Midlife AF Podcast Emma Gilmour

This week we are exploring the concept of the "just world theory" and how it relates to our tendency to blame victims, especially when it comes to issues around alcohol and adversity. I share personal experiences of being bullied and isolated, and how that impacted my sense of self and emotional processing. I also chat about the importance of validating our feelings, even the difficult ones, and how practices like Somatic Experiencing, breathwork, and internal family systems work have helped me learn to sit with and process my emotions.

Key Takeaways: 


The "just world theory" suggests that bad things don't happen to good people, leading to victim-blaming and isolation for those experiencing hardship.
Childhood experiences of not being allowed to feel our emotions can lead to a lifelong struggle with numbness, disconnection, and control anxiety.
Validating our own experiences and feelings, rather than dismissing them, is crucial for mental wellness and self-care.
Reaching out to support friends and loved ones who are hurting, even if they don't immediately respond, can make a significant difference.
Continuing to explore practices like internal family systems, parts work, and improving interoceptive awareness can help us better process our experiences and emotions.

Episode links & Resources


Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com
Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching

My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs


Join Emma's VIP ELITE experience here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/offers/k7AXMNPG 
Join Emma's Be The Lighthouse membership here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/bethelighthouse 
Get Emma's Visualisation audio download at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/northstarvisualisation 
Emma's Awareness worksheets for people wanting to prepare prior to taking a break from drinking or reduce their drinking by being more mindful about what and why they drink https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in 
Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset for people looking to take a quick reset https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/fivedayreset 
Join The Self-Paced Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aae 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705

This week I dive deep into the complex relationship between alcohol and excitement. As women in midlife, many of us have come to associate drinking with feelings of anticipation and thrill. But is this excitement real, or are we chasing a false sense of vitality? Join me as I unpack the psychology behind our drinking habits, explore how our identities are tied to alcohol, and discover ways to reclaim our natural vibrancy without relying on external substances.

Key Takeaways: 


I explain why we often mistake anxiety for excitement, especially when it comes to alcohol
We discuss how childhood experiences shape our adult behaviours and coping mechanisms
I share insights on the 'theory of holes' and how it relates to our pursuit of excitement
We explore the concept of creating safety within ourselves instead of seeking it through drinking
I offer practical advice on how to cultivate genuine excitement and joy in midlife
We delve into the importance of understanding our true selves beyond societal expectations
I reveal personal experiences with ecstatic dancing as a means of emotional processing
We examine how alcohol often promises freedom but delivers the opposite
I provide strategies for building a relationship with ourselves that fosters natural vibrancy
We discuss the journey of creating internal safety as a path to authentic living in midlife

This episode is a must-listen for any woman in midlife questioning her relationship with alcohol and seeking to rediscover her innate vitality and joy.

Episode links & Resources


Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com
Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching

My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs


Join Emma's VIP ELITE experience here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/offers/k7AXMNPG 
Join Emma's Be The Lighthouse membership here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/bethelighthouse 
Get Emma's Visualisation audio download at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/northstarvisualisation 
Emma's Awareness worksheets for people wanting to prepare prior to taking a break from drinking or reduce their drinking by being more mindful about what and why they drink https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in 
Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset for people looking to take a quick reset https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/fivedayreset 
Join The Self-Paced Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aae 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705

In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Lockyer, an expert on supporting families and spouses of those struggling with addiction. Amanda shares her personal journey and insights on navigating the complexities of relationships affected by addiction. We discuss the challenges of enabling, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care while supporting a loved one.

Key takeaways: 


Addiction impacts the whole family, not just the individual struggling
The pursuit of "fixing" a loved one's addiction can become all-consuming
Labeling and shaming are unhelpful approaches when supporting someone with addiction
Setting healthy boundaries is crucial but requires self-awareness and practice
Recovery is a journey, not a destination - for both the individual and their loved ones
Self-care and maintaining your own well-being is essential when supporting someone else
Connection with boundaries is key in supporting a loved one with addiction

Episode links & Resources


Learn more about Amanda at https://www.addictionmakesthree.com/ 
Follow Amanda on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/addictionmakesthree/ 
Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com
Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching

My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs:


Join Emma's VIP ELITE experience here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/offers/k7AXMNPG 
Join Emma's Be The Lighthouse membership here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/bethelighthouse 
Get Emma's Visualisation audio download at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/northstarvisualisation 
Emma's Awareness worksheets for people wanting to prepare prior to taking a break from drinking or reduce their drinking by being more mindful about what and why they drink https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in 
Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset for people looking to take a quick reset https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/fivedayreset 
Join The Self-Paced Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aae 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705

 

I'm discussing the links between disappointment, people-pleasing behaviours, and alcohol use in midlife women. We'll explore concepts like unmet expectations, examining our beliefs and needs, and letting go of seeking external validation. I also share insights on cultural conditioning, trauma, and finding your authentic identity beyond societal pressures.Episode Highlights Include:



Disappointment stems from unmet and unexpressed expectations



People pleasing behaviours are often trauma responses from childhood



Examining one's expectations is important for avoiding resentment



Radical acceptance and living in the present can help manage disappointment



Women often turn to alcohol as a substitute for validation and praise



Cultural conditioning impacts our constructed personalities



Traumatic experiences are common but often go unacknowledged



Working through trauma is necessary to find one's true self



Self-care and asking for help are important parts of well-being



Episode links & Resources


Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com
Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching

My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs:


Join Emma's VIP ELITE experience here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/offers/k7AXMNPG 
Join Emma's Be The Lighthouse membership here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/bethelighthouse 
Get Emma's Visualisation audio download at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/northstarvisualisation 
Emma's Awareness worksheets for people wanting to prepare prior to taking a break from drinking or reduce their drinking by being more mindful about what and why they drink https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in 
Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset for people looking to take a quick reset https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/fivedayreset 
Join The Self-Paced Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aae 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705

 

In this episode, I discuss how trauma is held in the body and why somatic experiencing is so important for healing. I explore the relationship between trauma, the nervous system, and addiction. Listeners learn practical tools like breathwork and yoga to connect with their felt sense and regulate emotions. Episode highlights include:



How trauma gets stored in the nervous system and impacts our "fight or flight" response



The link between highly sensitive people and addiction



Why resilience is more complex than society often portrays



Validating emotions through interoceptive awareness exercises



Releasing past hurts through somatic experiencing techniques like breathwork and yoga



Episode links & Resources


Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com
Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching

My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs:


Join Emma's VIP ELITE experience here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/offers/k7AXMNPG 
Join Emma's Be The Lighthouse membership here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/bethelighthouse 
Get Emma's Visualisation audio download at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/northstarvisualisation 
Emma's Awareness worksheets for people wanting to prepare prior to taking a break from drinking or reduce their drinking by being more mindful about what and why they drink https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in 
Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset for people looking to take a quick reset https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/fivedayreset 
Join The Self-Paced Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aae 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705

 

Lindsay Beveridge shares her journey in overcoming alcohol addiction through studying nutrition and exploring mind-body practices like Kundalini yoga. We discuss how genetics, hormones and neurotransmitters impact mental health and addiction, and how to support recovery through lifestyle changes. Lindsay shares insights on perimenopause, meditation, and using modalities like yoga to manage trauma responses. Episode highlights include:



Lindsay's background in overcoming alcoholism and developing her recovery nutrition practice



The link between genetics, gut health, hormones and mental wellbeing



How alcohol affects neurotransmitters and anxiety levels



Non-traditional approaches to meditation for those with trauma histories



Kundalini yoga as a transformative practice for mental health recovery



Episode links & Resources


Learn more about Lindsay Beveridge at https://www.recovery-nutrition.co.uk/ 
Follow Lindsay on Insta at https://www.instagram.com/recoverynutrition/ 
Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com
Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching

My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs:


Join Emma's VIP ELITE experience here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/offers/k7AXMNPG 
Join Emma's Be The Lighthouse membership here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/bethelighthouse 
Get Emma's Visualisation audio download at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/northstarvisualisation 
Emma's Awareness worksheets for people wanting to prepare prior to taking a break from drinking or reduce their drinking by being more mindful about what and why they drink https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in 
Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset for people looking to take a quick reset https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/fivedayreset 
Join The Self-Paced Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aae 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705