As I navigated the waves of midlife, I found myself shedding the layers of a people-pleaser, much like the leaves fall from the trees in autumn. It's a transformation that many women can relate to, and it's exactly why I invited Sara Fisk, the voice behind the Ex-Good Girl Podcast, to join me in a heart-to-heart conversation about this significant phase of life. 

We explored the often rocky terrain of midlife and women's health, discussing how to practice self-care authentically and how to deal with the sometimes dismissive medical community when it comes to menopause. Our chat brought to light the need for self-awareness as we navigate the societal shifts and personal changes that come with this stage in life.

Our relationship with food is as complex as the most intricate of dances, and Sara and I took a moment to step into the rhythm of this topic. We shared our personal stories, revealing the cultural pressures that have shaped our views on food and body image. 

Through our conversation, it became evident that our dietary choices are reflections of how we care for ourselves, and we should make them based on our satisfaction, not on the desire to conform to external expectations. We peeled back the layers of emotion that often accompany our eating habits, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries for a balanced and mindful approach to both our plates and our feelings.

Wrapping up our heartfelt dialogue, we turned our attention to the power of self-advocacy and the critical role of embracing personal desires when it comes to our health and wellness. Sara and I underscored the importance of having a supportive community, especially as we face the challenges and transitions of midlife. 

We shared how coaching can serve as a guiding light through these times, offering encouragement and a space for celebrating personal victories. Leaving our listeners with gratitude, we hoped to inspire and support everyone on their unique journeys toward health and self-discovery.

About Sara Fisk

Sara Bybee Fisk is a Master Certified Coach and Instructor who teaches women how to tame the rampant people-pleasing, perfectionism, and codependency that is causing them so much frustration and resentment. 

She is an anxious optimist and born-again feminist who listens to more books than she sits down to read. She loves a good hike, good dark chocolate, and good conversations. 

Her big dreams include learning to sail and to sing and dance like JLo and helping thousands of women create the big, juicy lives they want to be living. She is a wife and mom of 5 and she enjoys those roles most of the time. 

Chapter Summaries

Navigating Midlife and Women's Health (0:00:03) 

Midlife, self-care, and breaking free from people-pleasing habits are discussed, along with the transformative potential of this life phase.

Developing a Healthy Relationship With Food (0:14:03)

Food, love, and body image are intertwined in our culture, influenced by societal pressures and misconceptions about labeling foods.

The Relationship Between Food and Emotions (0:18:10) 

Nature's impact on our emotional well-being, setting boundaries with food and people, and the journey towards self-awareness.

Exploring Self-Awareness and Embracing Personal Desires (0:28:48)

Self-compassion, body acceptance, and setting boundaries for personal empowerment about food and emotions.

The Importance of Self-Identity and Self-Care (0:36:16) 

Midlife transitions for women involve identity crisis, societal pressures, and the importance of self-love and setting boundaries.

Exploring Relationships and Midlife Health (0:42:05)

Nature's impact on self-advocacy, people-pleasing, and food in midlife transitions, and the importance of boundaries, self-care, and asking for help.

Supporting Health and Wellness Goals (0:48:50)

Prioritizing health, having a support system, and the benefits of coaching for achieving dreams and tackling challenges.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/160