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Unlocking Midlife Potential Through Hobbies · Create The Best Me

• 0:00
  Carmen Hecox: Welcome to Create the Best Me.
• 0:02
  Carmen Hecox: I am Carmen Hecox, a personal development coach, and I am so excited to be connecting with you today.
• 0:09
  Carmen 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.
• 0:21
  Carmen 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.
• 0:34
  Carmen 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.
• 0:44
  Carmen Hecox: Have you ever felt like you're on the never ending treadmill, rushing through life without a moment to breathe?
• 0:51
  Carmen Hecox: If that sounds like you, today's episode might just be the oasis you've been seeking.
• 0:57
  Carmen Hecox: Well, hello there and welcome back to Create the Best Me, the one and only place where we encourage and empower women in midlife to purse their dreams and live life to the fullest.
• 1:08
  Carmen Hecox: I'm Carmen Hecox your host and personal development coach.
• 1:12
  Carmen Hecox: Today, we're diving deep into the world of hobbies and interest and how they can be your secret sanctuary, especially for all you wonderful ladies navigating the vibrant journey of midlife along with me.
• 1:28
  Carmen Hecox: Imagine a world where every brushstroke takes away worry, every note played on a piano eases your tension, and every page turned in a book transports you to a stress free realm.
• 1:43
  Carmen Hecox: That's the power of hobbies.
• 1:45
  Carmen Hecox: They're not just activities; they're gateways to peace, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
• 1:52
  Carmen Hecox: Midlife, as many of you know, is a unique phrase.
• 1:57
  Carmen Hecox: It's filled with a mirage of emotions, experience, and transitions.
• 2:02
  Carmen Hecox: From watching our children grow up and leave the nest, or perhaps taking on new roles, or redefining your own identity.
• 2:10
  Carmen Hecox: And amidst of all this change and evolution, stress can often be an unwelcome companion.
• 2:19
  Carmen Hecox: But what if I told you that there's not just a way to manage, but to transform this stress into something beautiful?
• 2:28
  Carmen Hecox: A way to channel it into creativity, learning, and personal growth.
• 2:35
  Carmen Hecox: That's where the journey into hobbies begins.
• 2:38
  Carmen Hecox: Before we delve into the transformative power of hobbies, let's understand the science of stress and how hobbies acts as a counterforce.
• 2:48
  Carmen Hecox: When we're stressed, our body releases cortisol, often called the stress hormone.
• 2:55
  Carmen Hecox: While cortisol is essential in a short burst, chronic elevated levels can lead to health issues from insomnia to anxiety.
• 3:06
  Carmen Hecox: Engaging in a hobby, however, shifts the balance.
• 3:09
  Carmen Hecox: The brain releases endorphins, a natural mood enhancer.
• 3:14
  Carmen Hecox: These endorphins combat cortisol, uplift our spirits, and create a sense of well being.
• 3:21
  Carmen Hecox: Moreover, immersing ourselves in a hobby can enhance cognitive function, boost memory, and even elevate self-worth.
• 3:31
  Carmen Hecox: In essence, hobbies are like a soothe bomb for our minds.
• 3:35
  Carmen Hecox: They offer an escape, a momentary pause from the whirlwind of life, and transport us to a place where we're in control, where we can create explore, and simply be.
• 3:50
  Carmen Hecox: So, we've established that hobbies acts as a counterbalance to stress.
• 3:55
  Carmen Hecox: But let's delve deeper.
• 3:57
  Carmen Hecox: Why do hobbies have such a profound impact on our wellbeing?
• 4:01
  Carmen Hecox: When we immerse ourselves in an activity we're passionate about, our focus narrows down to that singular task.
• 4:09
  Carmen Hecox: This state of flow, as psychologists call, is when we are so engrossed that we lose track of time.
• 4:18
  Carmen Hecox: In this state, our brain is not just releasing endorphins, but also other neurotransmitters like dopamine, often associated with pleasure and reward.
• 4:28
  Carmen Hecox: Furthermore, we see the tangible results of our hobby.
• 4:33
  Carmen Hecox: If we painted a canvas, a knitted sweater, or a photograph, our brain gets another dose of dopamine.
• 4:41
  Carmen Hecox: This sense of accomplishment reinforces positive feelings and boosts our self-esteem.
• 4:47
  Carmen Hecox: Now while hobbies are beneficial for everyone, they hold a special significance during midlife.
• 4:53
  Carmen Hecox: Let's explore why.
• 4:55
  Carmen Hecox: Midlife is often termed as a midlife transition rather than midlife crisis.
• 5:02
  Carmen Hecox: It's a time of introspect, reevaluation and growth.
• 5:06
  Carmen Hecox: And hobbies?
• 5:07
  Carmen Hecox: They can be your guiding star during this transition.
• 5:11
  Carmen Hecox: Midlife offers an opportunity to revisit passions that might have been sidelined earlier due to responsibilities.
• 5:19
  Carmen Hecox: Maybe you loved painting as a teenager or played an instrument in your twenties.
• 5:25
  Carmen Hecox: Now's the time to rekindle that passion.
• 5:28
  Carmen Hecox: Hobbies introduce us to new challenges, keeping our minds agile and sharp.
• 5:33
  Carmen Hecox: Whether it's mastering a new dance form or learning a new language, it's a testament that growth has no age limit.
• 5:42
  Carmen Hecox: Midlife can bring a rollercoaster of emotions.
• 5:45
  Carmen Hecox: Hobbies provides an emotional anchor, offering stability and a sense of purpose.
• 5:51
  Carmen Hecox: As we age, maintaining social connections becomes paramount for our emotional well being.
• 5:58
  Carmen Hecox: Hobbies, especially group activities, offer a chance to connect, share, and bond.
• 6:04
  Carmen Hecox: In essence, hobbies are not just pastimes during midlife.
• 6:08
  Carmen Hecox: They're a journey of self discovery, a way to navigate the mirage of emotions and challenges that this phase brings.
• 6:18
  Carmen Hecox: They offer a sanctuary, a place where you can be in control, express yourself, find joy in the little moments.
• 6:27
  Carmen Hecox: The transformative power, of hobbies during midlife cannot be emphasized enough.
• 6:32
  Carmen Hecox: But itself not just about the activity itself; it's about the journey, the experience, the stories that unfold as you immerse yourself.
• 6:43
  Carmen Hecox: Midlife is a phrase where many women find themselves at the crossroad.
• 6:49
  Carmen Hecox: The road that defines them for years, like being a full time parent or climbing the corporate ladder, might be shifting.
• 6:57
  Carmen Hecox: This transition, while liberating, can also bring a sense of loss or emptiness.
• 7:03
  Carmen Hecox: Hobbies fills that void, offers a renewed sense of identity.
• 7:08
  Carmen Hecox: They provide a canvas to express, to create, and to be.
• 7:12
  Carmen Hecox: Every brush stroke, every note, every step becomes a reflection of one's soul, a testament to their journey and their essence.
• 7:23
  Carmen Hecox: But how does one embark on this transformative journey?
• 7:27
  Carmen Hecox: How do you find that hobby, that passion that resonates with your soul?
• 7:33
  Carmen Hecox: Let's create a roadmap together.
• 7:36
  Carmen Hecox: Finding a nurturing, a hobby might seem daunting, especially if you've been out of touch for years.
• 7:43
  Carmen Hecox: But with a structured approach, it can be a smooth and enjoyable journey.
• 7:49
  Carmen Hecox: Begin by looking inward.
• 7:51
  Carmen Hecox: Think back to your younger days.
• 7:54
  Carmen Hecox: Was there an activity you loved but had to put aside?
• 7:57
  Carmen Hecox: Or perhaps something you've always been curious about but never got around to trying?
• 8:03
  Carmen Hecox: You don't need to dive deep from day one.
• 8:07
  Carmen Hecox: Start with baby steps, dedicate a few minutes each day, or maybe an hour over the weekend.
• 8:13
  Carmen Hecox: The key is consistency.
• 8:16
  Carmen Hecox: Have a space however small, dedicated to your hobby can be a game changer.
• 8:21
  Carmen Hecox: It can become your personal sanctuary, a place that beckons you, free you from distractions of daily life.
• 8:30
  Carmen Hecox: Join a community.
• 8:31
  Carmen Hecox: There's immense power in the collective energy.
• 8:35
  Carmen Hecox: Join a class, a workshop, or even an online forum related to your hobby.
• 8:40
  Carmen Hecox: Start learning and growing in a community can be incredibly enriching.
• 8:46
  Carmen Hecox: Document your journey.
• 8:47
  Carmen Hecox: Maintain a journal, take pictures or even make a video.
• 8:52
  Carmen Hecox: Document your journey not only tracks your progress, but also reinforces motivation.
• 8:57
  Carmen Hecox: Remember, the goal isn't perfection.
• 9:00
  Carmen Hecox: It's an expression.
• 9:02
  Carmen Hecox: It's about finding joy in the process, celebrating the small victories and embracing and learning from the setbacks.
• 9:12
  Carmen Hecox: Crafting an action plan is like setting the foundation for a house.
• 9:17
  Carmen Hecox: It's based upon which your hobbies journey will flourish.
• 9:21
  Carmen Hecox: But remember, while the action plan provides direction, it's the journey that brings joy.
• 9:28
  Carmen Hecox: Every hobby's journey is unique.
• 9:30
  Carmen Hecox: It's a reflection of your personality, your aspirations, and your passion.
• 9:37
  Carmen Hecox: And while the initial setups might seem challenging, the rewards are endless.
• 9:43
  Carmen Hecox: There might be days when you feel like you're not making much progress or moments of self-doubt, but that's all part of the journey.
• 9:52
  Carmen Hecox: It's these challenges that make the success even sweeter.
• 9:57
  Carmen Hecox: Now, as you embark on this journey, it's essential to embrace every aspect of it, the highs, the lows, the learnings, and the unbridled joy.
• 10:08
  Carmen Hecox: Embracing the journey is about more than just the hobby itself.
• 10:12
  Carmen Hecox: It's about personal growth, the connection you forge, and the inner peace you discover.
• 10:20
  Carmen Hecox: Celebrate every milestone.
• 10:22
  Carmen Hecox: Finish your first book in a year.
• 10:25
  Carmen Hecox: Painted your first canvas?
• 10:27
  Carmen Hecox: These are all achievements and they deserve to be celebrated.
• 10:31
  Carmen Hecox: Every milestone, big or small, is a testament to your dedication and passion.
• 10:38
  Carmen Hecox: Be kind to yourself.
• 10:40
  Carmen Hecox: There will be days when things don't go as planned.
• 10:43
  Carmen Hecox: Maybe your craft didn't turn out as you envisioned it, or you missed a few dance classes.
• 10:49
  Carmen Hecox: That's ok.
• 10:50
  Carmen Hecox: The journey is not about perfection; it's about persistency.
• 10:55
  Carmen Hecox: Share and connect.
• 10:57
  Carmen Hecox: Sharing your hobbies journey can be incredible fulfilling.
• 11:01
  Carmen Hecox: Whether it's with a close friend, family, or broader community.
• 11:05
  Carmen Hecox: Sharing brings validation, encouragement, and often opens doors to new perspectives and ideas.
• 11:13
  Carmen Hecox: Stay curious.
• 11:15
  Carmen Hecox: The world of hobbies is vast and diverse.
• 11:18
  Carmen Hecox: Don't hesitate to explore.
• 11:21
  Carmen Hecox: Maybe you started with knitting but found passion for embroidery along the way.
• 11:27
  Carmen Hecox: Let your curiosity guide you.
• 11:30
  Carmen Hecox: Reflect and realign.
• 11:33
  Carmen Hecox: As you progress, take moments to reflect.
• 11:36
  Carmen Hecox: What are you enjoying most?
• 11:38
  Carmen Hecox: What challenges are you facing?
• 11:41
  Carmen Hecox: Reflecting helps you realign your journey, ensuring it remains enjoyable and fulfilling.
• 11:49
  Carmen Hecox: At the heart of it all, remember that this journey is for you.
• 11:54
  Carmen Hecox: It's your escape, your sanctuary and your joy.
• 11:59
  Carmen Hecox: Embrace it with an open heart and watch as it transforms not just your days, but your life.
• 12:07
  Carmen Hecox: To all the incredible women in midlife watching this, know that you have a reservoir of potential waiting to be tapped.
• 12:17
  Carmen Hecox: Hobbies are just a medium to unlock this potential, to rediscover yourself and paint your life with vibrant hues of joy, creativity, and fulfillment.
• 12:30
  Carmen Hecox: The journey of embracing a hobby is akin to reading a beautiful book.
• 12:36
  Carmen Hecox: Each chapter brings a new experience, learning, and emotions.
• 12:41
  Carmen Hecox: And as you turn each page, you uncover a little more about the world and yourself.
• 12:49
  Carmen Hecox: Every brushstroke tells a story, every dance move expresses an emotion and every page in a book offers a new perspective.
• 12:59
  Carmen Hecox: The beauty of hobbies is that they allow us to express and feel and to be present in the moment.
• 13:08
  Carmen Hecox: And as you delve deeper into your chosen hobby, you'll find that it becomes more than just an activity.
• 13:14
  Carmen Hecox: It becomes a reflection of your soul, your window to passion and a sanctuary for your heart.
• 13:23
  Carmen Hecox: But like any journey, there will be twists and turns.
• 13:26
  Carmen Hecox: There might be days of immersed satisfaction and others of frustration.
• 13:32
  Carmen Hecox: And that's perfectly okay.
• 13:34
  Carmen Hecox: Because, It's these varied experience that make the journey rich and fulfilling.
• 13:41
  Carmen Hecox: Let's take a moment to reflect on what we discussed today.
• 13:45
  Carmen Hecox: We delved into how hobbies are not just pastimes, but powerful tools to combat stress, especially during the transformative phase of midlife.
• 13:56
  Carmen Hecox: The science behind it.
• 13:57
  Carmen Hecox: We explored the neurological benefits of engaging in hobbies from the release of endorphins and the reduction of cortisol levels.
• 14:07
  Carmen Hecox: Crafting an action plan.
• 14:08
  Carmen Hecox: We outlined a structured approach to integrate a hobby into your life, ensuring it's a source of joy and not a chore.
• 14:18
  Carmen Hecox: Embracing the journey.
• 14:20
  Carmen Hecox: We emphasize the importance of enjoying the process, celebrating the milestones, and staying connected with a community.
• 14:28
  Carmen Hecox: now as we wrap up, I have a small request and a challenge for you.
• 14:33
  Carmen Hecox: If this video resonated with you, I urge you to take the first step.
• 14:39
  Carmen Hecox: Dive into a hobby, rediscover an old passion, or explore something entirely new.
• 14:45
  Carmen Hecox: And as you embark on this journey, document it.
• 14:48
  Carmen Hecox: Share your experience, your achievements, and even your challenges.
• 14:54
  Carmen Hecox: Today's transcript and additional information can be found at createthebestme.com/ep033.
• 15:04
  Carmen Hecox: Next week's guest is a woman who has taken her amazing gift and talent of professional filmmaking and editing, and is helping women feel confident behind the camera.
• 15:16
  Carmen Hecox: This is an amazing episode that I know you won't want to miss.
• 15:20
  Carmen Hecox: And for our community here, let's support and uplift each other.
• 15:24
  Carmen Hecox: Share your hobbies, your stories in the comments below, let's inspire and be inspired.
• 15:31
  Carmen Hecox: Thank you for being part of this conversation.
• 15:33
  Carmen Hecox: If you found value in today's video, please give it a thumbs up, share it with your friends.
• 15:39
  Carmen Hecox: And if you haven't already hit the subscribe button for more heartfelt content.
• 15:44
  Carmen Hecox: Remember life is a beautiful journey and hobbies make it even more vibrant.
• 15:51
  Carmen Hecox: Until then, keep dreaming big.
• 15:54
  Carmen Hecox: Take care of yourself and remember you are beautiful, strong, and capable of creating the best version of yourself.
• 16:02
  Carmen Hecox: Thank you for watching.
• 16:04
  Carmen Hecox: Catch you next week.
• 16:05
  Carmen Hecox: Bye for now.