Mindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife

In this first official episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast (formerly known as the Mindful Career Change), host Valerie Mekki, a career change guide and mindfulness enthusiast, delves deep into the art of thriving during mid-life's unique challenges. Turning 45 herself, Valerie introduces the concept of the 'Rubber Band Era'—a time when individuals are stretched by responsibilities yet possess the remarkable ability to bounce back with resilience and wisdom. Discover how to navigate the complexities of caregiving, career shifts, and personal transformations with grace, leveraging your life experiences as a source of strength.

Dive into actionable strategies designed to enhance your resilience, flexibility, and durability. From incorporating movement into your daily routine to adopting mindfulness practices that fortify mental and emotional resilience, Valerie offers a comprehensive guide to redefining mid-life. Learn how setting strategic boundaries can protect your energy and focus, allowing you to maintain your well-being amidst life’s relentless pace. Join us on the Mindful Life Changes podcast for an episode packed with insightful reflections, practical advice, and the motivation to level up your life, proving it’s possible to stretch without breaking and emerge stronger than ever.
Show Notes and Timestamps

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[00:00:00] Start

[00:00:08] Intro.

[00:01:05] We changed our name to the Mindful Life Changes podcast

[00:02:00] Mindfulness goes beyond career transitions

[00:02:51] We are not the ''Sandwich Generation''

[00:04:13] 'Rubber Band Era' explained

[00:04:27] However, can you ever be stretched too thin?

[00:05:29] Seeking reinforcements or lighten the burden

[00:07:28] Transform into a resilient and durable rubber band

[00:08:48] Start of affirmation

[00:11:57] End of affirmation

[00:12:43] How to make your affirmation S.T.I.C.K.Y

[00:14:00] End
If you're inspired to learn more about the "Rubber Band Era," check out the latest article post at www.ohhelloworklife.com, my blog about changing careers and passion projects.

Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers.
Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.
OR
Connect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki

We are revisiting this episode this week and we’ll be back next week with some exciting news! Break free from the 'I should' trap and embrace a mindset of self-compassion and growth. Join host Valerie Mekki, a career change guide, as she dives into how a seemingly innocent two-word phrase, 'I should,' can secretly sabotage your self-confidence and motivation. She explores the impact of unrealistic expectations and how they often lead to guilt and shame, especially during career changes.

Discover the transformative impact of 'I am' statements over 'I should,' and take part in a simple but eye-opening exercise that will help you eliminate 'I should' from your inner dialogue. She also shares a transformative affirmation practice with, 'I Am Doing My Best and Releasing All Unrealistic Expectations, Creating Room for Growth and Possibilities.' It's time to cultivate self-compassion, prioritize personal growth, and unlock your true potential.
Show Notes and Timestamps:

[00:01:05] Intro
[00:01:38] The word should. What does it really mean?
[00:02:44] Expectations in comparison to others
[00:03:24] When expectations are rigid
[00:04:43] Let's flip the script
[00:05:43] A simple exercise that can help you eliminate ‘I should’ from inner dialogue
[00:06:39] Start of affirmation
[00:09:38] End of affirmation
[00:10:05] Make your affirmation practice S.T.I.C.K.Y
[00:11:52] End of episode
Learn a better way to have a healthier and kinder inner dialogue with yourself. Check out episode #14 for full details. And if you’re curious about how to make your affirmations sticky, listen to episode 1 and I’ll walk you through how to make your affirmation practice a more effective and transformative tool for your career-changing journey.

Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers.
Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.
OR
Connect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki

In our goal-setting series, titled 'Add these three 'S’s' to your goals,' we discussed how incorporating three essential 'S’s' can enhance your chances of success. Today, we’re zeroing in on one particular 'S': 'Sparking Joy' by infusing play into our adult lives. Rediscover the joy in your work life with the surprising secret weapon of play. I'll take you on a heartfelt journey, sharing how integrating play into our daily routines can reinvigorate creativity, build resilience, and lead to career success.
Through personal stories and scientific insights, we unravel the amazing benefits of serotonin and dopamine, two happiness-inducing chemicals released during play. Embrace this replay episode as a guide to inject wonder and curiosity back into your life, and watch as the transformation unfolds, not just in your career, but in your overall well-being.
To learn more about adding the ‘Three Essential ‘S’s’ into your Goals for a Transformative Year,’ check out episode #34 to learn about each element to enhance your goals for game-changing results. Show Notes and Timestamps:

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[00:00:00] Intro

[00:01:16] Replay episode #31

[00:03:06] What is play?

[00:04:27] The science behind play

[00:07:29] Identify your play personality

[00:10:11] Start of affirmation

[00:13:01] End of affirmation

[00:13:27] Making your affirmation S.T.I.C.K.Y

[00:15:03] End
If you’re curious about how to make your affirmations sticky, listen to episode 1 and I’ll walk you through how to make your affirmation practice a more effective and transformative tool for your career-changing journey.

Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers.
Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.
OR
Connect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki

Break free from limitations about your age and unlock your full career potential in this episode of Mindful Life Changes (Formerly knowns as the Mindful Career Change) Podcast. Host Valerie Mekki shares her personal experience of overcoming age-related doubts and successfully transitioning careers in her 40s. She introduces the concept of crystalized intelligence, which refers to the wisdom and expertise accumulated over time, and explains how it can be leveraged to achieve long-term success in your new career.

In addition, you’ll learn about another type of intelligence called fluid intelligence that we all have access to, as long as you’re open to learning and facing new challenges head-on along the way. Valerie highlights the value of combining crystalized and fluid intelligence in career pivots as a foundation for adapting to a new profession. You’re invited to embrace your unique perspective and recognize your age as an asset, not a limitation, on your career changing journey.
Show Notes and Timestamps:

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[00:00:00] Today’s Affirmation

[00:00:49] Intro

[00:01:36] Feeling aged out of my old profession.

[00:01:59] I discovered the concept of crystallized intelligence.

[00:02:12] What is crystallized intelligence?

[00:02:24] What is fluid intelligence?

[00:03:16] Can we have both?

[00:04:04] Example of my experience of leveraging both
[00:04:50] I invite you to have a moment of clarity for yourself.

[00:05:01] Start by priming your mind and body

[00:05:34] Begin affirmation

[00:06:10] Repeat the affirmation out loud to yourself

[00:06:53] Visualize the affirmation

[00:07:33] Repeat the affirmation one last time

[00:07:49] End of the affirmation

[00:08:30] How to make your affirmation sticky

[00:09:26] End

Curious to learn how to make your affirmations sticky? Listen to episode 1 and I’ll walk you through how to make your affirmation practice a more effective and transformative tool for your career-changing journey.

Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers.
Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.
OR
Connect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki

Remember how liberating it felt to play as a child? That carefree joy and boundless creativity can be yours again, helping you navigate adulthood, especially during career transitions. In this episode of the Mindful Career Change, host Valerie Mekki delves into the science of play, revealing its multifaceted benefits that range from lower stress levels, enhanced coping strategies, to a surge in creativity and self-confidence. We'll tug at your heartstrings with reminiscences of our childhood games and urge you to do the same. Reigniting that sense of playful joy can fuel your happiness and motivation, making the road to career change less daunting.
Are you a Joker or a Director? Can you identify with the Explorer or the Collector? We'll help you uncover your play personality, a concept backed by the enlightening research of Dr. Stuart Brown. Recognize your play type and learn to infuse joy into your life with a transformational affirmation we share with you. We also offer guidance on creating sticky affirmations and building a sustainable affirmation practice to support your career transition. So hit that play button, and let's reclaim the joy of play in our adult lives!

Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers.
Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.
OR
Connect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki