In this episode of Living in Mid-bloom, I speak with Linda Weeks Di Filippo, a LSW, MSW, and experienced therapist. Linda shares her incredible journey from a career in finance to a deep passion for mental health, working in Community Mental Health and in private practice. We dive into her insights on overcoming trauma, healing from past wounds, and finding the right therapeutic support. Linda also discusses practical advice on finding a therapist, the importance of treatment plans, and how h...

In this episode of Living in Mid-Bloom, I dive into the complex topic of people-pleasing. Together with my guest, Petra van Deijl, we explore why so many of us fall into the habit of putting others before ourselves. From childhood conditioning and fear of conflict to past trauma and guilt, people-pleasing can often feel like a trap that’s hard to escape. But there is hope! We also discuss practical steps to reclaim our sense of self and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships.Three Id...

Hello Mid-bloomers! Experiencing a panic attack can be very frightening. And it can be for many reasons. In my case it's the fear of reaching my dreams and experiencing the joy I deserve. When you grow up in a traumatic environment, you're used to pain, anxiety, and depression. It's the joy that I'm now learning to accept. Have you ever had a panic attack? Did you understand the core reason? ...

Lisa Jo has overcome immense challenges, including childhood violence, severe addictions, and managing Bipolar I and Complex PTSD. With a deep determination to know herself and inspire others, she shares her journey of resilience and hope, showing that even in the darkest times, there are always bright possibilities for the future. Lisa Jo is the Author of THE PIT OF DESPAIR- HOW GOD PRAYER AND THE 12 STEPS SAVED MY LIFE FROM ADDITION.She is the Founder/Mentor Coach of Hell to Happiness ...

How self love can transform the relationship with yourself, loved ones, and finding inner peace.Hello mid-bloomers! I've missed you. We've got a great episode today but I start with an update on where I am emotionally, which is in a much better space. And, I am always grateful.I interviewed Life Coach Alia Jamal who helps professional women unlock their deepest levels of inner peace through self-love. We discuss Alia's background as an immigrant from Pakistan, her journey of self-discov...

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.In this episode, I share my ongoing journey of emotional struggles, self-care, and facing some of my fears. Life can be scary! I talk about the importance of being kind to yourself and taking small steps towards positive change. I also offer encouragement for those going through similar experiences. Chapters00:00 - Navigating Emotional Struggles and Self-Care03:39 - Facing Fears and Finding Strength06:03 - The ...

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.In this conversation, I discuss the theme of external validation and its impact on my personal growth journey. I reflect on my complicated relationship with my late mother, struggles with body image and self-worth, and the importance of focusing on internal healing. I also talk about my podcast and how I created it as a way to support women of a certain age and share their stories. I share my ongoing journey of organizing my hom...

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.Hey everyone. In this episode, I reflect on my journey through friendships and the invaluable lessons I've learned along the way. Join me as I share insights on the importance of setting boundaries, embracing authenticity, and making self-care a priority.I open up about my own experiences with toxic friendships and the pivotal realization that I no longer want to sacrifice my own comfort for the sake of others. Ackno...

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts. In this episode, I share some of my past experiences in dating. I talk about how I used external validation to boost my self-esteem and the profound impact that medication and therapy had on my mental health journey. Looking back, I realize now how I lacked self-awareness during that time.  Through it all, I'm reminded how my curiosity and questioning  myself are key in my personal growth. So, join me as I dive into these...

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts. In this episode, I interview the amazing Jen Hall, Co-Founder of Ambition to Success.  We discussed her time in the military (training to be an air traffic controller), her painful spinal disease, and becoming a successful entrepreneur. We touched on topics such as her addiction to pain medication, and experiencing discrimination as a woman in the military as well in the  health care system.  Jen shared her heartfelt...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with award winning author, Linda Joy Myers. Linda Joy Myers has always been haunted by the power of the past to affect people in the stream of time. She learned about World War II through her grandmother, a passionate Anglophile who would rhapsodize about the unfairness of war. Together they watched stark black and white documentaries about the war when Linda Joy was thirteen, and later this led to a passion about...

In this episode, l discuss my personal journey with body image and self-acceptance. I talk about the teasing by school bullies, the pressure I felt  from society, and my own family to conform to certain beauty standards. I share my experiences of being offered surgery to change my body and the impact it had on my self-esteem. We must emphasize the importance of loving and accepting ourselves regardless of societal expectations. And I encourage you to prioritize self-love and embrace your...

I am excited to announce the launch of  Season Three of of The Living In Mid-Bloom Podcast. In this first episode, I continue sharing my journey of truth and experiences of healing and resilience. As a survivor of childhood abuse, I've found solace and strength in opening up about my journey, and I'm committed to providing a platform for others to do the same. Through heartfelt reflections, personal anecdotes, and insights gained along the way, I aim to foster a community of support and...

Hi Mid-Bloomers! Thanks for joining me for part two of my interview with Beth Tyson. Beth and I continue our conversation beginning with therapy; finding a therapist and determining, among many factors, if they are properly licensed. We also discuss; An amazing organization called Connect Our Kids.Children aging out of the foster care system. Her children's book A Grandfamily for Sullivan. It is a tender-hearted story about a child’s experience as he travels through the grief and trauma of...

Hello Mid-Bloomers!    My special guest for the next two episodes is Beth Tyson. Beth is the founder of Beth Tyson Trauma Consulting, LLC, is a sought after public speaker, and, author. I connected with Beth after reading some of her posts on LinkedIn. They focused on the support of children who have experienced trauma. Beth's wealth of knowledge and compassionate approach make her an exceptional guest for my podcast.  Her commitment to advocating for children who have experienced trauma...

Hi Mid-Bloomers! Thanks for joining me for part two of my interview with Michelle Hill.   I am super excited to report that her new book, The Heart Swindler – Reclaim Your Heart and Stop Falling for Liars, Losers, and Lunatics highlights was released November 16th.  Michelle shares stories of women who are survivors of romance scams with these self-important and non-empathic individuals. Today Michelle and I discuss her experiences with these a--holes (pardon my French!) and the havoc...

Hello Mid-Bloomers!  On this episode I asked a few friends about their thoughts on Thanksgiving and I share when I was a Hindu one Thanksgiving, i.e. "not eating meat."  I know, right!? This is my favorite time of the year.  There's a chill in the air, breezy with colorful leaves twirling around. Remember Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving with toast and jelly beans?  I watch it every year and it never gets old. My mom used to cook up a storm with homemade dressing made with stale bread,...

Hi Mid-Bloomers!   On today's episode, we have a remarkable guest, Michelle Hill, who is the embodiment of resilience and creativity. Michelle's journey through life has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born into what appeared to be a typical family, she faced challenges that would shape her into the person she is today. Early Life and Challenges: Michelle's childhood might have seemed ordinary on the surface, but a strained relationship with her mother became a defining chapter of her...

Hello Mid-Bloomers! Sooo grateful you're back to hear the rest of my interview with Petra.  She is such a naturally warm and empathetic soul.  She encourages everyone to tap into their own personal power. In this episode we talk about the breath work she does and how trauma can affect your physical and mental health. "When we coordinate our senses,  an amazing shift happens. Our breath is our life force and when we use the breath in an empowering way, we are able to expand our...

Welcome Mid-Bloomers to Season Two! My special guest for the first two episodes is Petra van Deijl. Petra  is an International Certified Life Coach & Breath Work Practitioner, and,  works with clients from all over the world. Petra specializes in addressing narcissistic and emotional abuse within seemingly loving relationships. Petra  and I both openly share our personal experiences with narcissists.  How they impacted our lives but ultimately we took back control and found ourselves...

Hey Mid-Bloomers! Winter is coming....well it is, but, actually  Season Two is coming next week!  As I've mentioned my first guest of the season will be Petra van Deijl;  a life coach based in the Netherlands. Petra specializes in addressing narcissistic and emotional abuse within seemingly loving relationships. You will fall in love with Petra's natural warmth as she shares and listens with an open heart. On today's episode I talk about fall, gum balls, Halloween, comfy sweaters, and,...

Hey Mid-Bloomers!  In this episode I share how I'm feeling sooooo much better! I chose ME and my health has become a priority. I know that having my TIA (transient ischemic attack) was instrumental in this decision. I would still be eating crap, crossing my fingers and hedging my bets with God. So he gave me a little wake up call. I'm awake!!   HAIKU Farewell, pizza love, Health beckons, pizza waits—argh! Greens dance, I embrace. I'm also happy to share that Season Two launches on Wednesday,...

The Numbing Game - How I use food to make the great escape from reality."Yes; I'd like to order 2 large pepperoni. Right; is that enough for five people? Ok, and a side of cheesy bread and a liter of coke." So this method allows me to avoid the appearance of ordering all of this just for me. I don't want a liter of coke but I figure if I order 1 can it will give my shameful secret away. Valerie Bertinelli and her weight loss journey is much like mine                   Healing                ...

Recently, I had a life-altering experience when I suffered a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack). My heartfelt gratitude goes to the swift response of the medical professionals who took me to the hospital by ambulance, the doctors and nurses in the ER, and once in my room, the doctors, nurses, and medical techs that took good care of me. During that time, I experienced high blood pressure, numbness on my left side, and garbled speech. Fortunately, these symptoms lasted no more than three...