Latest / Create The Best Me / Love in Midlife: Embrace Change & Ignite Passion
Transcript
- 0:00Carmen Hecox: Welcome to Create the Best Me.
- 0:02Carmen Hecox: I am Carmen Hecox, a personal development coach, and I am so excited to be connecting with you today.
- 0:09Carmen Hecox: Whether you're listening to the podcast or joining us on YouTube, my goal is to help women navigate through midlife challenges with compassion, inspiration, and empowering conversations.
- 0:21Carmen Hecox: Each week we'll dive into thought-provoking topics, designed to build self-confidence, overcome invisible women's syndrome, and find the courage to create the best version of yourself.
- 0:34Carmen Hecox: I'll also be joined by expert guests who will share their wisdom and insights, so make yourself comfortable and let's embark on this journey together.
- 0:44Carmen Hecox: Well, hello there fearless midlife trailblazers.
- 0:47Carmen Hecox: Welcome to Create the Best Me.
- 0:49Carmen Hecox: If you are new here.
- 0:49Carmen Hecox: I'm so glad you made it here.
- 0:51Carmen Hecox: If you're a returning listener, welcome to the one and only place where we encourage and empower women in midlife to pursue their dreams and live life to the fullest.
- 1:03Carmen Hecox: I am Carmen Hecox, your host and personal development coach.
- 1:07Carmen Hecox: Today we're touching on a topic that resonates with many of you In our community relationship changes in midlife, yes, we're talking about those shifts that occur in our relationships as we reach the midway point in our lives.
- 1:24Carmen Hecox: But remember, change is not a scary monster.
- 1:27Carmen Hecox: Instead, we're going through an opportunity.
- 1:31Carmen Hecox: A chance for redefining our relationships, reigniting passion, and even stepping out into the world to seek new adventures in romance.
- 1:43Carmen Hecox: And speaking of new, if you are new here, please click the subscribe button and the bell icon to stay updated on our discussions.
- 1:53Carmen Hecox: So let's dive right in.
- 1:55Carmen Hecox: All right, here's how we're going to break this conversation today.
- 2:00Carmen Hecox: We'll start out by understanding relationship changes in midlife, what it means, why it happens, and typical triggers for such shift.
- 2:10Carmen Hecox: We'll then explore emotional journeys that come with these changes from fears and insecurities and opportunities that they can bring.
- 2:20Carmen Hecox: We'll also devise a solid action plan on how to inject positivity, adventure, and rekindle romance into your existing relationships.
- 2:30Carmen Hecox: For those not in a relationship, we'll discuss the safe and effective ways to find romance and companionship.
- 2:40Carmen Hecox: Lastly, we'll hear some real life stories from people who have successfully navigated these changes and found joy and fulfillment on the other side.
- 2:51Carmen Hecox: Now let's begin the first part of our discussion today.
- 2:54Carmen Hecox: Understanding midlife relationship changes.
- 2:57Carmen Hecox: During midlife we often experience shifts in our lives by extensions in our relationships.
- 3:03Carmen Hecox: This phase of life is characterized by significant transitions- our children grow up and leave home, career changes and sometimes even a shift in our own identities.
- 3:17Carmen Hecox: These factors can and often do impact our relationships.
- 3:22Carmen Hecox: It's a period where we re-evaluate, reassess our life's direction, our dreams and our relationships.
- 3:30Carmen Hecox: Now, the concept of midlife relationship change can be a bit abstract, to give you a clearer picture, let's talk about some common triggers.
- 3:40Carmen Hecox: For instance, imagine you and your partner are spending a good chunk of your lives focusing on children and their needs.
- 3:49Carmen Hecox: Once they've grown up and have moved out, you might find a sudden vacuum in your life affecting your relationship dynamic.
- 3:58Carmen Hecox: You and your partner are now back in the spotlight, which may feel unfamiliar and can lead to what some call emptiness syndrome.
- 4:08Carmen Hecox: Another trigger might be a milestone birthday or changing career.
- 4:14Carmen Hecox: These pivotal moments often nudge us to reflect deeply in our lives, prompting us to reevaluate our relationships and what we want from them.
- 4:26Carmen Hecox: But let's remember, change isn't necessarily bad.
- 4:30Carmen Hecox: In fact, it could be a wonderful opportunity to deepen and enrich your relationship exploring new dimensions of connections that might not have been discovered before.
- 4:42Carmen Hecox: Moving into our second segment, we're going to delve into the emotional journey that comes with these midlife changes in relationships.
- 4:54Carmen Hecox: When we recognize and acknowledge these changes, it's entirely natural for a flurry of emotions to surface.
- 5:01Carmen Hecox: You might feel a sense of loss or uncertainty, maybe fear or even excitement about what lies ahead.
- 5:08Carmen Hecox: These feelings, my friends, are completely normal and validating your human experience.
- 5:15Carmen Hecox: But what we don't do with these emotions, how do we navigate through them without feeling overwhelmed?
- 5:23Carmen Hecox: The key lies in acknowledgement, communication, and patience.
- 5:28Carmen Hecox: Acknowledgement is the first step.
- 5:31Carmen Hecox: Recognize and accept that change is happening.
- 5:34Carmen Hecox: It's okay to feel unsettled.
- 5:36Carmen Hecox: It's okay to feel a mix of emotions.
- 5:39Carmen Hecox: It's all part of the process.
- 5:41Carmen Hecox: Next, we have communication.
- 5:43Carmen Hecox: Don't bottle up your feelings.
- 5:45Carmen Hecox: If you are in a relationship, have an open discussion with your partner.
- 5:50Carmen Hecox: Share your feelings, your hopes, and your dreams.
- 5:54Carmen Hecox: Remember, this, change impacts both of you, and addressing it together can strengthen a bond and facilitate mutual understanding and support.
- 6:04Carmen Hecox: And finally, patience changes, especially significant ones take time to process and navigate.
- 6:11Carmen Hecox: Be patient with yourself and your partner.
- 6:14Carmen Hecox: Sometimes, it can be helpful to seek professional guidance like a counselor or therapist who can provide valuable insights and coping strategies.
- 6:24Carmen Hecox: This journey isn't just about managing challenges, but it's also about finding and embracing the opportunities for growth hidden within them.
- 6:35Carmen Hecox: As we continue our emotional journey, I want us to shift our focus to something important, and that is the positive side of change.
- 6:44Carmen Hecox: It's quite easy to get caught up in the emotional whirlwind.
- 6:49Carmen Hecox: But remember, every cloud has a silver lining.
- 6:52Carmen Hecox: As we navigate these changes, we also open ourselves up for opportunity for growth, rediscovery, and renewed understanding.
- 7:02Carmen Hecox: For instance, having an emptiness might initially feel overwhelming, but it also means you now have more time for each other and for yourself.
- 7:13Carmen Hecox: This extra time can be utilized to reignite lost passions, engage in new activities together, or simply spend more quality time with your partner.
- 7:25Carmen Hecox: Similarly, if you find yourself single during this phase, it can be an exciting opportunity to rediscover who you are outside of a relationship.
- 7:37Carmen Hecox: It's a chance to focus on self-love, pursue your interests, and potentially explore new relationships.
- 7:45Carmen Hecox: Remember, it's all about perspective.
- 7:48Carmen Hecox: Each transition in our lives brings about a shift in dynamic and these shifts when embraced positively can open the doors to a more enriched and fulfilling life.
- 8:02Carmen Hecox: Which brings us neatly into the third segment today, creating an action plan for positivity, adventure, and rekindling romance in our relationships during midlife.
- 8:16Carmen Hecox: Change is inevitable.
- 8:17Carmen Hecox: But how we choose to react to it- that's in our control.
- 8:22Carmen Hecox: So, how about reacting with positivity?
- 8:26Carmen Hecox: How about we change as a chance to bring more love, adventure, and excitement into our lives?
- 8:35Carmen Hecox: Whether you're in a long-term relationship or a single, the first step in this action plan is self-love.
- 8:43Carmen Hecox: Prioritize your wellbeing, engage in activities you enjoy, and celebrate your journey thus far.
- 8:51Carmen Hecox: Remember, your happiness is the key to happiness of your relationship.
- 8:57Carmen Hecox: For those in relationships, reignite the flame with quality time.
- 9:02Carmen Hecox: Set aside, regular'us' time.
- 9:06Carmen Hecox: It could be a date night, movie marathon, or cooking session, anything that allows you to enjoy each other's company.
- 9:15Carmen Hecox: Don't shy away from expressing love and appreciation.
- 9:19Carmen Hecox: A simple'thank you' or'I love you' can go a long way.
- 9:24Carmen Hecox: Making your partner feel cherished and valued.
- 9:29Carmen Hecox: A shared hobby or interest can also bring a spark to your relationship.
- 9:35Carmen Hecox: It could be something you both enjoyed in the past or a completely new activity.
- 9:40Carmen Hecox: Shared experience not only create beautiful memories, but they also strengthen your bond.
- 9:47Carmen Hecox: And lastly, stepping out of your comfort zone, trying something new together.
- 9:53Carmen Hecox: It could be anything from traveling to a new place, learning a new skill, or adopting a fitness routine.
- 10:00Carmen Hecox: For example, my husband and I enjoy an early morning three and a half mile speed walk in our neighborhood.
- 10:08Carmen Hecox: It gives us an opportunity to become each other's health accountability partner and listen to the same audiobook.
- 10:15Carmen Hecox: These shared adventures can bring a renewed sense of excitement to your relationship.
- 10:21Carmen Hecox: We'll continue with more details for seeking new romance in the next segment.
- 10:28Carmen Hecox: But for now, remember, every situation presents an opportunity- it's all about the lens through which we choose to view it.
- 10:37Carmen Hecox: As we continue with our action plan, let's not forget the power of communication and the emotional intimacy.
- 10:45Carmen Hecox: Make sure you're not only sharing experience, but also feeling dreams, fears, and hopes.
- 10:52Carmen Hecox: Open, honest, and empathetic communications can work wonders in bringing you closer together, helping both of you navigate through these changes together.
- 11:03Carmen Hecox: Now, for those who find themselves single during this phase, self-love, self-care are a paramount importance.
- 11:12Carmen Hecox: Take time for yourself, indulge in your hobbies, pursuit, interests, and most importantly, celebrate your journey and embrace your individuality.
- 11:22Carmen Hecox: If you feel ready and open to exploring new relationships, remind yourself it's never too late for love.
- 11:30Carmen Hecox: Remain open-minded and remember, each person you meet is a potential gateway to a new experience, a new story.
- 11:40Carmen Hecox: Which brings us to our next segment of discussion, finding new romance and adventure.
- 11:47Carmen Hecox: The midlife face offers opportunities for new beginnings, and this includes the realm of romance as well.
- 11:55Carmen Hecox: If you're ready to dive into the world of dating, start by setting your intentions.
- 12:01Carmen Hecox: Ask yourself, what are you looking for in companionship, romance, shared interest, or maybe a combination of these.
- 12:11Carmen Hecox: Being clear about your expectations can help steer your journey in the direction you wish to take.
- 12:19Carmen Hecox: Get involved in social activities, join clubs or groups that align with your interests.
- 12:26Carmen Hecox: Volunteering for a cause you're passionate about can also broaden your social circle and introduce you to like-minded individuals.
- 12:35Carmen Hecox: Don't hesitate to explore online dating platforms.
- 12:38Carmen Hecox: They can be an excellent way to meet potential partners.
- 12:42Carmen Hecox: However, always remember to take precautions to ensure your safety, such as meeting in public places for the first time and letting someone close to you know about your plans.
- 12:54Carmen Hecox: Lastly, be open-minded.
- 12:57Carmen Hecox: Each person you meet has a unique story, a unique perspective.
- 13:02Carmen Hecox: Even if a romantic connection doesn't form you might gain a new friendship, a new hobby, or a memorable experience.
- 13:11Carmen Hecox: The world of midlife dating can be thrilling, fun.
- 13:15Carmen Hecox: and fulfilling.
- 13:16Carmen Hecox: The key is to take things at your own pace, stay true to your desires, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
- 13:26Carmen Hecox: Let's move on to the final segment of our discussion where we explore real life experiences of navigating relationship changes in midlife.
- 13:36Carmen Hecox: As we wrap up our discussion on finding new romance and adventure, let's remember it's all about embracing the journey.
- 13:45Carmen Hecox: Each encounter, each experience is a step forward in your adventure.
- 13:50Carmen Hecox: So, whether you're rekindling romance in your long-term relationships, or stepping into a world of romantic experience, the key is to remain patient, open-minded and excited for what's to come.
- 14:05Carmen Hecox: And let's not forget, romance is just one aspect of your life.
- 14:09Carmen Hecox: Midlife is also an incredible opportunity to redefine your identity, chase your dreams, and indulge yourself.
- 14:19Carmen Hecox: So, while you're navigating your romantic life, don't forget to date yourself too.
- 14:26Carmen Hecox: Yes, you heard me right,'date yourself.' Prioritize self-love and everything else will fall into place.
- 14:36Carmen Hecox: Moving into our final segment for today, let's delve into something real.
- 14:41Carmen Hecox: Experiences of navigating relationship changes in midlife.
- 14:47Carmen Hecox: Over the years, I've had the privilege of connecting with many of you wonderful people who've shared your unique stories with me.
- 14:56Carmen Hecox: Today, I wanna share a few of those stories to remind us that we're not alone in this journey.
- 15:03Carmen Hecox: Take the story of Laura, for instance.
- 15:06Carmen Hecox: After her kids left for college, she felt a void in her life, but instead of letting the void overwhelm her, Laura and her husband use this time to rediscover their shared love for travel.
- 15:20Carmen Hecox: They embarked on a series of adventures that not only filled the emptiness, but also brought them closer than ever.
- 15:30Carmen Hecox: Then there's Ashley who found herself single in her fifties.
- 15:35Carmen Hecox: After years of focusing on her career and her children, she decided to step into the world of online dating.
- 15:42Carmen Hecox: Ashley didn't just find a companion.
- 15:44Carmen Hecox: She also discovered a newfound love for cooking, thanks to her partner who was a chef.
- 15:51Carmen Hecox: These stories are just a couple of examples of how you can navigate and embrace midlife changes positively and rekindle romance or find new love.
- 16:04Carmen Hecox: Each journey is unique, but the common thread is the courage to embrace change, the willingness to step out of the comfort zone and the spirit of adventure.
- 16:18Carmen Hecox: Before we conclude, if you're enjoying the content, please make sure to hit subscribe and stay updated on future episodes.
- 16:27Carmen Hecox: Your support means a lot.
- 16:30Carmen Hecox: In conclusion, remember that relationship changes in midlife are not just challenges to overcome, but opportunity to transform.
- 16:41Carmen Hecox: It's a phase to rediscover yourself, renew your relationships, and live life to the fullest.
- 16:49Carmen Hecox: You have the power to create the best version of you, and this midlife phase can be your stepping stone toward that.
- 16:58Carmen Hecox: If you wanna learn more about today's topic, head on over to createthebestme.com/ep023 where I have additional information that I don't share on this episode.
- 17:12Carmen Hecox: Don't forget to come back next week where our guest will be Jacqueline Jack Perez, who walked away from a 20 plus year career in marketing and public relations to follow her passion and through her passion, Kuel Life was born.
- 17:29Carmen Hecox: A place to normalize aging for women.
- 17:32Carmen Hecox: Trust me, you won't want to miss that episode.
- 17:36Carmen Hecox: Till next time, remember, the power to create an amazing life and relationship lies within you.
- 17:44Carmen Hecox: Stay positive, keep exploring, and let your spirit of adventure guide you.
- 17:51Carmen Hecox: Until then, keep dreaming big, take care of yourself, and remember, you are beautiful, strong, and capable of creating the best version of yourself.
- 18:02Carmen Hecox: Thank you for watching, catch you next week.
- 18:04Carmen Hecox: Bye for now!