Today we're speaking with counsellor and therapist Pettina Stanghon about dealing with the challenges and crisis moments in our life's journey. Pettina, introduces concepts and ideas like radical acceptance, and we delve into the depths of understanding what it means to be human. Key Headings: 1. Radical Acceptance: Embracing life's experiences. Pettina opens the conversation with the concept of radical acceptance, encouraging us to embrace the full range of human experiences and emotions. 2. Navigating Crisis for Transformation Crisis is discussed as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. We explore how challenges can lead to positive change. 3. Evolving Needs: What Worked in Our 20s and 30s Pettina highlights how our needs and desires change as we age, and what worked in our younger years may not serve us well later in life. 4. Unveiling the Shadow Self The concept of our shadow self is discussed and Pettina emphasises the importance of acknowledging and working with it. 5. The Role of Biology and Its Impact Our biological makeup greatly influences our behaviors and experiences. We examine how understanding our biology can lead to personal growth. 6. Navigating Trauma and Its Effects Pettina discusses the lasting impact of trauma and the potential for healing. 7. Addressing Addiction: A Sign of Strength The conversation touches upon the complex issue of addiction, highlighting that seeking help is a courageous and positive step. 8. Hormones, Accountability, and Inflammation We explore how hormones, accountability, and inflammation play significant roles in our lives. 9. Doing a Life Audit: Removing What No Longer Serves You Sometimes, taking stock of life and removing elements that no longer serve us is essential for growth and well-being. This podcast episode provides a deep dive into the intricacies of the human experience. Pettina offers valuable insights, encouraging radical acceptance, addressing trauma, and highlighting the potential for transformation and growth. Whether you're looking to navigate life's challenges or simply gain a better understanding of yourself, this episode is a must-listen. Join us for an illuminating conversation on what it truly means to be human.  The Aging Project Podcast delivers weekly interviews to educate, inspire and connect us all. Let’s age well, together. WANT TO JOIN THE AGING PROJECT COMMUNITY? If you’re ready to get started on making the rest of your life the best of your life, please join our community. www.theagingproject.com.au WANT TO CONNECT ON THE AGING PROJECT SOCIALS? https://www.instagram.com/theagingproject/ https://www.facebook.com/theagingproject WANT TO CONNECT WITH PETTINA STANGHON? https://www.pettinastanghon.com.au/ https://www.pettinastanghon.com.au/  DID YOU LOVE THIS INTERVIEW? If you found this interview interesting, helpful, entertaining or inspiring, we need your reviews and shares!! Great reviews will enable us to keep creating amazing content to help us all age well – so, if you liked what you heard, we would be so grateful if you took a few seconds to submit a review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. We read every review, and will feature the best ones on our socials! YOU MUST TRY IT! Our sister site, ‘You Must Try It’, is here to make shopping for yourself easy again, with a carefully selected range of health, beauty, and lifestyle products. No confusion, no overwhelm – just the good stuff! www.youmusttryit.com https://www.instagram.com/youmusttryit/ GOT FEEDBACK? WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you’ve got feedback or a burning question, please send it to us at [email protected] CREDITS: Host and Co-founder: Shelley Craft Producer and Co-founder: Amanda Attwood, founder of The Aging Project