spirituality. Emely also introduces her upcoming book, Bibliotherapy in the Bronx, and offers insights into the therapeutic potential of literature. Listen to her powerful reflections on reclaiming personal stories and the transformative role of storytelling. Read the full blog post here. In this episode, we cover: (17:40 - 18:02) Understanding Bibliotherapy as the intentional use of literature as a therapeutic tool to support emotional healing and self-discovery. (30:09 - (30:40) Emely discusses how engaging with stories can create a safe space for clients to explore emotions, making it easier to process difficult life events and experiences. (24:01 - 24:36) The conversation touches on the intersection between spirituality and mental health, emphasizing that both can coexist and that seeking mental health support does not dishonor one's faith. (40:05 - 40:26) Emily recommends the book "The Day God Saw Me as Black" by Danielle Thomas, which addresses the importance of reclaiming Christianity from a holistic perspective, particularly for Black Americans. (62:28 - 62:38) “Bibliotherapy in the Bronx,” is available April 29, 2025. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 3Episode 15Episode 20 WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Emely Rumble, Psychotherapist | Bibliotherapist Order Bibliotherapy in the Bronx W: Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send us a text Ever wonder why you feel anxious, shut down, or overwhelmed out of nowhere? In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between your emotions and your nervous system—your body’s built-in stress and safety response system. You'll learn how your nervous system responds to life experiences and how that response shapes your feelings. We’ll also share practical tools to help you regulate your body, calm your mind, and feel more in control. Emotional healing starts here—with awareness and understanding. Read the full blog post here. In this episode, we cover: (00:00 - 00:21) Survival mode and its impact on emotional balance. (05:12 - 08:14) Explanation of the nervous system's role in emotional responses and the concept of neuroception. (10:02 - 12:02) Discussion on emotional dysregulation, its signs, and how it manifests in both children and adults. (19:17 - 26:39) Tools for regulating the nervous system, including breathwork, mindfulness, and body awareness techniques. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 18 - Episode 20 - Episode 24 - FREE RESOURCE: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/self-worth-guide The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send us a text Balancing career and personal life comes with emotional complexities. Transformative Leadership Consultant and Coach Cherie Caldwell has helped individuals and organizations worldwide resolve internal conflicts, transform high achievers into cohesive teams, and navigate work-life balance effectively. A key to success is reconnecting with oneself to better understand personal needs and emotions, fostering emotional intelligence in the workplace. Learning to manage emotions, build self-worth, set boundaries, and heal childhood wounds is essential to your professional growth. Read the full blog post here. In this episode, we cover: (03:56 - 05:11) Coaching individuals through mindset change (08:00 - 09:36) Team Dysfunction and Socialization (09:45 - 11:00) Socialization and Mindset (11:04 - 12:38) Exploring Personal Beliefs and Socialization (22:30 - 23:03) Dealing with Workplace Trauma (42:08 - 43:15) Small Steps in Asking for Help (45:14 - 46:06) Midlife Career Transitions LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 9 - Episode 11 - FREE RESOURCE: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/self-worth-guide The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.lashondawalker.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Support the show We're create a safe space for community healing, growth and self-discovery? Share what you want to learn in our survey. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send us a text Are you looking for a safe community of people on their emotional wellness journey? We're curating space. Take the Emotional Wellness Group Survey. Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you’re constantly falling short? You’re not alone. We live in a world that glorifies overworking, over achieving, and always pushing forward—but the reality is, life is messy and complex. The one thing you need when life becomes overwhelming and things don’t go as you planned or expected, is self-compassion. In this episode, learn more about self-compassion, its key components, and simple ways to practice it. This is your time for a much-needed dose of gentleness and care. Read the full blog post here. In this episode, we cover: (02:54 - 03:05) Introduction to the concept of self-compassion and its importance in personal healing. (05:04 - 05:15) Definition of self-compassion as treating yourself with kindness, patience, and understanding. (06:40 - 06:50) Overview of the three components of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. (09:10 - 09:20) Discussion on how practicing self-compassion interrupts the cycle of self-judgment. (12:03 - 12:14) Explanation of how self-compassion helps develop emotional resilience. (15:05 - 15:16) Practical ways to practice self-compassion, including changing inner dialogue and taking self-compassion breaks. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 16Episode 24Episode 32FREE RESOURCE: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/self-worth-guide The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: Support the show We're create a safe space for community healing, growth and self-discovery? Share what you want to learn in our survey. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send us a text There’s a complex connection between our ego, emotions, and the fear-driven responses we develop throughout life - particularly during our adolescent phase of life (age 7-25). Drawing on the Adult Chair® Model, this episode focuses on how protective patterns formed during our formative years can hinder growth in adulthood. Learn practical insights to understand your emotional reactions and begin identifying and changing outdated beliefs and patterns of behavior. Read the full blog posthere. In this episode, we cover: (05:05 - 05:16) Explanation of The Adult Chair® Model and its three metaphorical chairs. (07:03 - 07:14) Introduction to the ego and its role in personal identity. (10:01 - 10:11) Discussion on how childhood beliefs can hinder adult life. (11:05 - 11:15) Explanation of fear and control as signs of the ego's influence. (13:11 - 13:22) Discussion on the impact of old beliefs on adult behavior. (14:36 - 14:46) Importance of recognizing and challenging old beliefs. (17:23 - 17:33) Explanation of how subconscious stories influence adult behavior. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 19 - FREE RESOURCE: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/self-worth-guide The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Send us a text The Season 3 finale offers a thoughtful reflection on navigating the transformative emotions of midlife. LaShonda recaps a season filled with empowering discussions on managing stress, understanding midlife emotions, practicing somatic meditation, setting boundaries, and more. Highlights include inspiring listener stories from around the globe, demonstrating how small, intentional steps can lead to profound growth and emotional wellness. Learn practical on starting where you are, with a focus on embracing even minimal effort, such as 3% progress, as a meaningful step forward. You’ll learn how managing emotions can transform relationships by fostering greater awareness and compassion. As the year draws to a close, the importance of rest is explored, inspired by the quiet lessons of winter. A calming guided practice provides listeners with a moment of connection, and a new "Send Us A Text" feature offers direct access to support. With its blend of practical tools and reflective insights, this episode encourages listeners to approach their emotional wellness journey with intention, one step at a time. Read the full blog post here. In this episode, we cover: (00:00 - 00:10) Introduction to the concept of showing up for yourself and the importance of small steps in emotional wellness. (03:38 - 04:10) Sarah's success story about setting boundaries with her family and the freedom it brought her. (10:43 - 11:25) Discussion on the significance of setting boundaries as a means of empowerment and fostering healthier relationships. (18:31 - 19:14) Key takeaways on starting small, listening to your body, and the importance of setting boundaries with love for emotional wellness. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 24 - Episode 25 - Episode 26 - Episode 27 - FREE RESOURCE: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/self-worth-guide The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Boundaries are often misunderstood as selfish, but they’re one of the most empowering ways to protect your emotional wellness and create healthier relationships. In this episode, explore five strategies for setting boundaries, grounded in the Adult Chair® Model. Learn how to communicate assertively, set consequences, say no without guilt, and build resilience when faced with resistance. Boundaries aren’t about controlling others—they’re about teaching people how to treat you while fostering trust and mutual respect. When you set and maintain boundaries, you honor yourself, protect your energy, and create space for deeper, more fulfilling relationships. Read the full blog post here. (00:00 - 01:14) Introduction to the importance of setting boundaries for healthy relationships and personal growth. (02:08 - 02:30) Boundaries are not selfish, but rather a way to inform others how to treat us. (10:08 - 12:04) Getting clear on your needs and recognizing the importance of self-awareness in boundary setting. (19:04 - 20:17) The significance of learning to say no and how it relates to self-respect and authentic relationships. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 10Episode 28FREE RESOURCE: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/self-worth-guide The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram Favorite Resources For Setting Boundaries Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but let’s be real, it can also be one of the most emotionally triggering times of the year. From old family dynamics and personal boundaries being tested, to the overwhelm of social expectations, this season can leave you feeling drained and out of balance. The good news? There are simple, practical ways to navigate these challenges while protecting both your emotions and your energy. In this episode, you’ll learn five empowering tips to help you stay grounded and calm during the holidays and any time of year. Using the Adult Chair® Model as our foundation, we’ll explore how to decline invitations that don’t align with your energy, set time limits for gatherings, center yourself before events, and even leave uncomfortable situations. These strategies are your guide to not just surviving the holiday season, but thriving through it. Tune in for a healthier, more empowered approach to managing emotional triggers! Read the full blog post here. In this episode, we cover: (01:24 - 01:35) Overview of the Adult Chair® Model, explaining the three states of being: the Child Chair, the Adolescent Chair, and the Adult Chair. (02:07 - 02:17) Why the holidays can be triggering, including old dynamics and expectations that resurface during family gatherings. (05:26 - 05:36) Learn how declining invitations that don't align with your energy is a form of self-care. (10:06 - 10:16) How grounding yourself before arriving at any holiday event can help regulate your emotions and shield your energy. (19:08 - 19:30) Recap of the five tips for managing emotional triggers and protecting energy during the holidays. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 5Episode 10Episode 14FREE RESOURCE: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/self-worth-guide The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/ Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: Support the show

Send us a text Trauma-informed somatic healing meditations offer a transformative path to reconnecting with the body and fostering deep emotional healing. In this episode, I’m joined by Trauma-Informed Emotional Healing Coach Karena Neukirchner from Hello Inner Light, to discuss the power of somatic healing meditations. On the path to emotional healing, somatic techniques help us reconnect with our bodies in ways that foster deep, lasting change. Unlike traditional therapeutic methods that tend to focus mainly on cognitive processes, somatic healing taps into the body’s wisdom, allowing us to process emotions and experiences at a cellular level. Karena shares insights into how tuning into the body can gently guide us through emotional pain, releasing stored trauma, and grounding us in the present. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a holistic approach to healing that honors both mind and body. Read the full blog post here. In this episode, we cover: (03:20 - 04:22) Karena discusses her passion for helping people heal in a body-centered way, emphasizing the disconnection from our bodies in modern culture and the importance of somatic work. (16:39 - 17:00) Karena explains the term "somatic," which means body-centered, and how somatic healing integrates the body into the emotional healing process. (39:48 - 40:10) Description of havening as a somatic technique that utilizes the soothing power of touch to help regulate the nervous system and process emotions. (38:03 - 38:14) Learn how healing occurs through feeling and processing emotions rather than just talking about them. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 1Episode 18Episode 24FREE RESOURCE: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/self-worth-guide WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Instagram: Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

Perimenopause is a significant time of transition for women, often accompanied by emotional shifts like anxiety, frustration, or brain fog. But did you know these feelings can also be linked to deeper health issues, such as high blood pressure or glucose imbalances? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Brandi Sinkfield, Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and we discuss the vital connections between your emotions, genetics, and overall health during perimenopause. Learn how using tools like blood pressure cuffs and glucose monitors can reveal the ways your emotional state influences your physical well-being, and how understanding this interplay can lead to healthier, more balanced outcomes. Read the full blog post here. In this episode, we cover: (10:19 - 11:01) Discussion about the emotional dysregulation many women experience during perimenopause and how it can feel like an unraveling of life. (16:08 - 16:19) Emphasis on the importance of tuning into the body and recognizing that it communicates what is going on internally. (40:14 - 40:55) Introduction of the continuous glucose monitor as a tool to understand how food affects emotions and energy levels, highlighting the importance of being mindful of what we eat. (49:14 - 49:55) Reflection on the need to slow down and check in with oneself, including basic self-care practices like hydration and emotional awareness. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 26Episode 24Women’s Digital Health PodcastFREE RESOURCE: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/self-worth-guide The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/ Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Connect with Dr. Brandi Sinkfield Website:https://womensdigitalhealth.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/womensdigitalhealth/ Support the show

There’s a powerful connection between our beliefs and stress hormones, particularly during midlife. Unconscious beliefs, often formed in childhood, can trigger stress responses like fight or flight, leading to heightened cortisol levels. Then elevated cortisol impacts our health. The episode discusses the impact of chronic stress on your body and emotional health, especially as hormonal shifts occur during midlife. You'll learn practical tools like mindfulness, breathwork, and journaling to uncover limiting beliefs and shift them for greater emotional balance and well-being. Learn simple actionable steps to reduce stress and improve overall wellness. Read the full blog post here. In this episode, we cover: (00:00 - 01:160) Understand the impact of beliefs on stress responses and overall well-being. (01:37 - 02:41) The relationship between beliefs and stress hormones, including the distinction between conscious and unconscious beliefs. (10:06 - 11:20) The stress hormone cortisol, its role in the body, and how chronic stress can affect physical and emotional health, especially during midlife. (24:01 - 25:04) Summary of key strategies for managing stress, including mindfulness, journaling, and challenging limiting beliefs. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 15Episode 18FREE RESOURCE: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/self-worth-guide The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/ Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Favorite Resources For Emotional Wellness for Midlife Women The Adult Chair: A Guide to Loving Yourself is a straightforward how-to guide on how to identify what “chair” you are in emotionally so you learn to navigate and manage your feelings as an emotionally healthy adult. The Mindful Muscle Book is a 365-Day Mindfulness Meditation Book and an 8-Week Self-Discovery Journal to help you build consistency in developing your mindful muscle. Learn how to set a positive tone for the day a Support the show

Racing thoughts can feel overwhelming, disrupting your focus, sleep, and overall mental well-being. These repetitive thought loops, common during moments of stress and midlife transitions, can lead to exhaustion and difficulty managing emotions. In this episode, we’ll explore why these thoughts occur, especially in midlife, and how to use the Adult Chair® Model to break the cycle. You'll learn practical techniques to ground yourself, label your emotions, and make empowered decisions, helping you regain control and balance in your life. Read the full blog post here. In this episode, we cover: (12:21) The impact on mental health and the link between rumination, anxiety, and depression. (13:38) The physical health effects of chronic rumination, including high blood pressure and fatigue. (17:02) Learn how ruminating thoughts impair decision-making and lead to analysis paralysis. (19:08) Learn the techniques you can use to break the loop of ruminating thoughts. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 01Episode 6Episode 16 Episode 18Episode 19Episode 24She’s Got Feelings FREE RESOURCE: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/self-worth-guide The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/ Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Produced by Wowow Podcasts Support the show