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

Susie Pettit
  • 4.9 (205)
  • 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. 1d ago

    What Do You Want? The Shift from Raising Kids to Rediscovering Yourself

    Warrior, when was the last time you asked yourself what you want? Not what your kids need. Not what your partner wants. Not what needs fixing. Not what everyone else expects of you. What do you want? For many of us, especially moms, focusing on everyone else starts as healthy and necessary. When our kids are little, they need us to prioritize their needs. And, as they grow, many of us never make the shift back. We keep organizing our lives around everyone else's wants, feelings, and goals while losing touch with our own. Then one day we wake up feeling restless, resentful, or like something is missing. In this episode, I'm talking about the healthy transition from considering and prioritizing their needs first to considering your needs also. It's not selfish. In fact, I've seen it be so harmful to family units when moms don't make this change that I argue it's selfish not to. Join me in this gentle, supportive episode to learn: Why so many midlife women struggle to answer the question, "What do I want?" How over-responsibility and people-pleasing disconnect us from ourselves Why your kids benefit when you reconnect with your own dreams and desires How a simple Life List can help you rediscover what lights you up Why it's never too late, and this is the perfect day to start. I can't wait for you to listen in. You have this one precious life, and what I find is that so many women support others in reaching their dreams or paying attention to their goals while whittling away their own time here living their lives.  You matter. Let me help you rediscover you and your spark! First step: listen in! Second, join me and let's make our LIFE LIST! https://smbwell.com/lifelist  I can't wait to help you turn up the volume so you can hear the wisdom that's been inside you all along.   🎧 If you liked this episode, you'll like this one: The Life List with Kate Christie on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/251-the-life-list-with-kate-christy/id1434429161?i=1000770657660 The Life List with Kate Christie on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/3secdHENHzVLqIsCCwDQay?si=AlsB20QFThKSXp9EgbNGeA ⭐️ NEW ⭐️ JOIN the ONCE A YEAR opportunity: https://smbwell.com/lifelist 🩷If you're confused as to whether you're in a safe relationship or not, let me help. I've been there and know how to help: https://smbwell.com/coach  📩 Get the weekly email you'll actually read: Weekly WELLNESS and MIDLIFE SUPPORT every Wednesday: SMBwell.com/newsletter 👩🏼‍🎓Take it to the next level: See if the Love Your Life School is open for enrollment! 📸 Marinate your brain in positivity and helpful programming: Come follow me on Instagram @smb.wellness https://instagram.com/smb.wellness or Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SMBwell 🩷Support Susie's mission of helping as many women and girls live lives they love: Become a Patreon here: https://SMBwell.com/patreon 🤓FIRST TIME LISTENER? Grab the PODCAST ROADMAP with the foundations of emotional intelligence and mental wellness here: https://SMBwell.com/roadmap 🌟Get the full show notes here 👉🏾 https://SMBwell.com/417 📺Find and follow her on YouTube - LOVE YOUR LIFE VLOG - YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW9PibXJfNpKk5Yr6rpNVq4P_utWFkvYS

  2. Jul 22

    How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids: Especially When They Have Big Feelings

    How do we raise emotionally intelligent kids? It's not what our instinct tells us! It's not by preventing them from having big feelings or to try to get them to think positively or see "the bright side". It's also not to expect them to not have emotions or to think that our big feeling kid is doing something wrong that needs to be fixed. Nope! And yet, that's what most of us were taught (for sure me!) and so that's how we parent until we learn differently. That's what this week and my mission is all about. I teach the emotional intelligence skills to adults so that they can parent from emotional regulation and raise emotionally intelligent kids.  Click play on this episode of the Love Your Life Show to learn: The two foundational building blocks of emotional intelligence Where feelings actually come from Why trying to fix your child's emotions often backfires How to teach your child to process feelings in a healthy way The simple three-step process: Name It, Describe It, Feel It Why emotional intelligence requires both support and boundaries How learning about emotional intelligence with a surfing metaphor helped me long before I lived by the beach in Australia!  If you've ever found yourself saying, "Don't be sad," "It'll be okay," or "Just think about it differently," this episode will help you approach your child's emotions in a completely new way. Because emotionally intelligent kids aren't kids who never have big feelings. They're kids who learn that feelings are safe, normal, and something they can move through. One parent at a time. Thanks for being that parent and listening to episodes like this. 🩷   Feeling confused or overwhelmed with where to begin? Let's chat! Book your free call with me today: https://smbwell.com/call    🎧 If you liked this episode, you'll like this one: Emotional Regulation: The Skill That Makes Parenting and Marriage Easier on Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-your-life-show-personal-growth-mindset-habits-for-moms/id1434429161?i=1000770657544 Emotional Regulation: The Skill That Makes Parenting and Marriage Easier on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/373zUMIMUZ4ff9CyNbdwUD?si=kEGo6ofnRrKb8_j0qz3zyw Toxic Positivity on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-positivity/id1434429161?i=1000770657666   Toxic Positivity on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Hsbo2qulNAfCNOCfsNaiC?si=zO96BwS2SACjhauGofib6A   👉🏽 Get your question answered on the show -> become a PATREON here: https://smbwell.com/patreon   📩 Get the weekly email you'll actually read: Weekly WELLNESS and MIDLIFE SUPPORT every Wednesday SMBwell.com/newsletter   👩🏼‍🎓Take it to the next level: See if the Love Your Life School is open for enrollment!   📸 Marinate your brain in positivity and helpful programming: Come follow me on Instagram @smb.wellness or Facebook    🩷Support Susie's mission of helping as many women and girls live lives they love: Become a Patreon here: https://SMBwell.com/patreon   🤓FIRST TIME LISTENER? Grab the PODCAST ROADMAP with the foundations of emotional intelligence and mental wellness here: https://SMBwell.com/roadmap   🌟Get the full show notes here👉🏾 https://SMBwell.com/416   📺Find and follow her on YouTube - LOVE YOUR LIFE VLOG - YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW9PibXJfNpKk5Yr6rpNVq4P_utWFkvYS

  3. Jul 15

    Emotional Maturity: The Skill Most Were Never Taught

    What if one of the number one skills for feeling calmer, more confident, and more in control of your life was something you were never taught? If you're a genX, boomer, or early millennial, chances are…you weren't! Which is why, for this episode of the Love Your Life Show, I'm doing a masterclass on emotional maturity. Many of us grew up believing we were responsible for other people's feelings. We learned to keep the peace, make others happy, and avoid upsetting anyone around us. While those habits may have earned us praise by parents and friends, they eat away at your self concept and confidence. They exhaust us. Further, they lead to us feeling deeply lonely and often misunderstood. Think about it - if we believe as we're taught that "we're good if we do what they want", we disconnect from ourselves and our inner knowing while overly focusing on managing everyone else's emotions. And guess what, when we feel responsible for other people's feelings and moods, we are highly influenced by others' moods. We might feel like we're walking on eggshells or always waiting to see what he or she will be thinking and feeling. It's a very anxiety-ridden and out-of-control feeling. I know, because I lived 4 decades like this. Which is why I'm thrilled to bring you this masterclass teaching on emotional maturity. I have found that it's the secret to feeling more confident and in control of your life. I really hope you'll listen in.  Because goodness knows - those teenagers are going to be moody. Those husbands are going to be grumpy. Those moms are going to be needy…   In this episode, you'll learn: What emotional maturity actually is (and why it has very little to do with age) The three foundational skills that make up emotional maturity Why other people's moods can feel so overwhelming How to stay connected to yourself when someone else is upset, disappointed, or frustrated The emotional maturity gap many Gen X women were never taught to close If you've ever found yourself worrying about everyone else, taking responsibility for other people's feelings, or feeling completely thrown off by someone else's reaction, this episode is for you. 🎧 If you liked this episode, you'll like this one:  Emotional Intelligence 101 on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/12-emotional-intelligence-101/id1434429161?i=1000770658074   Emotional Intelligence 101 on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/3GWK2i77mU4zmwwAVd3tc4?si=CwDPd1UsSAGCijiS57vxxg   👉🏽 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 👩🏼‍🎓See if The Love Your Life School is open for enrollment 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/415 📺Find and follow her on YouTube - LOVE YOUR LIFE VLOG - YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW9PibXJfNpKk5Yr6rpNVq4P_utWFkvYS

  4. Jul 8

    Empty Nest: How To Prepare Yourself and Your Kids (Best of the Podcast)

    Re-airing this one because your messages told me you needed it. Here's the part of parenting nobody prepares you for. If you do your job well, you raise humans who don't need you anymore. That's the goal. And it can feel brutal. What I've learned, and what I teach, is that we don't actually want them to need us. We want them to want us. And that shift changes everything. This episode covers the 3 jobs that set you up for exactly that, whether your kids are still home, halfway out, or fully launched. Re-airing this one because your messages told me you needed it. Here's the part of parenting nobody prepares you for. If you do your job well, you raise humans who don't need you anymore. That's the goal. And it can feel brutal. What I've learned, and what I teach, is that we don't actually want them to need us. We want them to want us. And that shift changes everything. This episode covers the 3 jobs that set you up for exactly that, whether your kids are still home, halfway out, or fully launched. 🎧 If you liked this episode, you'll like this one: Parenting and the Empty Nest with Dr. Jim Burns on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-and-the-empty-nest-with-dr-jim-burns/id1434429161?i=1000770657434 Parenting and the Empty Nest with Dr. Jim Burns on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SGwYEKDDZaM5UeUDDBBvu?si=YH-amUuGReGK-tIT71N05g 👉🏽 Get your question answered on the show and become a PATREON here: https://smbwell.com/patreon 📩 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 👩🏼‍🎓 See if the Love Your Life School is open here: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/414 📺Find and follow her on YouTube-LOVE YOUR LIFE VLOG - YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW9PibXJfNpKk5Yr6rpNVq4P_utWFkvYS

  5. Jul 1

    Women, Money, and How I Lightened My Money Mindset

    This week's episode brings you two great things! First , an awesome conversation with an Aussie! I figure you might want to just chill out this week and this is the perfect convo to pop in your ears as you go for a walk. Enjoy! Second, the things we talk about and the honesty we share with each other will help you feel less stress, avoidance, or discomfort around money.  How do I know? Because this is a re-air of an episode I did back in Covid and since then (and practicing the things she shares), my feelings about money are sooo different.  This was a listener favorite back then and I trust you will get exactly what you need as you relisten (or listen for the first time) this week.  Enjoy dear one! If you liked this show, you'll like this one: Four Money Personalities: Which one are you? On Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/is/podcast/four-money-personalities-which-one-are-you/id1434429161?i=1000770657662 Four Money Personalities: Which one are you? On Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/7h318kaBs7HpeIe6XiLvES?si=RCXmNwpETmahB6fEoC7yQA Get all the links we mentioned and connect with Denise, go here👉🏾 https://SMBwell.com/413 Want more support? 📩 Subscribe to the weekly newsletter so you never miss an episode. http://bit.ly/2gYQMlA 💬 Share this with a friend who wants to feel lighter about money (and possibly loves the idea of getting more money in the hands of the good people!! 🎉🙌🏾 👩🏼‍🎓Take it to the next level and join the Love Your Life School http://theloveyourlifeschool.com/ 📸 Tag me on Instagram @smb.wellness so I can cheer you on! https://instagram.com/smb.wellness

  6. Jun 24

    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

  7. Jun 17

    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

  8. Jun 10

    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

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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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