Love Your Life: Love Your Life: Midlife Reinvention, Emotional Regulation, & Parenting

Susie Pettit
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

If you've spent years taking care of everyone else and you're ready to reconnect with yourself, this show is for you. I'm Susie Pettit, certified parent coach, life coach, and mom of five. Every week, I share practical tools and compassionate coaching to help you navigate parenting, set healthier boundaries, stop feeling responsible for everyone else's happiness, and reconnect with yourself in midlife. We'll talk about emotional regulation, confidence, relationships, people-pleasing, empty nest transitions, and creating a life you genuinely love. I've lived through divorce, bankruptcy, heart surgery, and family estrangement, and know that even in life's hardest seasons, small shifts can create meaningful change. You don't need to overhaul your life. You just need the right support and one small step at a time. Welcome, Warriors. Let's build a life you love. This is a great podcast for empty nesters, adult children of emotionally immature parents, women with ADHD, CPTSD, or who are trying to figure out "should I stay, or should I go" in a marriage. Learn more about my work at SMBwell.com or on Instagram @‌smb.wellness. Thank you for listening—I'm cheering you on every step of the way!

  1. 2 days ago

    Why Fun Feels Hard for Women and How to Start Feeling Lighter

    For the woman who feels responsible for everyone and everything: This episode will help so much!!! ⁣ ⁣ Do you ever look at other women relaxing on a porch, laughing with their family, or their posts on social media… and wonder why things feel so much heavier for you?⁣ ⁣ You're not alone! I felt this way too! Everything felt so heavy and serious. Many of us GenX women were raised to be good girls and taught incorrect messages about emotional intelligence - like we were responsible for other people's feelings. ⁣ Which is why we are great at reading the room, can be perfect little people-pleasers, and are really good at carrying the emotional load for everyone else. There's nothing wrong with you, warrior! We were just trained to be useful, responsible, and selfless above all else. If at the end of the day, we've done everything perfectly and have taken care of everyone else's needs and desires, well then, and only then, could we put our feet up.⁣ No wonder life can feel heavy!⁣ ⁣ Well, click play! Because I help you let go of that hypervigilance and over-responsibility so you can learn to relax and truly exhale.⁣ ⁣ You'll leave with two simple steps to start feeling lighter right now - I do them and promise you they work. I can't wait for you to listen in.  🎧 If you liked this episode, you'll like these two:  Three Gen X Blind Spots That Hurt Our Relationships and How to Heal Them on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/three-gen-x-blind-spots-that-hurt-our-relationships/id1434429161?i=1000770657456   Three Gen X Blind Spots That Hurt Our Relationships and How to Heal Them on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HK0olINBrKMTPwQRidXOO?si=0ru1yOhDRWe3VeOcJWjOlQ   How To Have More Fun on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-have-fun/id1434429161?i=1000770657618 How To Have More Fun on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Xk0zHuNjuGUHfoXuWJpHf?si=E4InOWBLQwuLLFjigUavBQ   👉🏽 Get your question answered on the show and become a PATREON here: https://smbwell.com/patreon 🌟Are you ready for a life coach? Why not sign up for a consult with Susie here. She can help you figure it out: https://SMBwell.com/consult   📩 Get weekly wellness tips, episode updates,and links to things I love each Wednesday: https://SMBwell.com/newsletter ⭐️ Get on Coach Susie's one-on-one schedule here: https://smbwell.com/work-with-me/ 🤓 FIRST TIME LISTENER? Grab the PODCAST ROADMAP with the foundations of emotional intelligence and mental wellness here: https://SMBwell.com/roadmap 👩🏼‍🎓 The Love Your Life School Membership-http://theLoveYourLifeSchool.com 🙌🏾 Buy Susie a coffee (and support small business and Susie's mission: https://patreon.com/susiepettit 🙏🏾 🩷 Let's be friends on Instagram-https://instagram.com/smb.wellness 🌟 Get the full show notes here👉🏾 https://SMBwell.com/412

    24 min

  2. 17 June

    Walk With Me: Marriage, Codependency, and Letting Go of Control

    When doing all the right things still feels hard 😵‍💫 Have you ever thought, I've done so much work on myself. Why does this still get to me? On this walk-and-talk episode, I'm opening up about marriage, growth, and the ongoing practice of letting go of control.  I share how these patterns still surface in my own life and why that doesn't mean you're failing.  If you're navigating tension with a partner, worry about a teen, or the emotional pull of an adult child, this conversation will offer support, perspective, and a gentler way to think about relationships. You're never as alone as you think, dear warrior listener! 🎧 If you liked this episode, you'll like this one: Manuals: Letting Other People Control How We Feel on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/14-manuals-letting-other-people-control-how-we-feel/id1434429161?i=1000770658017 Manuals: Letting Other People Control How We Feel on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6BgYywERR3XBu2FjeFSdeL?si=oisPoVWBT22D9RGDoCdYIg 7 Losing Strategies in Marriage and Parenting Teens on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/7-losing-strategies-in-marriage-and-parenting-teens/id1434429161?i=1000770657401 7 Losing Strategies in Marriage and Parenting Teens on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/episode/4lSjLrUtzbxPxyT7pd5OXh?si=9AO_X1ffRSSqco6tzu-XfA 👩🏼‍🎓Come get personalized relationship support: See if the School is open here: http://theLoveYourLifeSchool.com 📩Get weekly wellness tips, episode updates, giveaways and links I love each Wednesday: https://SMBwell.com/newsletter ⭐️Get on Coach Susie's one-on-one schedule here: https://smbwell.com/work-with-me/ 🤓FIRST TIME LISTENER? Grab the PODCAST ROADMAP with the foundations of emotional intelligence and mental wellness here: https://SMBwell.com/roadmap 🙌🏾 Buy Susie's a coffee (and support small business and Susie's mission: https://patreon.com/susiepettit 🙏🏾 🩷Let's be friends on Instagram-https://instagram.com/smb.wellness 🌟Get the full show notes here👉🏾 https://SMBwell.com/411

    24 min

  3. 10 June

    How to Stop Overfunctioning and Feel Lighter

    Does anyone else sometimes feel like the only way they feel calm is if they know everything and have a say in all the things? Or that if you don't stay on top of things, those things will fall apart! And if you don't remind, manage, anticipate, and fix… things won't get done? Great news warrior - you are not alone! Even better news? You don't have to feel this way. In this episode, I'm talking about what it really means to be "the one who holds it all together" and why so many of us feel stuck in that role. If you're tired, resentful, feel like no one understands you, and are wondering why no one else seems to step up, this conversation is for you. I'll walk you through why controlling and overfunctioning might feel helpful in the moment but actually creates more stress, disconnection, and anxiety over time. We'll look at how this pattern impacts your relationships with your partner, your kids, and even your aging parents, and why it can quietly chip away at your own mental and physical well-being. Most importantly, I'll show you a different way!! One that works! I took off my "superwoman/I can do it all" cape, and my kids and I not only lived - we're doing waaaay better than we were when I was managing everything. Listen in so I can help you start letting go of control without feeling like everything is going to fall apart and how to shift out of overfunctioning so the people around you can step up in their own lives. This is the work of feeling calmer, lighter, and more connected. Not just for you, but for the people you love. If you're ready to stop carrying it all and start living a life that actually feels good, press play. (and stay to the end because I highlight a listener's question on this very topic! If you want to get your question answered on the Love Your Life Show, become a patreon here: https://patreon.com/susiepettit )   🎧 If you liked this episode, you'll like this one: Popcorn Parenting on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/292-popcorn-parenting/id1434429161?i=1000648160327 Popcorn Parenting on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6W3ra8NW1jeJMx8quEQmwx?si=yCpsLxTHSGmfbMV5-QQEIg How People Pleasing is Making Women Sick on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/how-people-pleasing-is-making-women-sick/id1434429161?i=1000770657406 How People Pleasing is Making Women Sick on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5eQIsT3CK2cChY6FnYyWfh?si=02nUYJmQQKaZtSDQ78Y33g   👉🏽 Get your question answered on the show and become a PATREON here: https://smbwell.com/patreon 📩 Don't miss out: Get weekly wellness tips, episode updates, giveaways and links to things I love each Wednesday: https://SMBwell.com/newsletter ⭐️ Get on Coach Susie's one-on-one schedule here: https://smbwell.com/work-with-me/ 🤓 FIRST TIME LISTENER? Grab the PODCAST ROADMAP with the foundations of emotional intelligence and mental wellness here: https://SMBwell.com/roadmap 👩🏼‍🎓 The Love Your Life School Membership-http://theLoveYourLifeSchool.com 🙌🏾 Buy Susie's a coffee (and support small business and Susie's mission: https://patreon.com/susiepettit 🙏🏾 🩷 Let's be friends on Instagram-https://instagram.com/smb.wellness 🌟 Get the full show notes here👉🏾 https://SMBwell.com/410

    29 min

  4. 3 June

    How To Stop Ruminating

    Do you ever find yourself replaying conversations, second-guessing your decisions, or lying awake worrying about your teen's future? That mental loop has a name. It's called rumination. And it's quietly draining your energy, increasing anxiety, and affecting how you show up in your life and your relationships. If you catch yourself overanalyzing everything you said, everything they said, and what it all means… this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Inside this episode, you'll learn: Why rumination feels productive but actually keeps you stuck The difference between helpful reflection and harmful mental loops How your thoughts create your feelings and your parenting experience A simple 3 step process to interrupt rumination in real time Practical ways to stop overthinking your teen's behavior and your own responses How to shift into calmer, more intentional parenting without changing your teen or spouse. You don't have to keep living in your head. There is another way to relate to your thoughts that brings more peace, more connection, and more confidence into your daily life. Press play and let's start loosening the grip of rumination together.   🎧 If you liked this episode, you'll like this one:  232: Bridge Thoughts on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/232-bridge-thoughts/id1434429161?i=1000595118541 232: Bridge Thoughts on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/03rxxlNQOb6uo6xunabqJn?si=4QhuWb9pSeS7OThn9tGTlw 💝Grab the bridge thoughts worksheet here: https://smbwell.com/bridgethoughts 👉🏽 Get your question answered on the show and become a PATREON here: https://smbwell.com/patreon 📩 Don't miss out: Get weekly wellness tips, episode updates, giveaways and links to things I love each Wednesday: https://SMBwell.com/newsletter ⭐️See if there's room on Coach Susie's one-on-one schedule here: https://smbwell.com/work-with-me/ 🤓FIRST TIME LISTENER? Grab the PODCAST ROADMAP with the foundations of emotional intelligence and mental wellness here: https://SMBwell.com/roadmap 👩🏼‍🎓The Love Your Life School Membership-http://theLoveYourLifeSchool.com 🩷Let's be friends on Instagram-https://instagram.com/smb.wellness 🌟Get the full show notes here👉🏾 https://SMBwell.com/409 📺Find and follow her on YouTube-LOVE YOUR LIFE VLOG - YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW9PibXJfNpKk5Yr6rpNVq4P_utWFkvYS

    34 min

  5. 27 May

    How to Have a Summer You Don't Need to Recover From (5 Simple Shifts for Moms)

    What if this summer didn't leave you exhausted… but actually felt good?   So many midlife moms head into summer hoping it will be fun, relaxing, and connecting… and then find themselves overwhelmed, reactive, and running on empty by September.   In this episode, I'm showing you how to do it differently.   Not with a rigid plan. Not with more pressure. But with simple, intentional shifts that change how your days feel and in a way that helps the teens or young adults in your house.   We're talking about the mindset and structure that allow you to enjoy the "flow" of summer without feeling like you're being pulled under by it.   Inside this episode, I'll walk you through: Why intentional living actually gives you more freedom (not less) The "canoe vs. current" shift that instantly changes your experience How to use my 5 wellness pillars (sleep, eating, exercise, relationships, and self-care) to guide your summer The power of 1% changes and how small tweaks create big emotional relief; Simple ways to reduce stress, feel more in control, and stay connected to yourself and your family   This is about creating a summer where you feel calm, energized, and present… not depleted and needing a reset.   A summer you don't need to recover from?   Yes. It's possible. And it starts here.   🎧 If you liked this episode, you'll like this one: Boundaries with Kids: Why It Feels So Hard (and Matters So Much) on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boundaries-with-kids-why-it-feels-so-hard-and-matters-so-much/id1434429161?i=1000721751621 Boundaries with Kids: Why It Feels So Hard (and Matters So Much) on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/episode/1B2mH5uGBvl6YkOedYkn4o?si=fjMd8-nNQZ-oJsTy6HvjAg   These 3 Assumptions About Boundaries are Hurting Your Relationships on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/220-these-3-assumptions-about-boundaries-are-hurting/id1434429161?i=1000583909684 These 3 Assumptions About Boundaries are Hurting Your Relationships on Spotify https://smbwell.com/3-assumptions-that-lead-to-trouble-setting-boundaries/   📩 Don't miss out: Get weekly wellness tips, episode updates, giveaways and links I love each Wednesday - https://SMBwell.com/newsletter ⭐️Get on Coach Susie's one-on-one schedule here - https://smbwell.com/work-with-me/ 🤓FIRST TIME LISTENER? Grab the PODCAST ROADMAP with the foundations of emotional intelligence and mental wellness here - https://SMBwell.com/roadmap 👩🏼‍🎓The Love Your Life School Membership - http://theLoveYourLifeSchool.com 🙌🏾 Buy Susie's a coffee (and support small business and Susie's mission - https://patreon.com/susiepettit 🙏🏾 🩷Let's be friends on Instagram - https://instagram.com/smb.wellness 🌟Get the full show notes here 👉🏾 https://SMBwell.com/408 📺Find and follow her on YouTube - LOVE YOUR LIFE VLOG - YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW9PibXJfNpKk5Yr6rpNVq4P_utWFkvYS

    21 min

  6. 20 May

    Why Your Brain Fixates on the Negative and the 1 Minute Practice to Change It

    Do you feel like your mind automatically goes to worst-case scenarios, overthinking, or worrying about what might go wrong? You're not broken. Your brain is just doing what it was designed to do. But here's the problem… When your brain fixates on the negative, it can leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and stuck in patterns of stress, self-doubt, and overthinking. In this episode of The Love Your Life Show, I'm teaching you: Why your brain has a natural negativity bias (and why you feel more anxious) How overthinking and worry become habits you didn't choose The surprising way you've been reinforcing stress without realizing it A simple 1 minute daily practice to retrain your brain (without forcing positivity) This isn't about ignoring problems or pretending everything is fine. It's about learning how to work with your brain instead of against it so you can feel calmer, more grounded, and more in control of your emotions. If you're tired of: Constant worry about your kids, relationships, or future Replaying past mistakes or conversations Feeling stuck in anxiety or mental overwhelm This episode will give you a powerful starting point. Because the truth is… You don't need more time, more effort, or more willpower. You just need a new way to use your brain. Press play and learn the 1 minute practice that can start changing how you feel today.   🎧 If you liked this episode, you'll like this one: Anxiety and What if? on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/203-anxiety-and-what-if/id1434429161?i=1000568069716 Anxiety and What if? on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4X9aSg2YOSbgaxchBPE7vJ?si=6-mN5HMsRlyZNPGz3NyF3g 🤓Grab the PODCAST ROADMAP and get the foundations of emotional intelligence and mental wellness here: https://SMBwell.com/roadmap 📩 Don't miss out: Get email inspo! I send weekly wellness tips, episode updates, giveaways and links I love: https://SMBwell.com/newsletter ⭐️Get on Coach Susie's one-on-one schedule here: https://smbwell.com/work-with-me/ 👩🏼‍🎓The Love Your Life School Membership-http://theLoveYourLifeSchool.com 🙌🏾 Buy Susie's a coffee (and support small business and Susie's mission: https://patreon.com/susiepettit 🙏🏾 🩷Let's be friends on Instagram-https://instagram.com/smb.wellness 🌟Get the full show notes here👉🏾 https://SMBwell.com/407 📺Find and follow her on YouTube-LOVE YOUR LIFE VLOG - YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW9PibXJfNpKk5Yr6rpNVq4P_utWFkvYS

    31 min

  7. 13 May

    Stop Fixing, Start Supporting: How to Get People to Solve Their Own Problems

    Do you ever feel responsible for solving everyone else's problems? Whether it's your teen, your adult child, your partner, or even your friends, it's easy to slip into fixing mode.   But what if constantly helping is actually weakening the relationship and leaving you feeling resentful?   In this episode of The Love Your Life Show, I'm teaching a skill that will help you support the people you love without over-functioning, people-pleasing, or taking on emotional labor that isn't yours.   You'll learn a simple framework that helps others feel understood, strengthens their confidence, and creates healthier relationships without you carrying the weight of everyone's struggles.   If you're a mom navigating parenting teens or adult children, or you want to stop feeling responsible for everyone's emotions, this episode will give you practical tools you can start using immediately.   In this episode you'll learn: • Why fixing other people's problems often backfires • The three inner voices that shape how we handle challenges • How to respond when your teen, adult child, or spouse is struggling • A simple way to support loved ones without reinforcing self-criticism or avoidance • How to strengthen relationships without becoming the family problem solver   This is a powerful skill that builds emotional resilience, deeper connection, and more peaceful relationships.   Press play and learn how to stop fixing and start supporting.   🎧 If you liked this episode, you'll like this one: Tame Your Inner Critic on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/253-tame-your-inner-critic/id1434429161?i=1000616931135 Tame Your Inner Critic on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5QFpXdcWBmCon14djNnQnq?si=mywnMgEoQJGrGVUp9F4ZYw 📩 Don't miss out: Get email inspo! I send weekly wellness tips, episode updates, giveaways and links I love: https://SMBwell.com/newsletter ⭐️ Get on Coach Susie's one-on-one schedule here: https://smbwell.com/work-with-me/ 🤓 FIRST TIME LISTENER? Grab the PODCAST ROADMAP with the foundations of emotional intelligence and mental wellness here: https://SMBwell.com/roadmap 👩🏼‍🎓 The Love Your Life School Membership http://theLoveYourLifeSchool.com 🙌🏾 Buy Susie's a coffee (and support small business and Susie's mission: https://patreon.com/susiepettit 🙏🏾 🩷 Let's be friends on Instagram-https://instagram.com/smb.wellness 🌟 Get the full show notes here 👉🏾 https://SMBwell.com/406 📺 Find and follow her on YouTube-LOVE YOUR LIFE VLOG - YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW9PibXJfNpKk5Yr6rpNVq4P_utWFkvYS

    26 min

  8. 6 May

    Kid Coming Home from College? Listen to This First

    Your college kid is coming home… and you want it to go well. You're excited to see them. You've missed them. You can't wait to hug them, cook for them, and have them back in your house again. But here's the thing most parents don't realize. The child who left for college is not exactly the same kid coming home. And your home is not the same place they left either. This is a brand new stage of parenting. In this episode, I'm sharing two simple but powerful things every parent should think about before their college student comes home for break. When you understand these dynamics, you can avoid unnecessary conflict, reduce stress in the house, and actually create a stronger connection with your young adult. This quick listen will help you navigate college kids coming home for summer, holidays, or school breaks in a way that feels calm, respectful, and connected for everyone. Take a few minutes to listen before they arrive. It might completely change how this visit feels. Next steps: *First - sign up for the FREE PARENTING WORKSHOP! It's happening live and will set you and your family up for health and happiness: https://smbwell.com/event **Second, if you don't want to wait for that workshop, take my parenting class "How to Raise Good Humans" here https://smbwell.com/parenting. Plus - it's your lucky day - use coupon PODCAST for your special discount 💸 ***Third, If you liked this episode, you'll get a lot out of this one:  Boundaries with Kids: Why It Feels So Hard (and Matters So Much) on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boundaries-with-kids-why-it-feels-so-hard-and-matters-so-much/id1434429161?i=1000721751621 Boundaries with Kids: Why It Feels So Hard (and Matters So Much) on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1B2mH5uGBvl6YkOedYkn4o?si=AFtAYKTETb6Q2nu3BwFhfA 🌟Get the full show notes and other links mentioned here👉🏾 https://SMBwell.com/405 📩 Don't miss out: Get email inspo! I send weekly wellness tips, episode updates, giveaways and links I love: https://SMBwell.com/newsletter ⭐️Get on Coach Susie's one-on-one schedule here: https://smbwell.com/work-with-me/ 🙌🏾 Buy Susie's a coffee (and support small business and Susie's mission: https://patreon.com/susiepettit 🙏🏾 🩷Let's be friends on Instagram-https://instagram.com/smb.wellness

    24 min
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About

If you've spent years taking care of everyone else and you're ready to reconnect with yourself, this show is for you. I'm Susie Pettit, certified parent coach, life coach, and mom of five. Every week, I share practical tools and compassionate coaching to help you navigate parenting, set healthier boundaries, stop feeling responsible for everyone else's happiness, and reconnect with yourself in midlife. We'll talk about emotional regulation, confidence, relationships, people-pleasing, empty nest transitions, and creating a life you genuinely love. I've lived through divorce, bankruptcy, heart surgery, and family estrangement, and know that even in life's hardest seasons, small shifts can create meaningful change. You don't need to overhaul your life. You just need the right support and one small step at a time. Welcome, Warriors. Let's build a life you love. This is a great podcast for empty nesters, adult children of emotionally immature parents, women with ADHD, CPTSD, or who are trying to figure out "should I stay, or should I go" in a marriage. Learn more about my work at SMBwell.com or on Instagram @‌smb.wellness. Thank you for listening—I'm cheering you on every step of the way!

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