The Silver Women Bright Future podcast provides support, encouragement, and tips for mature women in business, podcasting, and life. Women who have been through life, have a wealth of experiences and facing their "2nd act". We need and want to be equipped and empowered to deal with whatever life has in store1
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I don’t even recognize myself anymore”? Life changes, especially a divorce, can leave us feeling like a stranger in our own story.
In this first episode of our Tools for a New Chapter series, Pat invites you to take the gentle yet powerful step of reconnecting with the real you. If you’ve been pouring into everyone else and forgotten what you need, this episode is a reminder: you matter, too.
What if the next chapter of your life starts with simply remembering who you are?
Journal Prompts Mentioned in the Episode:
“You’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting from experience.”- Pat
Key Takeaways -
Useful links -
📘 Get your copy of the book: Rebuilding Your Life After a Gray Divorce
🔗 More silver resources here: patfenner.me
Attention Adult CHildren of Divorce (ACoD): What if your parents’ divorce—whether it happened when you were a toddler or when you had toddlers of your own—is still shaping your relationships today? In this episode, Marriage Coach Meisha Marshall opens our eyes to the hidden impact of parental divorce on adult children, and introduces her empowering new course, Divorce Cycle Disruptor. If you’ve ever wondered why you sabotage good relationships or struggle with setting boundaries, this conversation might just be your turning point.
“Even if your parents’ divorce seemed amicable or ‘a long time ago,’ it still shaped how you love, argue, and connect.” — Meisha Marshall
Listen in for answers to these questions, and more: * How does my parents’ divorce still affect me now, even as an adult? * What is the “divorce cycle,” and how can I break it in my own relationships? * Why do I keep repeating the same relationship patterns, even when I try not to? * How can I help my adult children process my gray divorce? * What does healthy communication look like in a marriage?
Meisha shares the heart behind her new course, Divorce Cycle Disruptor, and walks us through how unresolved family dynamics can echo into our marriages, parenting, and personal growth. With humor, clarity, and heartfelt wisdom, they unpack what it means to stop repeating unhealthy relationship cycles—and how to finally chart your own path forward. Whether you're single, married, or divorced, this episode is an invitation to rewrite the story you've inherited.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: * Learn more about the Divorce Cycle Disrupter - with a free call to Meisha! - https://renewmindset.com/divorce-cycle-disrupter-discovery-call * 💬 SpeakPipe – How has this series helped you begin to craft a brighter future for yourself? Leave me a message and tell me about it!→ https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
Welcome to the final episode of my three-part mini-series, Unraveling the Silver Knot: Gray Divorce and the Family Web
You’ve been the caregiver, the peacekeeper, the glue holding it all together. But now, after the divorce, everything feels… different. So where do you fit in the family now? In today’s episode, we’re talking about stepping into a new role—not as the one who holds the past, but as the woman who leads with wisdom into the future. It’s time to reclaim your voice, your influence, and your vision—as the matriarch of your own story.
“A matriarch isn’t someone who has it all figured out—she’s someone who chooses
strength, love, and dignity, even when things are messy.”
🔑 Takeaways From This Episode: * Why becoming the matriarch is about presence, not power * Letting go of guilt and embracing your evolving identity * How to influence your family through emotional steadiness * Simple ways to start rewriting your family legacy with grace * A vision of your future that includes joy, confidence, and connection
What’s one way you can show up differently this week—as the woman you’re becoming? Take a moment to reflect, journal, or share with a trusted friend.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 🎥 The phrase I mentioned - "You is kind, you is smart, you is important" - is spoken by the character Aibileen Clark in the movie and book "The Help".
📄 Grab the FREE PDF: Four Simple Ways to Reconnect With You!
💬 SpeakPipe – How has this series helped you begin to craft a brighter future for yourself? Leave me a message and tell me about it!→ https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
Welcome to episode two of my three-part mini-series, Unraveling the Silver Knot: Gray Divorce and the Family Web
You didn’t plan to be single at this stage of life. You thought this season would be about downsizing, doting on the grandkids, and finally taking that trip to Tuscany—not Googling how to hang curtains solo or explaining your new mailing address to a 6-year-old. In this episode, I’m getting real about what it means to reclaim your life, rediscover your identity, and build a future that isn’t just “what’s left”—it’s what’s next.
“Your grandkids aren’t watching for perfection—they’re watching for courage.”
Important Takeaways -
After decades of being part of a “we,” becoming a “me” again can feel confusing, exhausting, and a little lonely—but it can also be liberating. This episode is a kind, funny, and practical exploration of life after gray divorce. We’ll talk about rebuilding routines, reawakening parts of yourself that got lost in the marriage, and modeling resilience for your family. Whether you're grieving, growing, or both, you're not broken—you’re becoming.
Resources Mentioned: 🎙️ Episode 3-14 - ”Who’s Side Are You On?” And Other Questions We Don’t Want to Ask
📑FR*E download: Four Simple Ways to Reconnect With You! (no email required!)
📖 Book - Rebuilding Your Life After a Gray Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy
💬 SpeakPipe – How has this series helped you begin to untangle your family’s post-divorce knots? Leave me a message and tell me about it!→ https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
Mini-series: Unraveling the Silver Knot: Gray Divorce and the Family Web 1/3
This episode kicks off a three-part mini-series, Unraveling the Silver Knot: Gray Divorce and the Family Web. Today, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster that can happen when your adult kids take sides after a gray divorce. Whether it’s guilt, childhood baggage, or “emotional loyalty,” their reactions can leave you wondering if you totally blew it as a parent (spoiler: you didn’t).
I share relatable stories (ugly crying and all), raw emotions, and practical ways to handle the mess without making it messier. We talk about why defending yourself usually backfires, the power of sitting with your emotions, and how to heal without their approval. I even sneak in a confession about wanting to take a cooking class. Because, hey, life’s still happening—even while your heart is mending.
“Taking sides isn’t always about you—it’s often about their own unfinished business.”
Questions discussed in this episode -
Resources Mentioned: 🎙️ Episode 3-13 - Overcoming Adversity with the E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Method
📖 Book - Rebuilding Your Life After a Gray Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy
💬 SpeakPipe – How has this series helped you begin to craft a brighter future for yourself? Leave me a message and tell me about it!→ https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
We all know life doesn’t always go as planned.
And sometimes, it hits us with a plot twist so brutal, we wonder if we’ll ever recover.
Today’s guest, Yanira Puy, has faced more than her fair share—bulimia, career heartbreak, an unexpected divorce, and even losing her beloved Harley Davidson! But through it all, she crafted something powerful: the E.M.B.R.A.C.E. framework, a method to reclaim your emotional, mental, and physical well-being after adversity.
Yanira shares the lessons she learned from her own rollercoaster journey, from realizing that food wasn’t the real issue in her eating disorder to redefining success beyond a six-figure salary. She explains why emotions only last 90 seconds (seriously!), how gratitude and connection play a role in healing, and why your brain can be rewired for happiness—no matter how old you are.
So if you’ve ever found yourself staring at life’s wreckage and wondering what’s next, this episode is for you. Because as Yanira Puy proves, the best chapters often start with the hardest endings.
“You have to let go of who you were before. It’s like being born…there’s a tearing, a breaking, a cutting of the cord. It’s uncomfortable, maybe even painful, but it’s necessary. You can’t step into the next chapter of your life while clinging to the last one.”
Questions discussed in this episode -
About My Guest:
Yanira Puy has helped thousands of people with her coaching practice, online programs and classes, webinars, workshops, conferences, blogs, articles, and her podcast.
After working for 20 years in major corporations in Latin America and the United States, Yanira pivoted her career path to help individuals become healthier and happier.
She is a certified wellness coach and brain health trainer, with a master ́s degree in health coaching, and the founder of Yanira Puy Health & Wellness.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Yanira Puy’s FREE E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Transition Toolkit—a step-by-step guide to turning uncertainty into empowerment: https://bit.ly/Embrace_checklist
Yanira’s website: https://yanirapuy.com/en/home/
💬 SpeakPipe – How has this series helped you begin to craft a brighter future for yourself? Leave me a message and tell me about it!→ https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
Ever felt like your entire future just evaporated?
That the life you planned was stolen from you?
What if—stay with me here—you never really "lost" anything at all? What if the key to moving forward isn't clutching onto the past but realizing that releasing it puts YOU back in control?
Get ready to rethink everything you thought you lost and step into the power of letting go.
“Losing feels painful. Letting go feels empowering. You make the decision about
what stays and what goes.”
Key Takeaways For You-
Drawing from personal experience, I explore the difference between losing something and consciously letting it go; how releasing old dreams and expectations can create space for new opportunities, joy, and even financial independence.
With a mix of wisdom, warmth, and humor, I explain how to know if you’re truly letting go or just stuck in the past, the surprising role of gratitude in healing, and why learning to love yourself is non-negotiable. Whether you’re freshly divorced or still carrying baggage from 15 years ago, this episode will challenge and encourage you to embrace the future waiting for you.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📖 Book – Rebuilding Your Life After a Grey Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy → https://amzn.to/4jO9Mm4
💬 SpeakPipe – Have a story of overcoming struggle? Share it with me—I’d love to highlight your journey in a future episode! → https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
Imagine walking into a job interview, a first date, or even a casual networking event and being completely unforgettable—not because of your credentials, but because of the way you tell your story. What if the difference between being overlooked and standing out came down to a simple shift in how you communicate? In the final installment of this 3-part series, guest expert Adam Olenn reveals why storytelling isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s a life skill that can make you more persuasive, more memorable, and even more valuable.
“Where your eyes go, your skis go. And that’s a rule for life.”
Key Takeaways For You-
Your story holds power. If a simple, made-up anecdote can increase an object’s value by thousands of percent, imagine what your real, authentic story can do for your life and career. What story are you telling the world?
About My Guest:
In over 25 years of creative leadership in branding and marketing, Adam Olenn has discovered that the oldest form of connection, communication, and persuasion is also the most powerful—great stories. With robust support from neuroscientists, psychologists, and behavioral economists, he shows audiences why that is—and how to use it to their advantage. Research by experts like Stanford neurosurgeon Dr. Jim Doty and MIT senior lecturer Dr. Tara Swart Bieber points to a powerful way to harness storytelling for personal transformation that lasts.
Adam has garnered rave reviews from audiences from Boston to Borneo and is on a mission to empower as many people as possible to become compelling, connection-building storytellers.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Rustle & Spark – Adam Olenn’s branding and storytelling agency: Website
📌 Learn More About the Significant Objects Experiment
💬 SpeakPipe – How has this series helped you begin to craft a brighter future for yourself? Leave me a message and tell me about it!→ https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
Have you ever walked into a new situation—whether a business meeting, a social event, or even a date—and felt a knot of uncertainty? What if you could mentally rehearse your success before it even happens, setting yourself up for a confident, empowered outcome? In this episode, storytelling expert Adam Olenn reveals the profound impact that stories have on our minds—not just as entertainment, but as powerful tools for transformation. From brain science to behavioral economics, Adam breaks down how storytelling can shape our decisions, deepen our connections, and even trick our brains into success. If you’ve ever wanted to control the narrative of your own life, this is the episode that will show you how. Because the truth is—you're not just living a story. You’re writing it.
“You're the author of your own reality. If you don’t like the story, start writing a new one.”
Key Takeaways For You-
This episode is the second of a three-part series, so be sure to listen in for even deeper insights into how storytelling can transform your life. And don’t forget—the stories you tell yourself shape the future you create!
About My Guest:
In over 25 years of creative leadership in branding and marketing, Adam Olenn has discovered that the oldest form of connection, communication, and persuasion is also the most powerful—great stories. With robust support from neuroscientists, psychologists, and behavioral economists, he shows audiences why that is—and how to use it to their advantage. Research by experts like Stanford neurosurgeon Dr. Jim Doty and MIT senior lecturer Dr. Tara Swart Bieber points to a powerful way to harness storytelling for personal transformation that lasts.
Adam has garnered rave reviews from audiences from Boston to Borneo and is on a mission to empower as many people as possible to become compelling, connection-building storytellers.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Rustle & Spark – Adam Olenn’s branding and storytelling agency: Website
📖 Book – Mind Magic by Jim Doty – Neuroscience-backed insights on mental rehearsal and visualization.
📖 Book – Atomic Habits by James Clear – A guide to creating lasting habits through small, intentional changes.
💬 SpeakPipe – Are you trying any of these strategies? Adam and I would love to hear about your experiences!! → https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
Stories aren’t just entertainment; they’re the reason humans run the planet. In this thought-provoking episode, branding expert and storytelling enthusiast Adam Olenn reveals how our brains process stories as if they were real experiences—triggering emotions, reinforcing beliefs, and even helping us survive. From childhood memories of anti-smoking campaigns to lessons learned from a legendary courtroom storyteller (his dad), Adam unpacks why stories stick, how they shape our identity, and why they’re crucial when navigating major life transitions—like a grey divorce. Host Pat Fenner brings warmth, humor, and her own reflections on the power of personal narratives, making this an episode full of insight, laughter, and some serious "aha" moments. If you've ever felt trapped by your past or struggled to embrace change, this conversation will inspire you to rewrite your own story with purpose and confidence.
“Sharing stories is one of the fastest, most efficient ways to rebuild connection and belonging after a major life change.”
Key Takeaways For You-
This episode is the first of a three-part series, so be sure to listen in for even deeper insights into how storytelling can transform your life. And don’t forget—the stories you tell yourself shape the future you create!
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Rustle & Spark – Adam Olenn’s branding and storytelling agency: Website
Research on Storytelling & Neuroscience – Studies from Stanford, Harvard, and Brookings Institution (links forthcoming)
Fear isn’t just for skydivers and horror movie protagonists. It’s for newly single women figuring out finances, fixing cars, and—gasp—navigating Home Depot alone. But here’s the thing: every scary step you take adds another brick to the foundation of your confidence. And remember: you’re building something incredible.
“Fear tells you something might be dangerous, but if you never challenge it, you’ll never know what’s on the other side.”
Key Takeaways For You-
Fear is sneaky. It shows up in the big life changes—divorce, new jobs, financial decisions—but also in the little things, like dealing with technology or making a phone call you’d rather avoid. In this episode, I share my own journey of stepping into the unknown, from setting up my own computer monitor to rewriting the story I’d always told myself about money. Because here’s the truth: running away from fear keeps you stuck, but running toward it? That’s where real growth happens. Whether you're facing your own "firsts" or just need a reminder that you're stronger than you think, this episode is for you.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📖 Book – Rebuilding Your Life After a Grey Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy → https://amzn.to/4jO9Mm4
💬 SpeakPipe – Have a story of overcoming struggle? Share it with me—I’d love to highlight your journey in a future episode! → https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
Ever bought something expensive only to realize—almost immediately—it was a huge mistake? Yeah, me too. One minute, I was upgrading my vision with fancy new glasses, the next, I was fighting off nausea like a first-time sailor. And don’t even get me started on my battle with a Bluetooth keyboard. But as ridiculous as those moments were, they taught me something big: Focus shapes everything. So let me ask you—where’s your focus right now? And is it helping or hurting you?
“Sometimes we get so focused that we don’t realize we’re the cause of our continued pain.”
Key Takeaways For You-
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📖 Book – Rebuilding Your Life After a Grey Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy → https://amzn.to/4jO9Mm4
💬 SpeakPipe – Have a story of overcoming struggle? Share it with me—I’d love to highlight your journey in a future episode! → https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
📧 Sign Up for Updates – Get a free chapter of the book → https://www.patfenner.me/rebuild-your-life-waitlist
What if the season of divorce—something you never anticipated—could be the starting point for a stronger, more vibrant version of yourself? In this episode, we wrap up our two-part discussion on navigating divorce season, focusing on actionable strategies that will help you move forward with clarity, resilience, and hope. From prioritizing rest and mental clarity to making crucial legal decisions and stepping into new communities, this conversation is a lifeline for anyone caught in the storm of an unexpected separation. Pat Fenner shares hard-earned wisdom, practical tools, and a powerful perspective shift that will leave you feeling empowered rather than defeated. If your world feels like it’s crumbling, know this—there’s a way through, and on the other side, a life filled with possibility awaits.
“You’re not just surviving this season—you have the power to rebuild a life that excites you.” - Pat
Key Takeaways For You-
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📖 Book – Rebuilding Your Life After a Grey Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy → https://amzn.to/4jO9Mm4
💬 SpeakPipe – Leave a message sharing which strategy resonated with you → https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
📧 Sign Up for Updates – Get a free chapter of the book → https://www.patfenner.me/rebuild-your-life-waitlist
Have you ever felt trapped between the hope of a fresh start and the fear of an uncertain future? January isn’t just the start of a new year—it’s also the peak of what legal experts call "divorce season."
The aftermath of the holidays often brings clarity, pushing many to make life-altering decisions about their marriages. But is leaving really the answer, or is there still a path to healing? In this episode, we break down the emotional, financial, and psychological realities of divorce—before, during, and after the process. Whether you're contemplating a split, struggling with the fallout, or desperately seeking clarity, this conversation will challenge your perspective and give you the tools to navigate the hardest choice of your life. Because the truth is, divorce isn’t just an ending—it’s a beginning, and how you approach it will define what comes next.
“While the holidays might bring temporary peace, the stark reality of unresolved issues often leads to decisions that can reshape lives in the new year.” - Pat
Key Takeaways For You-
Would you like more information about the exercises or strategies mentioned in the episode? Sign up for the waitlist and be the first to get the deets about my new book: “Rebuilding Your Life After A Gray Divorce: A Path to Healing, Joy, and Significance” available soon. https://www.patfenner.me/rebuildyourlifewaitlist
Leave a message for me here: https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
Podcast Production by Eagles Wings Services
A New Year - A Fresh Start!
Kick off 2025 with me as I share an uplifting episode filled with personal insights and encouragement for anyone looking to stretch themselves and embrace new opportunities. Recorded live from PodFest 2025, I'm reflecting on my journey, the importance of taking baby steps, and how to create a life filled with meaning and joy—one small action at a time.
"Plan with your hands open—like you’re catching snowflakes—and see where life takes you." ~ Pat
Key Takeaways
Stay tuned for exciting guest interviews and inspirational stories coming soon on the show. And don’t forget—a journal designed to accompany my latest book, will be available soon, too!
Would you like more information about the exercises or strategies mentioned in the episode? Sign up for the waitlist and be the first to get the deets about my new book: “Rebuilding Your Life After A Gray Divorce: A Path to Healing, Joy, and Significance” available January 2025. https://www.patfenner.me/rebuildyourlifewaitlist
Leave a message for me here: https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
Are you tired of managing change since your gray divorce? What if I told you this holiday season could be more about joy and connection? Something to actually look forward to? Discover how to create meaningful moments with your adult children—even during this challenging life transition.
“The holidays may look different now, but every challenge is an invitation to rediscover what truly matters.” - Pat
Here’s what’s inside:
Key Takeaways for You -
“The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.” ~ Unknown
“Now is not the time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
📖 Book – Rebuilding Your Life After a Grey Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy → https://amzn.to/4jO9Mm4
💬 SpeakPipe – Have a story of overcoming struggle? Share it with me—I’d love to highlight your journey in a future episode! → https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
What if gratitude could do more than just make you feel good? What if it could actually change the way you live your life, helping you grow stronger, more resilient, and more connected to yourself and others? In this empowering episode of Silver Women, Bright Future, I explore how to harness gratitude as a transformational tool to navigate challenges, rediscover joy, and create a life filled with meaning.
“Gratitude allows us to see what’s possible, even when everything feels impossible.” - Pat
Here’s what’s inside:
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff—it’s about finding the strength and beauty within it. Join me as we discover how this simple yet profound tool can transform your life.
Key Takeaways:
Shift Your Perspective: Learn how gratitude can help you reframe challenges, focusing on growth instead of loss.
Practical Tools for Daily Life: Discover creative and physical ways to build a gratitude habit, like starting a gratitude collage or pairing thankfulness with movement.
Deepen Your Connections: Explore how expressing gratitude to others can strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community.
Are you tired of being your own worst critic? What if you could turn self-doubt into self-discovery?
If you are a woman who has gone through a later-in-life divorce - commonly known as a silver or gray divorce - you may be especially wondering where and how to find your self-worth these days. Hey, the struggle is real…
So there is no better time to develop the art of being gentle with yourself! If you’ve ever felt weighed down by your inner critic or found yourself stuck in a cycle of self-judgment, this conversation is for you.
Together, we’ll explore practical strategies to transform self-criticism into a catalyst for growth, resilience, and self-compassion. You’ll learn how to identify the voice of your inner critic, reframe negative thoughts, and embrace practices that nurture kindness and grace in your everyday life.
Here’s what’s inside: * The truth about your inner critic: Is it protecting you or holding you back? * How to turn self-criticism into self-awareness and moments of personal growth. * The 3 pillars of self-compassion you can start exercising today. * Practical tools to foster self-kindness. * Inspiring reflections to help you rewrite your narrative and treat yourself like your own best ally.
This episode is a compassionate reminder that you are more than your mistakes or self-doubt—you are a resilient, ever-evolving woman capable of greatness.
Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation designed to help you step into this new season of your life with grace, self-love, and courage.
Tune in now and take the first step toward overcoming self-criticism and embracing your brightest future.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
In this insightful episode, Pat explores the nuanced reasons why business owners might reconsider hiring a business coach. While the idea is presented with a touch of humor, the discussion is rooted in significant considerations, including:
Pat also shares personal encounters with business coaches and offers a balanced view on the effectiveness of business coaching, promoting discernment in choosing the right coach. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a business coach or feeling stuck in their entrepreneurial journey.
Connect with Jean Kuhn Business Coach here - https://bit.ly/430wSxR
Please hit that subscribe button and leave a review - thanks so much!
Leave a message for me on Speakpipe -
https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner
Tune in next week for more valuable insights!
I’m throwing a baby shower. And wouldncha know that in this process I came to an “Aha!” moment about life and business?!
If, no when you’re feeling stuck, use these questions and framework to explore your situation, your “stuck-ness”, and - more importantly - how you can get going again!
Important Takeaways:
Key Sections:
Determining how to proceed with a concrete game plan.
Applying the Steps: Practical application of the steps in various scenarios, including personal projects and business endeavors.
Resource mentioned in this episode:
Live Your Values deck (affiliate link)
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Keep in touch!
When you're feeling sick and stuck in bed, maintaining a positive attitude can be particularly challenging, but it's crucial for both your mental and physical recovery. Here are several effective ways to prevent your attitude from spiraling negatively under these circumstances:
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Coming to you today from the vibrant grounds of the Orlando Wyndham during Podfest 2024, and spurred on by the powerful #unmute movement! Pat aims to encourage you to find your voice in various aspects of life, from personal to professional settings.
Takeaways:
Key Sections:
This down-to-earth approach, combined with actionable advice, makes this a must-listen for anyone looking to find their voice and make an impact in their world.
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In this episode, Pat Fenner discusses four reasons why the past year might not have gone as well as you’d have liked. She encourages listeners to reflect on those reasons and offers insights on how to move forward.
Takeaways
Key Sections
2:06 Reason 1: Lethargy
5:15 Reason 2: Bombshell News
6:54 Reason 3: Buying into the Lie
8:53 Reason 4: Not Finding Your Voice
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In 'How Do I Find My Voice?', Pat explores the importance of finding one's voice in both business and life. She acknowledges that some people may struggle with this, especially after facing challenges and feeling worn down. Pat suggests several ways to find one's voice, emphasizing the importance of work-life harmony and finding what works best for oneself.
Important Takeaways
Key Sections
2:20 Chapter 1: Journaling
3:15 Chapter 2: Using Yellow Legal Pads
6:06 Chapter 3: Word of the Year and Vision Boards
7:34 Chapter 4: Identifying Top Five Questions or Topics
9:29 Chapter 5: Conducting Interviews
12:11Chapter 6: Work-Life Harmony
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Welcome to the newly rebranded podcast, Silver Women Bright Future! Your host, Pat Fenner, shares her personal journey of growth and change, including starting a business, getting a divorce, and embracing a new life. She emphasizes the importance of mindset and taking action to move forward, outlining the three main areas of focus for the podcast: business, podcasting, and life lessons. Pat concludes by inviting listeners to engage with the show and share their questions and topics of interest.
Takeaways
Key Sections
1:25 Explanation for the Pause
02:23 Silver Women Bright Future
04:08 The Importance of Mindset
05:07 Three Areas of Focus
10:01 Pivoting or Swizzling
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How’d you do in high school biology?? Yeah, me neither…
I vaguely remember talking about the processes of equilibrium and homeostasis. Still, it wasn’t until I was in counseling a short while ago that I learned they also apply to human relationships and our own psyche!
While they may be healthy in the world of science, when we’re talking about them as a reaction to our growth and change to better mental health, we need to know how to minimize their influence on our own lives.
Perhaps someone in your life is starting to change and act differently. Or are you changing and beginning to realize that you need to act or be somehow different? A healthier you, perhaps?
I’m talking today about the times when you may realize a change is in order and it may not be sitting too well with those around you.
Here are 3 ways to minimize the effects of people’s, um, let’s say “unsupportive” behavior, as YOU are starting to grow and change and move towards health.
Are you trying to accomplish a personal pivot in life? Realizing that there is a healthier way to live - and getting push-back in the process? Then let me encourage you to grab my download "Affirmations to Strengthen my Personal Balance." It’s a collection of Scripture and uplifting quotes to strengthen the “new you” that’s coming about… The link is in the show notes here:
patfenner.me/swbf-podcast/
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
Hey - I can help you get YOUR podcast out so you can "get back to business"! Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me/services
Joni Mitchell returned to the stage at the Newport Jazz Festival this past summer. And what a celebration that was!
She had a brain aneurysm in 2015 (I mistakenly said in the podcast 20 years ago!) and lost the ability to talk, walk, and sing… She had to teach herself, or be taught, how to do all those things all over again.
What a series of transitions that was, am I right?
Tune in as I talk about what her experience - and this oldie but goodie - teaches us about handling life transitions...
Find the complete show notes, along with links mentioned in this episode, here: patfenner.me/both-sides-now/
Let’s be social! Find me on:
Instagram - @patfenner
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And watch snippets of these episodes on YouTube
Journaling enables us to sit still, focus on, and evaluate the issues, attitudes, and actions (or lack thereof) we’re taking in our lives, and consider how they are serving us and our future selves.
In a previous episode, I talked about the messages we tell ourselves. The constant conversations we can have - for good or for bad - that run through our heads each day, perhaps even non-stop throughout the day.
Healthy, productive journal prompts have a way of hard-stopping those conversations when they’re negative and redirecting them to a more positive vein.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
The 12+ journal prompts cover 4 key areas that we need to examine as we’re going through changes in life:
There are no “yes” or “no” answers to them…but there are no wrong answers, either!
Find the complete show notes, along with links mentioned in this episode, here: patfenner.me/journaling-prompts-for-transitions
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
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Hey - I can help you get YOUR podcast out so you can "get back to business"! Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me/services
In this short-but-sweet episode, I'm discussing an easy-peasy way to get moving through change and overcome whatever transition you're in the messy middle of!
Find the complete show notes, along with links mentioned in this episode, here: patfenner.me/little-things/
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
Hey - I can help you get YOUR podcast out so you can "get back to business"! Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me/services
Typically, people think of boundaries as a way to enclose or limit our freedom...but healthy boundaries can actually help us navigate change as we explore new ways of engaging with the world.
In this episode, I'll be discussing:
Also, make sure to pick up the download I mention! The link is in the show notes, which you can access here:
patfenner.me/boundaries-to-navigate-transitions
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me/services
And watch snippets of these episodes on YouTube
Let's face it: transitions are tricky!
But sometimes the best option we have is to start with a clean slate. In today's episode, I'll share
Find the complete show notes, along with links mentioned in this episode, here: patfenner.me/swbf-podcast/
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me/services
Waiting for Superman - I should write a book with that title!
I recently listened to a podcast and this question pretty much grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me awake:
Why are you waiting for Superman when you have your own cape in the closet?
And that's what I'm talking about today...
Find the complete show notes here: patfenner.me/swbf-podcast/
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me/services
And watch snippets of these episodes on YouTube
Missing in action is a term traditionally applied to soldiers unaccounted for in battle. Well, friends, when life feels like a battle to you, there are times we might "go mia", too.
In this episode, I discuss 5 things you can do if you're in that season - don't let it go to waste!
Find the complete show notes here: patfenner.me/swbf-podcast/
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
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Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me
Did you know there are 28 individual life transitions mentioned in that short eight-verse section of the Bible? (And, of course, material for another one of the songs in my life's soundtrack - wink-wink!)
Certainly, friend, that is a LOT of change goin' on there!
Listen to today's episode as I talk about a few of them. And dig into the journal prompts included to get the most out of my discussion for your life's journey...
Find the complete show notes here: patfenner.me/to-everything-there-is-a-season
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me
And watch snippets of these episodes on YouTube
How easy it seems to be for us to point the finger when things happen in life that we don’t like or a relationship goes awry, leaving brokenness and pain and chaos in its wake. We sometimes even point our finger at someone else despite knowing in our heart-of-hearts that it was mostly our fault. But here is how we can be proactive against bitterness, and turn our attitude about the situation, and the person or people involved, around.
Find complete show notes here: patfenner.me/get-better-not-bitter
Links or resources mentioned in this episode:
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me
And watch snippets of these episodes on YouTube
Transitions are full of the unknown. Sometimes change is uncomfortable. And at other times, it’s downright painful.
This episode is for those other times…
I’ll be sharing 4 steps you can start implementing today that will be helpful whenever you eventually do have a life change that is truly difficult at a heart level. Plus, some other helpful resources - and of course, action steps for you to take now!
Find complete show notes here: patfenner.me/when-change-hurts
Links mentioned in this episode
Follow this podcast and download the “Times that Transform” pdf here.
Episode 4 - What Mindfulness Is - and Why You Should Know
Let’s be social! Find me on
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YouTube - https://bit.ly/patfenner/
Website - patfenner.me (Reach out for coaching here as well!)
Some of you may know that I had a major life “redirect” about a year ago. You may be going through something like that today, too! And if you are…this concept of the #whynotyears may be truly transformational. And this episode is for YOU, friend! Find the complete show notes here: patfenner.me/why-not-years/
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me
And watch snippets of these episodes on YouTube
We’re black to wrap up my take on having a lovely day, taken from a snippet of the soundtrack of my life! If you’re just joining me for this episode, you might first want to listen to episode 5, where I give you the “backstory” on this concept. Even if you don’t, DO take a listen to Bill Wither’s song (link below)...and be ready to greet each day with a totally different “spin!”
And be ready to greet - or REgreet - the day with a brand new approach!
Find the complete show notes here: patfenner.me/have-a-lovely-day-part-two Links or resources mentioned in this episode
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me
And watch snippets of these episodes on YouTube
This is another “blast from the past” concept that has helped me through changing times over the years. It stems from an activity I was introduced to during my high school years - and I’m sure many of us have experienced those as turbulent times...
Well, put on your dancing shoes for this episode, and be ready to greet - or REgreet - the day with open arms, no matter what's going on in your life!
Find the complete show notes here: patfenner.me/have-a-lovely-day-part-one Links or resources mentioned in this episode: Bill Withers' "Lovely Day" on YouTube
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me
And watch these episodes on YouTube
Mindfulness is neither hokey nor “magic”, but it can help you as you find your way through a major life change.
In today’s episode, I talk about how practical mindfulness is, and why it should definitely be in your “transition toolkit.” (Believe me, someday you’ll thank me for mentioning this!)
Plus, I share a few questions to journal about as you try this technique out for yourself...
Find the complete show notes here: patfenner.me/mindfulness-can-serve-you/ Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways that you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
YouTube - https://bit.ly/patfenner/
Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me
I miss my grandmother - we called her Baba. Losing her was one of those life transitions that wasn't fun...
She by no means considered herself wise, and yet, this comment she often told me as I was growing up has endured in my head and heart and gotten me through many an anxious crossroads in my life.
Perhaps it will help you, too…
Find the complete show notes here:
patfenner.me/what-baba-used-to-say
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways that you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me
And watch these episodes on YouTube
While we all know that change is inevitable, many times we “didn’t see that coming!”
In this episode, I share two reasons why that could be the case, and a three-step process you can use no matter what the reason is that you were blindsided.
Find the complete show notes here: patfenner.me/didnt-see-that-coming/
Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the “Times that Transform”, here. Discover major life transitions that many women face, and start discovering ways that you can be prepared to tackle them head-on!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
YouTube - https://bit.ly/patfenner/
Reach out and explore working with me here: Website - patfenner.me
To answer that, let’s revisit the definition of “transition”: the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another. Transitions happen over the course of a journey, which involves a process, which takes time.
And since we're all on this earth with plenty of time...guess that means we'll be experiencing plenty of transitions, amIright?!
Transitions provide us with opportunities for two things:
Stretching - Attempting something outside of our comfort zone. A situation that demands or encourages us to try something new, and develop new skills, abilities, behaviors, or mindsets.
Shedding - Discarding any mindsets, habits, or activities that no longer serve us and prevent us from living a healthy life and growing in the future.
Transitions can be:
Given all that…the Strong Women Bright Future podcast is for women who are interested in being preventative, equipped, and empowered to deal with the inevitable transitions in life, using them as positive opportunities, and coming out stronger on the other side.
Are you in?
From Psalm 61 - God can
…proclaim good news to the poor,
…bind up the brokenhearted…proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
…proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor…comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve –
…bestow…the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
Be encouraged…God’s not done with you yet!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
YouTube - https://bit.ly/patfenner/
Website - patfenner.me (Reach out for coaching on here as well!)
The Strong Women Bright Future podcast is for women who need and want to be equipped and empowered to deal with the inevitable transitions in life, using them as positive opportunities and coming out stronger on the other side.
Each week, as your "sherpa", I'll share stories, tips, lessons, and strategies that I've developed over the years that can help you be prepared for - no, crush! - the inevitable transitions you'll face in life.
You can overcome obstacles and find strength through changes, my friend, and I'm here with you on the journey!
Let’s be social! Find me on
Instagram - @patfenner
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pat.fenner1
YouTube - https://bit.ly/patfenner/
Website - Let's work together! - patfenner.me