A New Life Story: Emotional Healing, Personal Growth & Legacy Transformation for Midlife Women

LaShonda Walker
  • 4.9 (16)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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Are you a woman in midlife seeking to enhance your emotional wellness and transform your life and legacy? Do you put on a strong persona and suppress your own emotional needs to support everyone around you?Have you been in this pattern for so long that you're struggling to find yourself or understand who you are in this midlife season? Imagine the relief and empowerment that comes from understanding and meeting your emotional needs, putting you back in control of your life. Welcome to "A New Life Story," a transformative self-development podcast hosted by LaShonda Walker, a Certified Life Coach & Parent Educator. This bi-weekly podcast is your guide to navigating your emotions and fostering healthier relationships with family and friends through self-discovery, setting boundaries, and achieving personal goals as you tap into your highest potential.Learn how to connect to your emotions and understand your needs.  Discover how to identify and dismantle unhealthy mindsets, uncover hidden beliefs hindering your growth, and replace them with empowering perspectives for a more fulfilling life. Each episode provides the support and tools you need to break free from emotional barriers and build a life rooted in the present.Having been deeply impacted by unconscious beliefs, emotional disconnection, and repeating unhealthy patterns, LaShonda Walker, a Certified Adult Chair® Life Coach and communications professional, combines her extensive knowledge and personal experience to offer genuine and effective guidance on how to transform using simple, yet effective tools. She teaches her clients they have the power to write an authentic and empowered life story, and this show will help you do the same. Join us on this transformative journey to explore, heal and transform, and write "A New Life Story." Follow the show and connect with LaShonda for more insights and inspiration.Visit the website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.comFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoachJoin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching

  1. MAR 3

    42. Midlife Burnout & Emotional Labor: 5 Ways to Stop Carrying the Mental Load

    Send a text This episode explores the impact of emotional labor, the mental load, and burnout for women in midlife. Many women silently carry the responsibility of managing other people’s emotions, needs, schedules, and relationships—often without realizing how much emotional energy and mental bandwidth it requires. LaShonda shares personal insight into how emotional labor and the invisible mental load showed up in her friendships, marriage, parenting, and career, and how constantly anticipating needs and managing emotions can lead to exhaustion, resentment, anger, and feeling unseen. For many women, emotional labor includes monitoring moods, keeping track of family responsibilities, remembering important dates and obligations, mediating conflict, soothing hurt feelings, and trying to keep the peace in relationships. Over time, this invisible responsibility can create emotional burnout, overwhelm, and a deep sense of imbalance in relationships. Learn five practical ways to stop carrying the mental load and begin reclaiming your emotional capacity, boundaries, and personal well-being. In this episode you’ll learn: • What emotional labor and the mental load look like in everyday life • Why women in midlife often carry the emotional responsibility for everyone else • The link between emotional labor, burnout, and resentment • 5 ways to stop carrying the emotional load in relationships and family life • Two powerful questions that can help you reconnect with your emotional bandwidth and energy If you’re a woman who feels like you’re holding everything together for everyone else, this episode will help you understand the mental load many women carry—and how to begin releasing it. 01:29 What Is Emotional Labor 05:01 Resentment And Burnout 05:45 Notice Overfunctioning 09:43 Let Emotions Be Theirs 12:45 Dropping Perfectionism 16:02 Micro Boundaries WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior?  Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/ Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Buy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bfuvfvi7hc Produced by Wowow Podcasts Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

    29 min

  2. FEB 17

    41. 7 Types of Rest for Women in Midlife (Part 2): Physical, Mental, Spiritual & Sensory Rest

    Send a text Rest is not a luxury — it is essential for emotional wellness, nervous system regulation, and whole-body health, especially for women navigating the demands of midlife, burnout, and constant mental load. In a world that constantly demands attention and productivity, intentional rest can help restore energy, emotional balance, and mental clarity. When we neglect rest, our bodies and minds carry the cost through fatigue, overwhelm, stress, and nervous system dysregulation. Learning how to intentionally rest allows the body to recover, the mind to quiet, and the spirit to reconnect. In this episode, learn about: • Physical rest – allowing the body to recover and restore energy • Mental rest – calming racing thoughts and reducing cognitive overload • Spiritual rest – reconnecting with meaning, purpose, and inner grounding • Sensory rest – reducing stimulation from screens, noise, and constant input Learn simple, actionable ways to integrate restorative practices into daily life while navigating emotional transitions, physical changes, and increasing mental demands. If you’ve been feeling tired, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained, this episode will help you understand how intentional rest can support healing, clarity, and emotional well-being. 01:09 Introduction to the Four Additional Types of Rest 02:54 Physical Rest: Listening to Your Body 10:20 Mental Rest: Easing the Overthinking Mind 15:56 Spiritual Rest: Connecting Beyond Productivity 20:58 Sensory Rest: Giving Your Nervous System a Break 24:52 Conclusion and Looking Ahead LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 16 - How to Connect to Your Emotions to Understand Your NeedsEpisode 18 - How Breathwork Can Rewire Your Brain for Better HealthEpisode 24 - Creating Space for Emotions WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior?  Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/ Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Buy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

    29 min

  3. FEB 3

    40.  7 Types of Rest for Women in Midlife (Part 1): Why Rest Matters

    Send a text This episode begins a two-part series exploring the 7 Types of Rest, a framework developed by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith that explains why traditional rest alone doesn’t resolve burnout, emotional exhaustion, or mental fatigue. Many women—especially in midlife—are constantly giving their time, energy, and emotional labor to family, work, and relationships. Over time, this can lead to nervous system overload, mental exhaustion, and deep depletion, even when you think you’re resting. LaShonda shares why intentional rest became non-negotiable for her and how ignoring certain types of rest can quietly drain emotional health, creativity, and overall balance. In Part 1, we explore three powerful forms of rest essential for emotional wellness and restoring energy: Emotional Rest – Learn how constantly holding it together, people-pleasing, suppressing feelings, or managing others’ emotions can lead to burnout. Social Rest – Not all relationships restore your energy. Discover the difference between draining and nourishing connections and how to choose social environments that support your well-being. Creative Rest – Creative rest isn’t just for artists. Constantly consuming information and solving problems can drain creativity. Discover how beauty, curiosity, and inspiration can refill your creative energy. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in midlife, this conversation will help you understand how different types of rest can restore your energy and support emotional balance. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore the remaining types of rest and how they support nervous system regulation and long-term well-being. Enjoyed the show? Please leave a review on Apple or a rating on Spotify (click 3 dots > “Rate Show”) LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 16 - How to Connect to Your Emotions to Understand Your NeedsEpisode 24 - Creating Space for Emotions WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior?  Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/ Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Buy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bfuvfvi7hc Produced by Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

    29 min

  4. 06/02/2025

    39. How to Reset Your Nervous System in Seconds with Angela Johnson

    Send a text We exist in a fast-paced world where there’s always something vying for our attention, so it’s easy to find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply out of sync with our own bodies. But what if you could hit the reset button on your nervous system in just seconds? In this conversation, Certified Adult Chair® Master Coach Angela Johnson, Open Hands Coaching, explains simple, effective steps to help you instantly reconnect with your body and bring your nervous system back to a state of calm and balance. From understanding the power of a single breath to easy practices you can use throughout the day, Angela’s insights will inspire you to find pockets of peace in the chaos of modern life.  In this episode, Angela breaks it all down in an easy-to-understand way: she starts by explaining what the nervous system is and how it connects to different parts of the body. She then offers practical, real-life examples to show how you can tap into this powerful system in just seconds. Through simple steps—like mindful breathing, gentle movement, and body awareness—Angela guides you to reconnect with your body and create more calm, ease, and presence in your everyday life. Read the full blog post here.  In this episode, we cover:  (10:08 - 14:24) Angela discusses the nervous system, explaining its structure and its three main states. (17:00 - 18:14) Understand the significance of feeling emotions to heal and how stimulating the vagus nerve can help shift from fight or flight to a more regulated state.  (40:12 - 41:07) Learn how to feel safe in your body to process emotions. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 35 - Nervous System Regulation: Where Inner Connection Begins Episode 29 - Feel It to Heal It: How Somatic Healing Techniques Improve Emotional Wellness with Karena Nuekirchner WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior?  Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with Angela Johnson Email: angela@openhandscoaching.com Website: www.openhandscoaching.com  Free Nervous System Reset: www.openhandscoaching.com/regulated Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

    59 min

  5. 05/19/2025

    38. From Reacting to Empowerment: Changing Your Mindset with Olivia Martinez

    Send a text Sometimes, things happen in childhood that we tuck away so deeply, we convince ourselves they no longer matter. We grow up, move forward, and tell ourselves we’re “over it.” But just because something is buried doesn’t mean it’s healed. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, life delivers a trigger—a situation, a relationship, a loss—that stirs something old and familiar. Suddenly, the emotions we thought were long gone rise like a sleeping giant, demanding our attention.  This was the very experience of Mindset and Empowerment Coach Olivia Martinez. Olivia appeared to have it all—from a loving family and a successful career to a beautiful home. But behind the polished exterior, she carried a deep, unexplained void. Despite all the boxes being checked, she felt unseen, unloved, and stuck. It wasn’t until life presented her with a breaking point that she realized old wounds from the past were still shaping her present. Read the full blog post here.  In this episode, we cover:  (03:49 - 05:05) Olivia shares the challenges she faced with feelings of not being loved or seen, which led to struggles with self-worth. (09:06 - 10:14) A pivotal moment that served as a wake-up call, prompting Olivia to confront her anger and the impact it had on her family. (30:07 - 31:02) The inner child work - uncomfortable but essential for her healing journey.  LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 3 - How Understanding Your Inner Child Helps You Heal Emotional Wounds with Joan Mwangi Episode 15 - Mindfulness Practices to Heal Childhood Trauma with Rashad Sanders Episode 20 - The Value of Self-Awareness for Breaking Generational Patterns with Alisha Woodall FREE RESOURCE:  The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with Olivia Email: olivia@riseupandbebold.com Website: https://w Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

    52 min

  6. 04/21/2025

    37. How to Use Simple Tools to Uncover Unconscious Beliefs and Discover Your True Self (Rerun)

    Send a text (Replay of Episode 2). In this episode I discuss The Adult Chair® Model, a framework integral to my work as a life & emotional wellness coach, as well as a guide I use to educate people through this podcast.  This episode provides a comprehensive introduction to The Adult Chair® Model to help establish context for the work I do with clients and the aim of this podcast - to help people connect to their authentic self.  The Adult Chair® Model, crafted by Michelle Chalfant, is a framework where simple psychology meets grounded spirituality. It’s a tool to help process emotions, identify unconscious beliefs and understand the different parts of yourself.  I begin by sharing my personal story about how I found this methodology and how it changed my life. Then, I explain the Three Chairs: The Child Chair, The Adolescent Chair and The Adult Chair.  Next, I explain and provide examples of how each chair serves as a unique phase of your life story.   The Child Chair (ages zero and six), a time when your true feelings, emotions and needs are online.The Adolescent Chair represents the phase when you begin to develop your own identity, and it's also a time when you begin to protect yourself from rejection. It's common for different personalities to form like the people pleaser, the perfectionist, the controller and more. The Adolescent is usually operating from the past or future.The Adult Chair represents your highest self: living in the present moment, dealing with facts and truth over stories and assumptions.You can expect more in-depth discussions about how to use this model and the tools in future episodes. If this approach resonates with you, let's connect - click the link below and book a free consultation session. Thank you for tuning in, please Like, Subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts to help my podcast get discovered by like-minded people. See you next week! LINKS About The Adult Chair® - https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/about-the-adult-chair Work With Me - https://anewlifestory.as.me/schedule.php Website - https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoach Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

    47 min

  7. 04/07/2025

    36. Bibliotherapy: How Stories Can Heal Emotional Wounds with Emely Rumble

    Send a text In this informational, inspiring and deeply emotional conversation, Emely Rumble, LCSW and founder of Literapy_NYC, shares her personal story of resilience and healing through literature. From growing up with a teen mother and an absent father to discovering the power of bibliotherapy, Emely explores how books can help individuals process grief and trauma. She delves into the intersection of faith, spirituality, and mental health, discussing the importance of a holistic understanding of spirituality. Emely also introduces her upcoming book, Bibliotherapy in the Bronx, and offers insights into the therapeutic potential of literature. Listen to her powerful reflections on reclaiming personal stories and the transformative role of storytelling. Read the full blog post here.  In this episode, we cover:  (17:40 - 18:02) Understanding Bibliotherapy as the intentional use of literature as a therapeutic tool to support emotional healing and self-discovery. (30:09 - (30:40) Emely discusses how engaging with stories can create a safe space for clients to explore emotions, making it easier to process difficult life events and experiences. (24:01 - 24:36) The conversation touches on the intersection between spirituality and mental health, emphasizing that both can coexist and that seeking mental health support does not dishonor one's faith. (40:05 - 40:26) Emily recommends the book "The Day God Saw Me as Black" by Danielle Thomas, which addresses the importance of reclaiming Christianity from a holistic perspective, particularly for Black Americans. (62:28 - 62:38) “Bibliotherapy in the Bronx,” is available April 29, 2025. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 3 - How Understanding Your Inner Child Helps You Heal Emotional Wounds with Joan MwangiEpisode 15 - Mindfulness Practices to Heal Childhood Trauma with Rashad SandersEpisode 20 - The Value of Self-Awareness for Breaking Generational Patterns with Alisha Woodall  WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior? Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Emely Rumble, Psychotherapist | Bibliotherapist Order Bibliotherapy in the Bronx W: Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

    1h 4m

  8. 03/24/2025

    35. Nervous System Regulation - Where Inner Connection Begins

    Send a text Ever wonder why you feel anxious, shut down, or overwhelmed out of nowhere? In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between your emotions and your nervous system—your body’s built-in stress and safety response system. You'll learn how your nervous system responds to life experiences and how that response shapes your feelings. We’ll also share practical tools to help you regulate your body, calm your mind, and feel more in control. Emotional healing starts here—with awareness and understanding. Read the full blog post here.  In this episode, we cover:  (00:00 - 00:21) Survival mode and its impact on emotional balance. (05:12 - 08:14) Explanation of the nervous system's role in emotional responses and the concept of neuroception. (10:02 - 12:02) Discussion on emotional dysregulation, its signs, and how it manifests in both children and adults. (19:17 - 26:39) Tools for regulating the nervous system, including breathwork, mindfulness, and body awareness techniques. LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT : Episode 18 - How Breathwork Can Rewire Your Brain for Better Health with Brittney HallEpisode 20 - The Value of Self-Awareness for Breaking Generational Patterns with Alisha Woodall Episode 24 - Creating Space for Emotions: Practical Tips for Personal GrowthFREE RESOURCE: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/self-worth-guide The Self-Worth Guide is a free downloadable pdf designed to help individuals build confidence, recognize their inherent value, and develop a positive self-image through practical exercises and empowering insights. WORK WITH LASHONDA Explore your emotions and uncover what drives your behavior?  Book a free discovery call today. In 20 minutes you’ll learn and practice simple steps you can take to begin your transformation process. Connect with LaShonda Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Support the show Connect with LaShonda Email: lashonda@anewlifestorycoaching.com Join newsletter: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.com/newsletter Website | Facebook | Instagram

    28 min
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4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Are you a woman in midlife seeking to enhance your emotional wellness and transform your life and legacy? Do you put on a strong persona and suppress your own emotional needs to support everyone around you?Have you been in this pattern for so long that you're struggling to find yourself or understand who you are in this midlife season? Imagine the relief and empowerment that comes from understanding and meeting your emotional needs, putting you back in control of your life. Welcome to "A New Life Story," a transformative self-development podcast hosted by LaShonda Walker, a Certified Life Coach & Parent Educator. This bi-weekly podcast is your guide to navigating your emotions and fostering healthier relationships with family and friends through self-discovery, setting boundaries, and achieving personal goals as you tap into your highest potential.Learn how to connect to your emotions and understand your needs.  Discover how to identify and dismantle unhealthy mindsets, uncover hidden beliefs hindering your growth, and replace them with empowering perspectives for a more fulfilling life. Each episode provides the support and tools you need to break free from emotional barriers and build a life rooted in the present.Having been deeply impacted by unconscious beliefs, emotional disconnection, and repeating unhealthy patterns, LaShonda Walker, a Certified Adult Chair® Life Coach and communications professional, combines her extensive knowledge and personal experience to offer genuine and effective guidance on how to transform using simple, yet effective tools. She teaches her clients they have the power to write an authentic and empowered life story, and this show will help you do the same. Join us on this transformative journey to explore, heal and transform, and write "A New Life Story." Follow the show and connect with LaShonda for more insights and inspiration.Visit the website: https://www.anewlifestorycoaching.comFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewlifestorycoachJoin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewlifestorycoaching

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