LIVING IN MID-BLOOM – Details, episodes & analysis

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 Ideas to Avoid the People-Pleasing Trap:

1. Set Clear Boundaries: Define and communicate your personal boundaries, and practice saying “no” without guilt. Remember, saying no is a complete sentence.
2. Prioritize Self-Care: Put your own needs first by scheduling regular time for activities that nurture and recharge you. When you prioritize yourself, others will follow suit.
3. Reflect and Ask ‘Why?’ When you feel the urge to please, pause and ask, “Am I doing this out of genuine care or fear of disapproval?” Understanding your motivation can help you make more authentic choices.

Petra van Deijl 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. 

Please feel free to get in touch with Petra at her website or send her an email:

Petravandeijl.com
noalifecoaching@live.com

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

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?
         How did you take care of yourself?  

• Panic attacks can be managed by being present, recognizing the signs, and, paying attention to your body and mind.
• Emotional well-being requires acknowledging and processing your feelings rather than pushing them away.

My Coaches!
Book a Chat with Sam
Sam Laliberte/Motivational Speaker, Event Host, Serial Entrepreneur, Coach, Author
Whatsyourfree.com

Book a chat with Annamarie
Annamarie Yang/Voiceover Artist
www.annamarieyang.com

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

Discussing 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 bodies as they are.

Takeaways

• Love your body where it is right now, while still working towards health goals.
• Don't compare yourself to others or strive for perfection.
• Recognize the influence of media and society on body image.
• Prioritize self-love and acceptance to improve overall well-being. 

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Body Image 

03:20
Influence of Media and Society

07:14
Pressure from Family

08:42
Pressure from Others

11:20
Self-Esteem and Acceptance

14:08
Loving Your Body

16:02
Conclusion and Self-Love

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

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 understanding. 

Something new I have added this season is a complete transcript of each episode. You will find it by looking for the heading of each section to find the specific subject matter and time stamp. You can find the transcript on the Episode Page.

I'm also happy to share my website will be up and running in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned!

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

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 being separated from his parents and building a new life. It is a realistic, yet hopeful story about the power of courage, compassion, and unconditional love.
• Beth's work as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer.

"I am a mom to one little girl who lights up my world, and also has big, scary feelings. As her mom, I makes mistakes, sometimes yell, and I’m always more anxious than is necessary. To cope with this, I go to therapy, attend workshops, and  engage in self-care  just like I recommend to others. I am constantly growing and adapting from a deep desire to pass on tools that will increase children’s wellbeing for generations to come. Let’s do this work together."  - Beth Tyson

Reach out to Beth at  her website Bethtyson.com and email her at Beth@BethTyson.com

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

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 deeply resonates with me as a survivor of childhood abuse. Beth's impactful work and dedication to this crucial cause have left an indelible mark on the landscape of support and care for young survivors.

I am eager for you to listen to our conversation, exploring not only her
professional insights but also the personal motivations that drive her
commitment to this vital cause. 

"I am a healer, a helper, a mother, and a flawed human being who shares in the joys, fears, and sadness that we all experience. My personal and professional journey, shaped by encounters with trauma and loss, has transformed into a mission to educate others on supporting children in navigating adversity. "- Beth Tyson

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

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 created in her life. Michelle has the courage to share, without shame, not seeing who these people really were. I love the strength and resilience she has to speak in her truth, and, to help others who may fall for these manipulative ploys of entrapment.

We touch on what's currently going on with her publishing company and her favorite part of the process.

We also talk about the two children’s books co-authored with her cousin, Joy VanDertuin: multiple award-winning Gizelle’s Silly Soggy Day and Gizelle’s Whimsical Wintery Day.

Reach out to Michelle and check out her books;

  Heart Swindler website and the Bonus Page website.

winningproof.com
winningproof@gmail.com
714.797.3731

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

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, cornbread, juices from the turkey, spices like thyme, basil, and sage. Yum! And she made all of her desserts from scratch including the crust; sweet potato pies, apple pies, cookies and pound cake! There were so many years when the family came to our house and mom made enough so everybody could take leftovers home. After dinner we would pass around a microphone and everyone would say what they were thankful for.

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. I'm grateful my TIA was not a full on stroke. And it gave me a chance to make major changes in my life without losing any physical or mental functions.  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. 

I'm grateful for the friendship of my neighbors Gregory and Victoria for their support, and taking care of my home and my kitties, and, my spiritual coach who has guided me on a path of self-discovery and self-love.  And friends that I'm so grateful to have in my life. 

Sending blessings to everyone this Thanksgiving. May you give yourself the love you deserve and the time to reflect on what you are thankful for this year.

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

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 life. It was during these moments of introspection that she discovered her passion for writing.

As a child seeking refuge Michelle began to nurture her creative soul. Alone with her thoughts, she allowed her imagination to flourish and her words to take flight on the pages of her notebooks. Little did she know that these early experiences with writing would become the foundation for her future success.

The Birth of Winning Proof:

Fast forward to the present day, and Michelle Hill is the founder of Winning Proof, a company dedicated to creating enduring legacies for sports and business professionals. Her mission is to empower individuals to share their compelling stories and invaluable leadership lessons. Michelle understands the power of storytelling in today's global marketplace and ensures that her clients remain prominently visible.

Michelle Hill
Your Legacy Builder at Winning Proof
winningproof.com
winningproof@gmail.com
714.797.3731

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

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 consciousness.

We all have stuff that we (unconsciously) hold within our cells. Even though you have cognitively worked through trauma, your body may still be holding feelings of anger, sadness, regret, shame, guilt and fear."   -  Petra van Deijl

Petra van Deijl 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. 

Please feel free to get in touch with Petra at her website or send her an email:

Petravandeijl.com
noalifecoaching@live.com

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!