Embracing Midlife Authenticity
For me the journey to authenticity here at midlife has been taking a good look at both what society expects and and an even bigger dose of self-imposed expectations. In Episode 71 of our podcast, "Embracing Your Authenticity: Prioritizing Self-Care and Confronting Societal Stereotypes," Tish and I wanted to share our stories and help our midlife listeners navigate this challenging terrain.
We began the episode by discussing the importance of embracing authenticity and shedding societal expectations which is not an easy change at midlife. There is a toll these expectations can take on our mental and emotional well-being, and we both know how liberating it can be to let go of this need to conform. We emphasized the importance of prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries as essential components of living an authentic life.
A major topic of our discussion centered on the stereotype of being the 'nice one.' I share a personal story of being told I didn’t get a promotion because I was too nice. I also share what I did to get that promotion the next year - all without compromising my authentic self! We do a deep dive into the challenges and pressures that come with this label and offered practical advice on how to confront and manage these situations. Embracing authenticity requires acknowledging our strengths, flaws, and individuality. We stressed that age should not be seen as a deterrent but rather celebrated as a testament to the wisdom and experience gained over the years. Let’s do this midlifers!
Social media and its impact on our self-care routines was another pivotal point of discussion. The digital age, while offering numerous benefits, also presents a unique set of challenges for us, particularly when it comes to self-perception and mental health. We dissected the complexities of social media use and shared strategies on when and how to disconnect even for a short time in order to prioritize self-care.
A reminder to all of us and this can be hard - being authentic is not about being perfect. It's about embracing who we are, flaws and all, and giving people the chance to love the real us. So, start embracing your true self today, and remember that self-care is not selfish—it's an essential part of midlife.
In a world that’s constantly trying to mold us into something else, choosing to be authentic is the ULTIMATE act of courage at midlife. Listen to the podcast for encouragement to embark on your own journey of self-acceptance, self-love, and authenticity.
-with Positivity, Ellen
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