Life After Menopause Karen O‘Connor

Many of us grew up with people telling us not to be angry or not to be "ridiculous" - this idea that we can show some emotion, but we have to suppress others.Dr Marny Lishman is a psychologist who joins me this episode to talk about adaptability, wellbeing and change. After the last couple of years, many of us have become more stressed, unhappy, and ultimately mentally unwell. And unfortunately, we have been grown up without being taught to properly process negative emotions, leaving us overwhelmed, and triggered at any moment.Join us in this episode to talk about mental health and how you can best identify and express your emotions. 
 
Find out more here: https://www.mmmpodcast.me/ep230

In this thought-provoking episode, join us as we venture into the multifaceted world of Suzanne Storrie, a former corporate executive turned dairy farmer and executive coach. Suzanne takes us through her incredible life transformation, sharing insights on how cultivating a meaningful routine can anchor us in the present and direct us towards a future filled with intention and purpose.
Suzanne is a former high-profile executive with a diverse career at NRL, Layton, CBA, and Qantas. Amidst the challenges of COVID, she made a transformative shift from corporate leadership to becoming a dairy farmer and executive coach. Her story explores the complexities of balancing vastly different lifestyles and finding renewed confidence and peace. 
 Key Takeaways:
How to establish a daily routine, like the "Sphere of Silence," to enhance focus 
How embracing change is pivotal for personal growth and developing self-reliance.
Learn how to prioritise tasks to maintain a balance between work, family, and self-care.
Why Suzzane transitioned into farming, offsetting the demands of her previous corporate roles.
Why transition periods offer unique opportunities for re-alignment with personal values and setting new goals.
Quote:We all want to see that we're making progress... the research says you're 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write your goals down.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction0:01:11 - Dwelling on past mistakes and regrets0:04:12 - Letting go of anger, sadness, and bitterness0:07:08 - Learning to detach and focus on the present0:08:40 - Handing over responsibilities and seeking support0:11:03 - Redefining the mother-daughter relationship in a business context0:14:38 - Overcoming self-indulgence and sharing personal experiences0:18:12 - Dealing with unhappiness in a relationship without a major reason
Find out more here: https://lifeaftermenopause.net/ep229

Midlife comes with a whole heap of angst, worries, concerns, confronting changes, all of it. In this episode, I take a look at how to handle all the changes that are going on without losing your mind (too much!)
Find out more here: lifeaftermenopause.net/ep228

In this episode, Karen reflects on her personal journey of self-discovery and shares their thoughts on gratitude and forgiveness. She explores the idea of gratitude being linked to the patriarchy and how it may be used to suppress women's power. She also discuss forgiveness and express her skepticism towards the concept of "fake forgiveness" and emphasises the importance of honesty and setting boundaries, rather than avoiding confrontation and pretending to forgive. 
 Key Takeaways: 
How gratitude can occasionally create feelings of powerlessness contrasting with the empowering effect of appreciation.
The association of gratitude with dependency may be linked to the patriarchy and the suppression of women's power.
How appreciation allows us to take ownership of our creations, providing a more empowering perspective.
The consequences of "fake forgiveness" and passive-aggressive behavior
Quote"Fake it till you make it. I don't like that. To me, it's dishonest."
 
Timestamps03:12 - Differentiating between gratitude and appreciation06:44 - Exploring the potential connection between gratitude and the patriarchy09:51 - Challenging societal expectations of gratitude and appreciation12:03 - Criticising the insincerity of some expressions of forgiveness and gratitude15:16 - The importance of being true to oneself19:07 - Triggering experiences and self-reflection20:51 - Drawing the line and sending a message to the universe
Find out more here: https://lifeaftermenopause.net/ep227

Dr. Ivana Matic Stanson discusses the importance of taking a holistic approach to perimenopausal health. She also highlights the societal messages and expectations that can add to the stress and overwhelm experienced by women during this transition. By providing education, support, and guidance, Dr. Stanson helps women navigate perimenopause and embrace the next stage of their lives with confidence and well-being.Dr. Ivana Matic Stanson is a perimenopausal health specialist, she also provides one-on-one consultations, group appointments, and online coaching to help women navigate the challenges of perimenopause and transition to a healthier and happier stage of life.
 Key Takeaways:
Why does perimenopause demand a holistic approach
What are the factors that can contribute to the severity and duration of perimenopausal symptoms
How mindfulness and reflection can help women navigate the challenges of perimenopause 
Why understanding the physiological changes happening in the body during perimenopause is crucial for women to make informed decisions
Quotes:
"Perimenopausal health is about addressing all possible angles because we are such complex beings." - Dr. Ivana Matic Stanson
Timestamp01:25 - Dr. Ivana Matic Stanson's approach to holistic perimenopausal health07:28 - Importance of community and sense of belonging in healthcare12:02 -  Perimenopausal symptoms and the importance of lifestyle and stress management19:42 - Slowing down, reflecting, and finding a new way of being25:28 - Understanding the physiology of the body is crucial for managing symptoms.30:39 - Adjusting eating habits and self-care is necessary during menopause.36:56 - Transitioning to perimenopause in a healthy and informed way37:23 - Conclusion and closing remarks
 
 
Find out more here: https://lifeaftermenopause.net/ep226

Lyndal Sterenberg, founder of Es Una, talks about her journey in creating a swimwear brand that focuses on body confidence and comfort. Lyndal emphasises the importance of finding swimwear that takes away the anxiety many women feel about their bodies and allows them to enjoy summer activities without self-consciousness. She also discusses the impact of social media on body image and the need for women to embrace their bodies and share their stories.
 
In addition to her work with Es Una, Lyndal is involved in a program called Making Her Mark, which aims to encourage women and girls to pursue nontraditional careers. She shares her passion for supporting women in male-dominated industries and helping them find the courage to pursue their goals.
Key Takeaways:
How finding the right swimwear that takes away that anxiety can help women enjoy summer activities without self-consciousness.
Why women should embrace their bodies and share their stories.
How social media can have a negative impact on body image
How to build confidence and overcoming your inner critic.
Lindell's challenges and successes encountered in establishing a Es Una
Quotes:
"Finding swimwear that takes away the anxiety many women feel about their bodies allows them to enjoy summer activities without self-consciousness." - Lyndal Stellenberg
Timestamps03:40  The inspiration behind Lyndal's swimwear designs05:38  The impact of social media on body confidence12:23  The importance of courage and confidence to enjoy summer activities15:34  Overcoming inner critic through research and planning17:44  Building confidence by taking on challenges19:32  Lyndal's journey into fashion design24:29  Addressing individual body issues and finding solutions
Find out more here: https://lifeaftermenopause.net/ep225