74. Mastering Emotions in Midlife: Breaking Free from Emotional Eating, Voicing Needs and Setting Boundaries with John Ford

Welcome to Episode 74 of the Emotional Eats Podcast!

I enjoyed a deep and insightful conversation with John Ford, a mediator and expert in conflict resolution, emotional literacy, and empathy. John shares his personal journey, starting in apartheid South Africa, where he was driven to pursue law to foster change. However, his path shifted toward mediation, focusing on resolving conflicts through emotional awareness and relational harmony. This evolution in his career led him to become a workplace mediator, with a particular emphasis on emotional intelligence.

Throughout the conversation, John explains the distinction between emotions, feelings, and needs, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating emotions in conflict resolution and personal growth.  He also makes the connection to emotional eating.

John shares the habitual nature of emotional responses, shaped by early life experiences, and how you can rewire your emotional habits through emotional awareness and practice. John shares practical tips for developing emotional intelligence, including techniques like breathwork, self-compassion, and the importance of asserting needs through clear communication.

We explore the challenges faced by women, particularly in midlife, in expressing their needs without feeling guilt or shame. We discuss how societal programming often discourages women from asserting themselves and how learning to communicate needs effectively can lead to more fulfilling relationships. John talks about the importance of boundaries, saying no, and being authentic in personal interactions.  This can also lead to using food less to cope or soothe.

Listen to the end. John provides actionable tips for listeners to begin their journey toward greater emotional literacy, offering insights on calming routines, getting in touch with emotions, and learning to assert needs with confidence.

As mentioned in the episode, explore The Empathy Set for practical tools to enhance your emotional awareness.  See the link below.

Connect with John:

www.johnford.com

www.empathyset.com

www.empathysetapp.com

john@johnford.com

Connect with Kim:

https://www.instagram.com/kimhyneshealth

https://www.kimhynes.com    

If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe/follow and give us a 5 star rating and review and tag us on social media. I would be so grateful.

Curious about coaching with Kim?  BOOK A CALL.  This is a free 30 minute consultation (for coaching only).

Help yourself to a free guide from Kim:  10 Daily Tips to Stop Stress Eating.

Note:  The information in this podcast is not to replace working with your doctor, other medical practitioner or mental health practitioner.  This podcast is to provide conversation, information and entertainment.

My favorite evening drink (or dessert) is Organifi Gold Chocolate.  It is like a "healthy dark hot chocolate".  With reishi mushrooms and lemon balm extract for calming and relaxing, it's perfect in the afternoon or evening.  Gold  also has superfoods like tumeric and ginger.  It's nonGMO, vegan and organic. You can check out all of Organifi's healthy products at https://www.organifishop.com/  and make sure to use the code:  KIMH   for 20% off.