Show Notes:

Summary:

Caring less about what doesn’t matter is the secret sauce to finding peace as we age, and boy, do we dive into that juicy topic today! Join me, Valerie, as we kick off the Unfiltered and Free series, where we toss aside the need for constant explanations and embrace the freedom that comes with midlife. We’ve all been there—twisting ourselves into pretzels just to keep the peace or avoid awkwardness—but guess what? It’s time to bid farewell to that stress! Let’s chat about how to set boundaries that protect our joy and recognize what truly deserves our attention. So, grab your coffee, kick back, and let’s explore this beautiful journey of caring wisely without losing our kindness.

Timestamps:

00:19 - Finding Peace in Life

02:23 - Embracing the Freedom of Midlife

03:21 - Lighthearted Quiz on Apologies and Over-Caring

06:02 - Practicing the Art of Caring Less

06:55 - Establishing Boundaries and Self-Care

Key Takeaways:

• Reflecting on past worries shows us how trivial they often were, right?
• Aging brings a fantastic freedom to choose our battles and prioritize our peace.
• Setting boundaries is essential; we don't owe anyone an explanation for our choices.
• It's liberating to stop over-explaining and start living life more joyfully and authentically.

Links referenced in this episode:

• pod.agingwithgraceinstyle.com

Let's connect:

Are you on our email list? If not, join here.

Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @iamvaleriehatcher.

Have questions, comments or feedback? Email hello@agingwithgraceandstyle.com

Join Us Next Time:

If you enjoyed this episode please rate and review. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Stay tuned for more inspiring chats, tips, and stories about the midlife journey.

See you soon!

Show Notes:

Summary:

Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions, doing things just because that’s what everyone expects? Well, let’s change that narrative! In this episode, we’re diving into the importance of shedding those labels that don’t serve us anymore, whether it’s being “too much” or “not enough.” We’re all about celebrating our unique journeys and embracing the fabulousness of aging with grace—and maybe a few red boots! So grab your favorite drink and get cozy as we share some empowering stories that remind us it’s absolutely okay to stop answering to those old expectations. Join us as we explore how to reclaim your space, say no when you need to, and truly own who you are!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Breaking Free from Expectations

01:11 - Breaking Free from Expectations

03:58 - Embracing Change: Stories of Transformation

05:42 - Choosing to Stop Answering to Labels

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize and reject the "invisible woman" stereotype by embracing your experiences as sources of strength and vitality.
• Focus on internal confidence and self-acceptance over external appearances to authentically project your presence and charisma.
• Adjust your posture and speaking habits to convey confidence; sit tall, use clear, intentional speech, and avoid ending statements as if they are questions.
• Continuously challenge negative self-talk by affirming the value of your experiences and the validity of your contributions.
• Observe and emulate the subtle qualities of individuals who exemplify strong presence to enhance your own demeanor while maintaining your authenticity.

Links referenced in this episode:

• pod.agingwithgraceinstyle.com

Let's connect:

Are you on our email list? If not, join here.

Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @iamvaleriehatcher.

Have questions, comments or feedback? Email hello@agingwithgraceandstyle.com

Join Us Next Time:

If you enjoyed this episode please rate and review. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Stay tuned for more inspiring chats, tips, and stories about the midlife journey.

See you soon!

Show Notes:

Summary:

Feeling like your voice gets borrowed in a room full of chatter? You're definitely not alone. This episode dives into the all-too-familiar experience many women, especially women of color, face when their brilliant ideas float away until someone else repeats them, and suddenly they’re gold! But guess what? It's not just about being heard—it's about reclaiming your space and making sure your voice is valued. We share powerful stories from listeners like Maya and Denise, who learned to stand up for their ideas and shift the dynamics in their conversations. So, grab a comfy seat and let’s explore how to show up authentically, speak clearly, and embrace the unique power of your voice!

Timestamps:

00:11 - The Struggle to Be Seen and Heard

01:42 - Finding Your Voice: A New Journey Begins

03:27 - Reclaiming Your Voice

07:42 - Finding Your Voice: The Journey to Self-Respect

Key Takeaways:

• Ever felt invisible in a crowd? It's a common struggle, especially for women of color.
• Reclaiming your voice is a quiet act of courage that can shift perspectives.
• It's not about being loud; it's about speaking from truth, clarity, and confidence.
• Setting boundaries is essential; they’re bridges to mutual respect, not walls.
• Your silence doesn't equal agreement; it's time to redefine how we communicate our truths.
• Remember, you didn't misplace your voice—it's always been there, ready to be heard.

Links referenced in this episode:

• pod.agingwithgraceandstyle.com

Let's connect:

Are you on our email list? If not, join here.

Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @iamvaleriehatcher.

Have questions, comments or feedback? Email hello@agingwithgraceandstyle.com

Join Us Next Time:

If you enjoyed this episode please rate and review. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Stay tuned for more inspiring chats, tips, and stories about the midlife journey.

See you soon!