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What Lights You Up? · My Sexy Menopause Body

• 0:04
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to My Sexy Monopol's Body, where we're flipping the script on what it means to feel strong, sexy, and empowered in mid-life and beyond.
• 0:16
  SPEAKER_00: Join your host, Kim Nicholson, and she gets real about the changes we face, body, mind, and sport.
• 0:24
  SPEAKER_00: And why this phase of life is an opportunity to redefine what sex means on your terms.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: This is a space for honest conversations, expert advice, and stories from women just like you.
• 0:39
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, let's go.
• 0:49
  SPEAKER_01: Hello everybody and welcome back.
• 0:51
  SPEAKER_01: I'm so happy that you're here with me today.
• 0:54
  SPEAKER_01: So I've got lots of questions for you today.
• 0:56
  SPEAKER_01: So grab that journal, grab a cup of tea, and let's talk.
• 1:01
  SPEAKER_01: So let me ask you this: have you ever looked in a mirror and thought, where did that woman I used to know go?
• 1:11
  SPEAKER_01: You know, maybe you're looking in the mirror and you say, you see that maybe it's your energy that's gone, or maybe it's the way your body feels is different.
• 1:20
  SPEAKER_01: It's like, I don't know, something shifted and you didn't get the memo.
• 1:24
  SPEAKER_01: Aging can feel like, you know, it's happening to you, like it's pulling the rug out from everything that you thought you knew about yourself.
• 1:33
  SPEAKER_01: But here's the good news: there's always good news.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_01: You are not powerless in this story.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_01: You get to decide how your chapter goes.
• 1:42
  SPEAKER_01: So today I'm so excited to talk to you about rewriting your story, flipping the script on aging, and turning this phase of your life into one of the most empowering and fulfilling chapters yet.
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_01: So, what's really going on here?
• 2:02
  SPEAKER_01: All right, so let's start with first addressing the elephant in the room.
• 2:06
  SPEAKER_01: We know that aging comes with change, whether it's physically, emotionally, and mentally, and maybe a combination of all three.
• 2:16
  SPEAKER_01: And we know it's not always easy.
• 2:19
  SPEAKER_01: You know, wrinkles show up uninvited or energy levels fluctuate when you least expect them to, and you might even feel invisible in a world that obviously in the media that glorifies youth.
• 2:34
  SPEAKER_01: And of course, let's not sugarcoat it.
• 2:37
  SPEAKER_01: There's grief in this transition.
• 2:40
  SPEAKER_01: Grief for the body that you used to have, the skin that didn't sag, the metabolism that used to cooperate with you, and of course the societal values that seem to come with being younger.
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_01: But what if I told you that aging isn't the villain in this story?
• 3:02
  SPEAKER_01: What if it's the beginning of a whole new chapter where you get to define what beauty, what strength, what success looks like on your terms?
• 3:14
  SPEAKER_01: Because here's the thing: this isn't about what you're losing, it's about what you're gaining.
• 3:21
  SPEAKER_01: We're gaining wisdom and freedom and the confidence to stop living for everyone else's expectations.
• 3:28
  SPEAKER_01: We're going to live for yourself on your terms, your values.
• 3:32
  SPEAKER_01: So I've got a couple questions here.
• 3:34
  SPEAKER_01: Like I said, I want you to think about them to really understand who you are at this point.
• 3:41
  SPEAKER_01: So my first question to you is what's the story you're telling yourself about aging?
• 3:48
  SPEAKER_01: Think about that.
• 3:50
  SPEAKER_01: Is it a story of uh is it a is it a narrative of loss?
• 3:54
  SPEAKER_01: Or could it be of growth and reinvention?
• 3:59
  SPEAKER_01: You know, because here's the thing our thoughts shape our reality.
• 4:03
  SPEAKER_01: If you're carrying that negative messaging that aging means decline, your actions will align with that belief.
• 4:12
  SPEAKER_01: But if you shift, shift that perspective, you start to see this time in your life as a gift, as a chance to kind of lean into who you truly are.
• 4:26
  SPEAKER_01: You can transform how you experience this phase of your life.
• 4:30
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, talk about let's think about this.
• 4:32
  SPEAKER_01: I've said this on my other podcasts before.
• 4:35
  SPEAKER_01: Is that we spend one third to one half of our life in this phase.
• 4:43
  SPEAKER_01: That's pretty remarkable.
• 4:45
  SPEAKER_01: So here's a truth I want you to sit with.
• 4:48
  SPEAKER_01: All right, aging does not take away your power, it reveals it.
• 4:57
  SPEAKER_01: Love that.
• 4:58
  SPEAKER_01: You've already overcome challenges in your lifetime.
• 5:00
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, think about your previous, you know, life, your last 30, 40 years.
• 5:05
  SPEAKER_01: You've built a life, you've learned lessons all along the way, and you learn lessons that, you know, when you're younger that you couldn't even imagine.
• 5:15
  SPEAKER_01: So this is your time to step fully into that strength.
• 5:20
  SPEAKER_01: Look how you've come through all of the hard life lessons that you've learned so far.
• 5:26
  SPEAKER_01: All right, key takeaway number one.
• 5:28
  SPEAKER_01: You know, I like my key takeaways.
• 5:31
  SPEAKER_01: The way you think about aging matters.
• 5:34
  SPEAKER_01: Shifting that mindset can change how you experience every aspect of your life.
• 5:39
  SPEAKER_01: It can change your health, it can change your relationships, and it can change your confidence.
• 5:49
  SPEAKER_01: Question number two, I want you to think about.
• 5:52
  SPEAKER_01: So, what belief about aging is holding you back?
• 5:57
  SPEAKER_01: I ask all my clients is I have been a health and wellness practitioner for gosh, almost 25 plus years.
• 6:06
  SPEAKER_01: And uh I asked this question, and recently, um, obviously I'm in my postmenopause stage, but um my clients are all either in peri-menopause or post-menopause.
• 6:19
  SPEAKER_01: And I I always ask this question to my clients.
• 6:21
  SPEAKER_01: I said, you know, like, you know, what beliefs do you have about aging?
• 6:26
  SPEAKER_01: You know, how would your life change if you saw this time as an opportunity rather than a limitation?
• 6:33
  SPEAKER_01: Because it's quite common for us to feel like this time is like the end, but it's not.
• 6:39
  SPEAKER_01: So here's some of the beliefs that my clients have allowed me to share, and I just want to share some of them with you because maybe they resonate with you.
• 6:46
  SPEAKER_01: And I want you to know that if I say these and you recognize them as yourself saying them, that there's hope.
• 6:54
  SPEAKER_01: There is hope.
• 6:55
  SPEAKER_01: All right, so let's get into some of these.
• 6:57
  SPEAKER_01: Um, one is I feel like I'm losing my value because society sees aging women as invisible.
• 7:06
  SPEAKER_01: Well, that's one of the reasons why I named this podcast as my sexy menopause body, because we can be seen.
• 7:15
  SPEAKER_01: We're just, we see, we want people to see us how we truly are.
• 7:20
  SPEAKER_01: This because this belief about feeling like you're invisible, this belief can create a sense of inadequacy or a loss of you know, purpose.
• 7:28
  SPEAKER_01: But I'm here to tell you that it's not.
• 7:30
  SPEAKER_01: This is such an empowering time of your life.
• 7:34
  SPEAKER_01: Here's another one.
• 7:35
  SPEAKER_01: I think it's too late for me to start something new or to pursue my dreams.
• 7:40
  SPEAKER_01: Well, that's a fear of failure, or being judged often keeps people from trying.
• 7:46
  SPEAKER_01: You haven't, I want you to try, I want you to think about all the dreams that you haven't been able to fulfill at this time, and let's pursue them.
• 7:55
  SPEAKER_01: Another limiting belief is I believe that my body isn't as strong or as capable as it used to be.
• 8:00
  SPEAKER_01: So why bother?
• 8:01
  SPEAKER_01: This belief can be discouraging, you know, whether it's for physical activity or even trying new things.
• 8:08
  SPEAKER_01: That belief will hold you back.
• 8:10
  SPEAKER_01: Another belief that'll hold you back is aging means decline.
• 8:14
  SPEAKER_01: You know, I'm just waiting for that next health issue to hit.
• 8:18
  SPEAKER_01: I know I've heard that from many of my friends.
• 8:22
  SPEAKER_01: This can lead to a self-fulfilling cycle of just poor health habits.
• 8:27
  SPEAKER_01: Like you're just gonna give up.
• 8:29
  SPEAKER_01: Another limiting belief is I feel like I've peaked, that all the best parts of my life are behind me.
• 8:35
  SPEAKER_01: You know, this mindset can create a barrier to appreciating the present and what the future's got a hold for you.
• 8:43
  SPEAKER_01: So, how would you change if you saw that this was a time of opportunity rather than a limitation?
• 8:52
  SPEAKER_01: I would finally take the time for myself and explore the passions I've put off for years.
• 8:58
  SPEAKER_01: For me, I just recently graduated with my master's, it's something I always wanted to do, but you know, certain wonderful things in life came up and I never pursued it.
• 9:09
  SPEAKER_01: So here I am in my 60s and I got my master's degree.
• 9:12
  SPEAKER_01: So shifting a focus to something, you know, your own personal growth can bring so much fulfillment, fulfillment, excuse me, and joy.
• 9:21
  SPEAKER_01: Um I'd another strength would be I'd let go of comparing myself to younger women and start celebrating who I am today.
• 9:32
  SPEAKER_01: You know, self-acceptance opens the door to confidence and it also opens a door to peace.
• 9:40
  SPEAKER_01: Here's another powerful belief.
• 9:42
  SPEAKER_01: I'd try things that I've always been afraid to do, like traveling alone, starting a business, or joining that art class.
• 9:50
  SPEAKER_01: This muck this kind of mindset encourages courage and exploration and adventure.
• 9:59
  SPEAKER_01: How about another one?
• 10:00
  SPEAKER_01: Like I'd stop worrying about what other people think and focus on what makes me happy.
• 10:07
  SPEAKER_01: This is a freedom, a freedom from external expectations that can lead to authentic living, and that is so beautiful.
• 10:17
  SPEAKER_01: And I'd finally believe that this stage of life is just the beginning of something amazing.
• 10:22
  SPEAKER_01: If you see aging as a new chapter, it does invite creativity and reinvention.
• 10:29
  SPEAKER_01: So I encourage you to reflect on these responses and think about your own beliefs.
• 10:35
  SPEAKER_01: It can be such a powerful way to start reframing your mindset around aging.
• 10:41
  SPEAKER_01: So now let's get down to you know some practical steps to kind of rewrite your story.
• 10:47
  SPEAKER_01: Again, get that journal, get that pen up, and let's start writing.
• 10:51
  SPEAKER_01: So, how do we start this rewrite?
• 10:55
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, so let's break it down into kind of like three actionable steps that you can use and take away today.
• 11:00
  SPEAKER_01: Number one, we want to reframe the mirror moment.
• 11:03
  SPEAKER_01: Remember, I started off with that mirror moment, that moment in front of the mirror.
• 11:08
  SPEAKER_01: It doesn't have to be a confrontation.
• 11:11
  SPEAKER_01: Let it be a conversation and not a confrontation.
• 11:16
  SPEAKER_01: Instead of focusing on what you see as flaws, start asking yourself, what's this body been through?
• 11:25
  SPEAKER_01: How has it shown up for me?
• 11:29
  SPEAKER_01: Wrinkles aren't just lines, they're maps of the life you've lived.
• 11:35
  SPEAKER_01: Every time you catch yourself criticizing, flip it.
• 11:39
  SPEAKER_01: Replace that judgment with gratitude.
• 11:42
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you, body, for carrying me through this life.
• 11:46
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you for adapting and evolving.
• 11:50
  SPEAKER_01: All right, another practical step.
• 11:52
  SPEAKER_01: Reconnect what brings you joy.
• 11:55
  SPEAKER_01: Remember the things you used to love, but stop doing because life got too busy, like my master's.
• 12:01
  SPEAKER_01: Maybe it was like, you know, dancing in the kitchen.
• 12:04
  SPEAKER_01: I still dance in the kitchen all the time.
• 12:06
  SPEAKER_01: Or maybe it's something like painting or hiking or learning a new skill.
• 12:10
  SPEAKER_01: You know, joy isn't just a luxury.
• 12:13
  SPEAKER_01: It's not.
• 12:14
  SPEAKER_01: It's a necessity.
• 12:15
  SPEAKER_01: And now perhaps you have the freedom to prioritize it.
• 12:19
  SPEAKER_01: So I want you right now to think of three things that light you up and commit to bringing one of them back into your life this week.
• 12:28
  SPEAKER_01: This isn't about, you know, productivity, it's about connecting with your spark.
• 12:35
  SPEAKER_01: All right.
• 12:35
  SPEAKER_01: Key takeaway number two: joy isn't just for the younger years.
• 12:40
  SPEAKER_01: It's a compass that guides you towards the life that you've always wanted to live.
• 12:46
  SPEAKER_01: So joy isn't for the younger years, it's for every stage of your life.
• 12:51
  SPEAKER_01: When you're younger, joy often feels effortless.
• 12:54
  SPEAKER_01: You know, it's woven into the thrill of new experiences or, you know, the freedom of fewer responsibilities and a sense of infinite possibilities.
• 13:05
  SPEAKER_01: But as we age, you know, joy can feel harder to access.
• 13:09
  SPEAKER_01: You know, our responsibilities do grow, you know, losses do accumulate, and sometimes life just feels more, you know, enduring rather than, you know, thriving.
• 13:21
  SPEAKER_01: Yet joy doesn't disappear.
• 13:23
  SPEAKER_01: It's still there.
• 13:24
  SPEAKER_01: It simply asks us to rediscover it in new ways.
• 13:30
  SPEAKER_01: So I like to look at it this way: joy is a compass, it's a guide, again, to you know, to the life that you want to live now.
• 13:39
  SPEAKER_01: It points you towards what lights you up and what makes you feel alive and what connects you to your true self.
• 13:47
  SPEAKER_01: It's not about chasing happiness or surface level pressure, pleasures.
• 13:51
  SPEAKER_01: It's about cultivating moments of meaning and fulfillment in your everyday life.
• 13:55
  SPEAKER_01: So joy can be found in the simple acts of noticing.
• 13:59
  SPEAKER_01: Things like this morning, uh, I noticed the sunrise, or you know, a great conversation, or you know, laughter of a loved one just thrills me, or the satisfaction of creating something really meaningful.
• 14:13
  SPEAKER_01: It could be something like a meal or a dessert or anything, it could be a painting.
• 14:19
  SPEAKER_01: So in this phase of life, joy per becomes intentional.
• 14:25
  SPEAKER_01: It's about asking yourself, what makes me feel alive?
• 14:30
  SPEAKER_01: It's about leaning into those things that make you feel connected, curious, and purposeful.
• 14:36
  SPEAKER_01: So joy isn't about something that just happens to you, it's something that you create.
• 14:40
  SPEAKER_01: It's about taking those small steps every day to prioritize the things that matter to you most.
• 14:47
  SPEAKER_01: So, what is one thing that brings you joy today?
• 14:52
  SPEAKER_01: And how can you make space for more of that tomorrow?
• 14:58
  SPEAKER_01: So, again, joy doesn't, it's just not a relic of our youth, it's a lifelong companion.
• 15:05
  SPEAKER_01: I love that.
• 15:06
  SPEAKER_01: Joy is a lifelong companion, and it's just waiting to be nurtured or noticed by you.
• 15:12
  SPEAKER_01: So when you follow its guidance, you create a life that feels rich and meaningful, and you know what?
• 15:19
  SPEAKER_01: Uniquely yours.
• 15:21
  SPEAKER_01: So, another thing I would like you to do, step three, would be to build your inner circle.
• 15:27
  SPEAKER_01: Aging can feel isolating.
• 15:29
  SPEAKER_01: It does, but it doesn't have to be.
• 15:32
  SPEAKER_01: So surround yourself with people who lift you up, who inspire you, and who challenge you to grow.
• 15:39
  SPEAKER_01: I'm sure if you think about it, there is somebody in your life that could be that person to help you along the way, whether it's joining a community, a community of some sort, or kind of uh rekindling an old friendship.
• 15:55
  SPEAKER_01: I have a girlfriend that, you know, I don't speak to every month, but you know, there's you call her up after three months, and it's like we picked up where we left off.
• 16:03
  SPEAKER_01: And I know you have people like that in your life.
• 16:06
  SPEAKER_01: Or um even listening to podcasts like this one.
• 16:10
  SPEAKER_01: It's a connection, you know, it's a game changer.
• 16:13
  SPEAKER_01: And here's the truth: you're not meant to go through this phase of life alone, find your people and let them remind you of your strength.
• 16:22
  SPEAKER_01: So here's another question: Who in your life brings you joy, support, and this connection?
• 16:31
  SPEAKER_01: And how can you deepen those relationships or build new ones?
• 16:37
  SPEAKER_01: So, aging is your superpower, and I truly believe that.
• 16:42
  SPEAKER_01: So, let me leave you with this thought.
• 16:45
  SPEAKER_01: Aging isn't something to fight against, it's something to embrace, it's an opportunity to live with purpose, to shed the expectations of others, and to finally ask yourself, what do I want my next chapter to look like?
• 17:02
  SPEAKER_01: Because the truth is, the next 50 years of your life can even be more beautiful, more fulfilling, and more aligned than the first 50.
• 17:12
  SPEAKER_01: It all starts with a story you're telling yourself.
• 17:16
  SPEAKER_01: Ha ha! Well, thank you so much for joining me today on my episode of My Sexy Menopause Body.
• 17:24
  SPEAKER_01: And I hope, I hope this episode gave you a fresh perspective and maybe even sparked a little hope.
• 17:31
  SPEAKER_01: Because aging is your story to write, and I can't wait to see what you create.
• 17:37
  SPEAKER_01: So, if this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone you might who might need to hear it.
• 17:44
  SPEAKER_00: And don't forget to Let's keep building this conversation and this community together.
• 17:49
  SPEAKER_00: Until next time, take care of yourself and keep showing up.