Midlife Awakening: Recent Episodes
Katherine Lyons
Tired of feeling overwhelmed and full of mom-guilt? As a do-it-all mom, I have struggled to manage all of the planning, prepping and problem solving. Spreading myself too thin, I felt depleted when it came to supporting the needs of my children & myself!! NOW, I am ready to share what I have learned about managing perfectionism & anxiety so we can tune into ourselves, feel empowered by intention/purpose & reconnect with the passion that first brought us to parenting! Join me as we discover tools to calm the overwhelm, foster connection with our kids, and find fulfilment in this beautiful life!
For this episode, we welcome yoga teacher, artist, singer, and songwriter, Jennifer Karma. Jennifer started her online yoga studio, "Zenn with Jenn" in 2022 and is on a mission to help women naturally decrease stress and anxiety while gaining strength, flexibility, mobility, and boosting mood and confidence-- All from the comfort of home. She’s become a leading business coach for yoga teachers and wellness professionals who want to build their online businesses, and create their own schedule working from anywhere they call home. Listen in as we chat about goals, movement, intention and healing AND how these topics take on new meaning as we move toward mid-life. Join Jenn's amazing fb community, Instagram community, and check out her offering to yoga teachers and wellness professionals here!!
It has been one year since the Midlife Awakening podcast was born!In this episode, I share a few things we can all learn from following our hearts and taking a leap, even when perfectionism and imposter syndrome are staring us in the face.How can we quiet the inner critic to live in alignment with our truest self and values?? Listen in to hear life lessons from the past year. Spoiler alert- they go much further than podcasting!!I am truly grateful to you, listener, for being here and I look forward to another year of discovery. So grateful to be on this journey together. Until next time, take care.
This week, we welcome Rory Kinsella, Vedic Meditation teacher and sober coach based in Sydney, Australia. A former hard-drinking musician and journalist, he quit alcohol in 2017 and has written widely about his experiences, including in the Sydney Morning Herald. He is the creator of the Wise Monkey Way online program to help people change their relationship with alcohol through meditation, has contributed meditations to apps such as Insight Timer and Meditation Studio, and has taught meditation at some of Australia’s biggest companies.In this episode, we talk about his effortless style of teaching meditation using a mantra that allows the mind to move beyond thoughts to a place of stillness within. The Wise Monkey Way.A Perfectionist's Guide to Stress-Free Meditation - free download.100 Days to Sober Freedomhttps://www.wisemonkeyway.com/soberBali sober yoga and meditation retreathttps://www.wisemonkeyway.com/bali
Jane-Marie is a Coach for Highly Sensitive Persons. Her coaching approach is a fusion of ancient practices and energy work which support HSPs to unlock their inner truth and authenticity. This allows the highly sensitive person to trust their intuition which brings calm and balance to their lives. Ultimately, it allows HSPs to live in equanimity within themselves and the world around them. Jane-Marie has been working in the field of holistic wellness for over 10 + years as a trained holistic wellness coach, Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga instructor. She believes in raising awareness for HSPs and the power of social change through community, which she does through her podcast The HSP Way.Listen in to learn what it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person / Child and how we can be more inclusive as a society. Join her community @thehspway and check out hersignature program for Highly Sensitive People who are ready to connect with their intuition and trust their inner power. It is 3 month Program with advanced mindfulness practices, meditations and energy work so that you build trust with your intuition and live in the power of your sensitivity.Thank you, Jane-Marie, for your work, and all you shared with us in this episode!
For years I knew something was wrong. Way too many interactions with my children left me feeling regretful. All too often we began or ended our days with tears. I wasn't showing up as a parent in the way I imagined I would. What played out in our house day after day was not what was on my heart. I felt guilty, ashamed, hopeless, and scared.
In this episode, I share my experience and how I have managed to make extraordinary gains. (It is possible for YOU too!)
I hope this episode brings new possibility for you and your family.
As mentioned in this episode, check out Ep. 9 for more on what I like to call "the parenting pause."
And here are the links to find favorite experts:
Michelle Kenney of Peace and Parenting- Check out her Podcast and grab her book, "Unpunished." Dr. Becky of The Good Inside and Dr. Shefali of The Conscious Parent and online yoga instructor and business coach for aspiring online wellness coaches, Zenn with Jenn.
These brave and insightful professionals have unknowingly helped me to create real change in our relationships and our household. I will be eternally grateful for their work and hope you find them as supportive in your journey as I have in mine.
OH -- AND YOUR INVITATION-- As, shared in this episode, please do reach out and support me as I work toward my certification for Immersive Meditation. To take advantage of a FREE meditation experience simply dm me at @kathylyonscoaching
Ps. There is so much angst and stigma around meditation. I assure you, there is no wrong way to meditate. Message me to chat about this further. I would be so grateful!
As always, thank you for being here.
"The awareness IS the enlightenment," says Enneagram Coach, Voice Coach, mom of three, and beautiful soul, Anna Everhart.In this conversation, Anna shared so much about how this tool aids us in getting to know our core motivations and fears. She runs through each Enneagram number and helps us understand how our number allows us to see the world, and act, in very specific ways. She also shares what each type "longs to hear," which can be extremely validating- and empowering! Anna reminds us that the Enneagram is not something we want to become- it is something we want to remember as we move through this beautiful life!If you are curious about your Enneagram, Anna suggested this site: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ (Listeners may enjoy taking the quiz before listening to this episode!)Interested in learning MORE about your type? Here you go-- http://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/AND meet Anna here: @wanted_and_loved and herehttps://annaeverhart.wixsite.com/enneagramcoachingwitShe has created a special offer for our listeners!
Have you ever felt like you are in a bit of a limbo? Not quite sure of where you are headed but also feeling like you are on the right track?That is where I am right now. This place of not achieving, striving or doing. Instead, internalizing, embodying, and trusting. And it takes patience. It is it's own type of "work." I thank you for being a witness to my experience and I wonder if you see yourself in my story. Thank you for listening.
Where is your energy going?
Are you consciously choosing where you want it to go?
Is your energy being spent in a way that fills you up?
Or is it going in the direction of the "shoulds" or "need-to's?"
AND, perhaps most importantly, what are the beliefs buried under how we spend our energy? Are these beliefs developed as coping mechanisms or might they even be inherited and we are living them out in an unconscious manner??
In this episode, I ponder all of the above and make the not-so-easy decision to put my energy back into myself and my family. MY life. It just feels right. Not selfish. Not the easy way out. Just the path I am being called down at the moment.
So, I challenge you to give it some thought- what path are you walking down currently and is it bringing you true joy??Further, looking ahead, does this path lead to your desired destination? Or, is it actually taking you off-course from what truly lights you up?
How often do we let our children drive the conversation? I could definitely be doing this more. And on this episode, I actually did.
Listen in as my daughter shares some of her thoughts, opinions, and points of view. She also shares the fact that she understands mine.Maybe our kids "get us" a little bit more than they let on on a daily basis. And speaking of daily basis, maybe we can make a daily effort to go easier on ourselves. Less regret, more acceptance. Less negative self-talk, more affirmation and self-love. Just like we give to those we love...Enjoy this episode with myself and Macey- as you will hear, she definitely enjoyed recording!!! Oh, and check out parent coach Michelle Kinney @peaceandparenting for some incredible insights and guidance. Her book, "Unpunished," and the Peace and Parenting Podcast has changed the trajectory of our family dynamics and relationships. Thank you, Michelle. I could not be more grateful. And thank YOU for being here. I hope you enjoy this episode.
We can't always be looking at the world through rose colored glasses. In this episode, I am definitely not. During this time of "giving thanks," I was feeling pretty blah, if I'm honest. I had originally planned an episode on gratitude and appreciation, but was not feeling it when it came time to record. This is what came out instead. I hope you can relate. If this episode speaks to you, please message me on Instagram or FB @kathylyonscoaching. I would love to hear from you.
Go outside. BREATHE the air. Feel the sun. Get lost in the waves.That all sounds great (and feels great too). But what when we literally can't be close to nature??In this episode, I've shared some of my favorite ways to get grounded and centered in the midst of overwhelm. All of them will get you feeling close to nature, even if you can't be.I would love to hear your favorites!! Reach out @kathylyonscoaching on Facebook and Instagram. Thank you for listening and enjoy this episode.
Is consistency really THE "key??"Working toward our goals each and every day will, in fact, impact achievement... and that is great... BUT is all the stress, striving, and sacrificing worth the stress??Can we instead be consistently aligning to what is on our heart? In allowing the "shoulds" to fall away and our heart to guide us, will we actually find fulfillment and joy in each day??This podcaster says YES! Take a listen and then share your point of view- please reach out on IG @kathylyonscoaching. I would love to hear your thoughts!!And as always, thank you for listening.
How are therapy and coaching different from one another and what do they share?
Whether you have been in therapy, hired a coach (or neither) this episode will help to draw some lines between these two worlds as well as shine a light on the places that overlap.
Listen in to learn how both therapy and coaching serve us well!
I invite you to visit the link in bio at https://www.instagram.com/kathylyonscoaching/ and book your complimentary coaching session today!
The coaches mentioned in this episode, whom I ADORE, APPRECIATE and ADMIRE, are:
https://www.instagram.com/iamjo.ingram/ (Energetic Business Coach)
https://www.instagram.com/lindsaysmithcreative/ (Copywriter and Content Pro)
https://www.instagram.com/drjomana_mindsetcoach/ (Empowerment and Confidence Coach)
https://www.instagram.com/andreaheymannutrition/ (Emotional Eating & Anti Diet Nutrition Coach)
The last episode discussed all the things we can let go of... rigid plans, perfectionism ideals we have for our children and our homes, as well as expectations we hold for ourselves.
If this sounds easier said than done, this Part 2 aims to share how exactly we can begin to do this.
HOW do we wade through the pressure we may feel from others and overcome the guilt in order to welcome SPACIOUSNESS and JOY??
Listen in and begin welcoming the relief that comes from letting go.
Here are the links promised in this episode--
My new favorite meditation, "Morning Mini's: Letting Go"
by Sarah Robinson: https://insighttimer.com/sarah.robinson/guided-meditations/morning-mini-letting-go
"More Calm Mom" Complimentary Call: https://kathylyonscoaching.com/new-meeting/bc80d8df-81dc-49b5-b1f9-740fb9429bd0
Details on the "Peace Practice Package": https://kathylyonscoaching.com/new-bundle/7e707a96-82c1-4a57-8414-76e146437fcd
You will be so glad to have invested in yourself- and your family with thank you! Xx
And I THANK YOU for listening!!!
We are trying to BE "our best."We are trying to DO "our best."But in striving for all of these ideals, we bring on more anxiety and overwhelm. Not only for ourselves, but to those we love.So, in what areas can we let go of the perfectionism and people-pleasing that keeps us feeling under pressure and bogged-down??Listen in to hear some possibilities for releasing- so our days feel lighter and brighter!! I'm so glad you are here...
Here's the thing-- WE CAN'T KEEP CALM ALL THE TIME. We just can't.
And we're not supposed to!
We can try to keep our cool--- we can take a breath, count backwards, walk away and give everyone a chance to calm down...
But sometimes, we just can't. And we should have to.
Being real and raw and dysregulated is part of being human, and our kids need to see this- especially how we recover from it!
Listen in to hear how our yelling fits and meltdowns can actually serve us well in the parenting space.
When we take an action or make a statement we truly regret, we can take a look inside, recognize where we went off track, and offer a sincere apology.
But what happens when the apology is not accepted?
When we are not granted forgiveness, it helps to remind ourselves that we can only keep our own side of the street clean.
AND, there's one more very important piece...
Listen in to gain some insight and peace around the messy reality of making mistakes and moving forward.
"Just do your best!"
This is what we tell ourselves, our children, our students.
But this mindset of always "doing our best" can leave us feeling inadequate, overwhelmed and even burnt-out.
We cannot give our best to everything, all of the time. In order avoid setting ourselves up for failure, it is important to ensure our energy and action is aligned with our current priorities and intentions.
How do we do this, you ask?? Take a listen!
And as shared in this episode, DM the word "peace" to @kathylyonscoaching to claim your complimentary call and begin developing your personal peace practice! If you'd like to go straight to the link, here it is! https://kathylyonscoaching.com/new-meeting/bc80d8df-81dc-49b5-b1f9-740fb9429bd0
Sifting through the disheveled and nearly depleted racks and shelves, while glancing back and forth at the list of "necessities," is enough to drive anyone crazy.
Add in crowds of shoppers, arguing siblings, an open-wound injury involving a shopping cart (of all things!), and the nervous-excited energy of returning to school and we can easily be pushed to the breaking point.
Listen in as I share about our back-to-school shopping experience and how to stay calm in the midst of the chaos.
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for rating, reviewing, and sharing. You are helping me reach more moms like us and I could not be more grateful!!
As mentioned in this episode, grab your 30 minute More Calm Mom - Complimentary Call.
On this quick call you will discover:
- What’s really stopping you from being consistently calm in the midst of chaos
- How to create peace in the moment and respond without reacting
- The key to better connection with yourself, your kids and the joy you want most
- BONUS: Personal recommended Peace Practice you can begin immediately!!
If you are looking to go from "losing it" (yep, I get it 🙄) to loving your family life, book this free call to immediately experience the shift within yourself that results in more PEACE in PARENTING and JOY & EASE in each day. 💖
I look forward to connecting with you!!
Have you ever gone away on vacation, had a great time... feeling like you are rested... re-energized by some excitement...
And then you get back, and BAM- you are hit with that Post Vacation Dip!
Those few days when life just feels overwhelming and you don't know how you will ever manage getting back to “the grind?”
If you can relate, then you too have experienced the post vacation blues.
Or, if you are a teacher, like myself, perhaps you have been on summer vacation and know how difficult it can be to go from taking care of the to-do’s on your own time to waiting for the right bell to be able to visit the bathroom.
This literal change of pace can cause some serious blues. Listen to this episode if you are looking to ease back into a more scheduled day with less lament and more space for things that bring us joy.
As moms and professionals, it feels like we are endlessly giving of our time and energy.
Krystal Mills is a Teacher of 18 years and now also a Life Coach for Teachers!!
She truly understands the struggle of unwavering dedication to your profession, coming home with energy to give to your family- and having enough left for yourself. Krystal helps moms to break the cycle of work-mom-sleep-repeat. She helps moms make time for more of the things that they truly want to do thereby creating a life that truly feels good living!
Take a listen to our conversation on redefining your values, revamping our mindset, and reclaiming our time.
Go to https://www.krystalmillscoaching.com/ to download her discovery guide to banish the Sunday Scaries and be sure to join her Instagram community here.
Do you feel like you tend to "over-share?" What exactly is "tmi" and how much is too much? This host believes sharing the more intimate thoughts and details of our experience as moms helps others who may be going through a similar experience. Listen to this episode if you would like to feel a bit better about sharing your experiences, uncertainties, and failures. To all you over-sharers- keep it up. We appreciate you! As mentioned in this episode, join the private Facebook group, Moms Being Real about Anxiety and Overwhelm here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/665217232134609/?ref=share_group_link
Maggie Brittain is a mom of four and understands how overwhelming the clutter can be AND how overwhelming it can be to begin decluttering!!! Her mindset around the topic-- "It is a journey, not a destination." As a mom and professional organizer, Maggie knows first-hand the importance of creating clutter-free and organized spaces to help simplify our everyday journey through life and motherhood. Through mindset shifts and actionable steps, she helps homeowners achieve confidence in the letting-go and creating order so there is more room for what matters most! AND she gets how difficult the process can be for us do-it-all, perfectionist, anxiety experiencing moms!!! Tune into this episode of Midlife Awakening to quell the overwhelm and hear her actionable advice! Follow Maggie @chesterfieldorganizingco and grab her 4 Steps to Getting Organized here! Also, tune into her podcast "Mind Your Clutter" for more amazing, relatable advice on this topic.
Anxiety often comes on suddenly. This leaves many of us feeling ill prepared and alone. In this episode, I share my typical experience with an anxiety episode and some of the unconventional ways I allow myself to move through it. I invite you to join my Facebook group- "Moms Being Real about Anxiety and Overwhelm." Inside this community, we will support each other without judgment. Request to join this private group.
Content Warning: This episode discusses symptoms of anxiety and possible avenues to feel relief. This advice is not a substitute for professional care. The content in this episode may be triggering to some individuals.
I had the pleasure of speaking with teacher and coach, Krystal Mills, on how to begin a meditation practice and how a small practice can reach so many facets of our lives. Thank you so much, Krystal, for inviting me to have a LIVE conversation in front of your audience on Instagram.
In this episode, Krystal is curious about how I started my practice and why so many of us believe this is difficult to do. I share my simple tips for beginning a no-fail practice and give ideas to easily get started right now. (Download my free guide here.)
In the second half of the episode, I share a little bit about how meditation is a pivotal piece of my coaching framework and why it brings the most remarkable results. Sign up for a complimentary consultation here. I can't wait to learn about your goals and share how I can support you!
Please visit Krystal Mills @lessons_fromthemiddle on Instagram to learn more about how she helps teachers take back their nights and weekends!
Releasing the need to be liked by others readies us to receive more blessings in this life.
This episode is an example of how a typical anxiety producing situation (in this case, being late) can lead to self-acceptance and self-love. We have the power to determine which energy we bring to a situation. If we choose to bring a beautiful energy, we can be ready to welcome more beautiful experiences into our lives. Be sure to check out @fitbymarina_cycleandcryo and all that she has to offer!! She is truly an empowering and beautiful soul.
We do not want compliance if it means a surrendering of spirit. We do not want obedience if it means abandoning authentic needs. We DO want our children to feel seen, heard, and accepted without judgment. We DO want to be that safe space for them. But balancing all of this can feel impossible. Listen in, as I discuss how difficult it can be to prioritize connection with spirit- but how worthwhile the endeavor. Even if we can only manage it half the time! :)
This episode is dedicated to my BFF, Nora Falvey, and her beautiful new baby, Lana Love. 🤍
Does life sometimes feel out of control? As a parents, professionals and plain old people, we can't stand this feeling. And this makes sense. Our internal systems are designed to keep us safe and alive. But what we really want in this life is to thrive! In this episode, we dive into how we can harness our personal power to live our days in alignment and joy. IT IS POSSIBLE to release control, tap into self-awareness, and take back our personal power. And it just might be easier than we think. Listen in!
In the midst of overwhelm and anxiety, the last thing we want is something that feels like more work!
This is why I want to share these THREE EASY WAYS to get grounded quickly, with minimal effort. Take a listen to hear these simple tools I keep in my back pocket for when the tasks and the world itself feel like too much. When I want to feel more in control, steady, confident, grounded.
I hope sharing this helps you find immediate relief the next time it all just feels like too much and the anxiety takes over.
And please visit me @kathylyonscoaching for helpful posts and to connect and share how these worked for you.
I wish you the absolute best while on this journey and I am so grateful you are here!
P.S. As promised in this episode, here is link to the "Moving Past Morning Overwhelm" workshop. https://pensight.com/x/kathylyonscoaching/new-meeting/151801d7-a62d-4be6-ae5c-e0d55781634c
Be more assertive.
This is a goal for many of us moms... for many of us women.
If we can take a sec, we might come to realize the difficulty with this lies in our younger parts. These parts carry memories and feelings from our past and surface in modern day situations. It is a default mode that comes with being human, but do have the power to be stronger in this area.
In this episode, I share about a situation that left me ruminating for days. Listen in to discover what these instances can help us learn about ourselves and the positive ripple effect this can have within our families. Join me, as we leave the "people-pleaser" behind and wade into becoming more assertive.
So glad you are here!
Do you feel like you are about to just lose it countless times a day?
Who can blame us? Each day, as a mom, is wrought with so many stressful interactions and situations. We receive pushback from our kids almost constantly- it feels near impossible to keep our cool.
This episode is about finding what I like to call " the parenting pause." We DO have the ability to pause. We do have the ability to understand what is happening in the brain during these moments of high tension, non-compliance, and on-the-floor tantrums. We can connect with our center, feel grounded and calm and release the notion that we are supposed to have all the answers. Listen in to hear my number one tip on staying calm when our kids have pushed us too far.
In this episode, you will also hear some of my favorite insights gleaned from Michelle Kinney, from the Peace and Parenting Podcast. Check out her Instagram here and podcast here. Definitely worth tuning in!!!
The book I referred to on the inner child and conscious parenting is "The Conscious Parent- Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children" by Shefali Tsabary. Worth every minute and enlightens the spirit!
Seeking support can really be like a vacuum- if you know what I mean!?!
As moms, we are often in a constant cycle of seeking support for our child(ren). It can bring up all sorts of feelings and insecurities. In this episode, I discuss a few things that come up for me each time I need to get back on the horse and advocate for the support my children need- and deserve!
I share how attachment and emotions can get in the way of the outcome we are trying to attain and how we can move past this to actually get the results we desire for our children- WHILE living happily!!
Take a listen. And thank you for being here!
In this episode, I discuss my recent dabbles with ENERGY WORK and how it can bring awareness to unexpected parts of our lives.
Listen in to gain an understanding of the ways our personal sense of security and stability can come into play on the daily. It can also affect the way we show up as parents and inform the words we choose.
Certainly not an expert here, but no need for that- you, too, can begin to move energy and bring change to your life. Find out how simple it is to begin.
Do you struggle to set boundaries around your personal energy? In this episode, I share what I've discovered regarding identifying when and how our energy is drained, what we can do when we feel triggered, and how it's never to late to re-evaluate our values around parenting and protecting our personal energy.
As shared in this episode, here is the link to join my email list and receive my Top 3 Tips for Beginning a Fail-Proof Meditation Practice! Please let me know how you like it!
Also- here is the link to my 5 Part Series running the month of May: "Demystifying Meditation for Moms" Use code "Mom15" for 15% the month of March!
What on Earth is an "energetic intention?" When my coach asked me about my "energetic intention" for the new year, I froze.
All of the parts of me that protect me went on high alert. This felt like unfamiliar territory. And then, just like that, came the clarity.
In this episode, I share my "energetic intention for 2023" and give some prompts for you to set yours.
What energy do we want to share in 2023? What energy do we want to receive? What frequency are we going to calibrate at so that we ensure we are lit up each day and feeling steady and ready to honor ourselves, our spirit... To be able to parent from a place of peace and assuredness?
I hope this episode inspires you to set an energetic intention. Instead of a New Year's resolution, we can ponder on, "how do we want to feel in the year ahead??"
And if you the idea of an "energetic business coach" appeals to you, as it did me, please do check out Johanna @iamjo.ingram for her work on magnetic brand messaging. I promise- the experience brings so much more than brand messaging. For me, it brought me home to myself- thank you Jo. This episode is dedicated to you and your beautiful work!
I would imagine that most of us feel frustration on a daily basis. Little things, that irk or annoy us... But sometimes, there is that frustration that is so BIG that we cannot shake it. It can last for days and make us feel out of control. It can put a cloud over us and render us uncertain even leave us feeling helpless as parents. In this episode, I share how one single yoga session brought me to an understanding about the frustration I was carrying. It gave me a window into the true cause of my frustration. It gave me my power back. I felt ready to muster up and go again. That is what we moms (and teachers!) do after all, isn't it? :)
Check out @zennwithjenn for a glimpse of her work. She has built a beautiful community and I am so grateful to be a part of it.
If you enjoy this episode- please reach out @kathylyonscoaching and let me know your thoughts!
Until next time, take care!
Uncertainty and certainty all wrapped up in one here! This episode is "stream of consciousness" messy thought around being good enough- right now. I hope it speaks to you and encourages each of us to see ourselves in a softer light, give ourselves more grace, and love ourselves AS WE ARE right now.
If sitting down and attempting to calm your mind sounds like an impossible ask and an enormous waste of time, perhaps this episode is for you. Take a listen as I share some of the ways meditation has allowed me to stay aligned with myself, gain clarity around true priorities, and watch stressors fall away. I hope you find this episode inspiring and I thank you for being here!
This episode is an introduction of myself and my recent journey with my business and meditation. I talk a little bit about my family life, my career, my coaching, and the unexpected changes meditation has brought to it all. Thank you for listening!