14. Positive Affirmation: I Will Speak Kindly To Myself with Love and Encouragement

Dive into a journey of empowerment and resilience in this inspiring episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, where we uncover the transformative benefits of movement and exercise on our mental well-being. Join host, Valerie Mekki, your guide through the trials and victories of midlife. She shares how embracing physical activity can be the key to managing life's stresses, conquering self-doubt, and unlocking an inner strength you may have never known you had. With insights from neuroscience and personal anecdotes, Valerie illuminates the path to a more resilient and confident self, proving that we are all built to thrive, conquer, and excel.

Prepare to be inspired to tap into your inner power through the simple, yet profound act of moving your body with a motivational affirmation practice. Let's embark on this journey together, finding strength in every step and celebrating the victories, both big and small, on the path to wellness and self-discovery in midlife.

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

Feeling disconnected or falling out of love with your body? We explore the transformative power of body gratitude, especially as we navigate the complexities of midlife. Join host, Valerie Mekki, a career change guide and mindfulness enthusiast, and delve deep into how our relationships with our bodies may feel distant as we age, however, there are simple ways to appreciate and love your body again.

Valerie discusses practical ways to cultivate body gratitude daily, from the first breath of the morning to the last thought at night, and how this practice can shift our mindset, improve our well-being, and deepen our appreciation for the incredible journey our bodies navigate. Practice an affirmation of gratitude for your body that you can recite for 21 days having you feeling motivated, inspired, and a more meaningful connection with your body. 

Time Stamps and Show Notes:

[00:00:31] Intro

[00:01:54] Too easy to overlook our body's remarkable ability 

[00:04:00] You can't attract what you desire and detest it at the same time

[00:05:15] Practice body gratitude 

[00:06:37] If you're caring for an aging or health-challenged parent

[00:07:33] Star of affirmation

[00:10:11] End of affirmation

[00:10:34] Make your affirmation S.T.I.C.K.Y

[00:12:27] End

Check out episode 40 for more information about midlifers entering a "Rubber Band Era"

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

Uncover the Power of Self-Love with Mirror Work with the Mindful Life Changes Podcast. In this episode, host Valerie Mekki, a career change guide, and mindfulness enthusiast, takes you on a transformative journey of self-discovery. We dive into the profound practice of mirror work, a technique popularized by the notable author and publisher Louise Hay.

Valerie shares her personal experience of this 21-day practice that can also help you strengthen your self-confidence, diminish self-doubt, and solidify your commitment to personal and professional growth. Whether you're navigating a career transition, embarking on new life ventures, or simply seeking to deepen your self-compassion, this episode offers invaluable insights and a guided affirmation practice to help you love and accept yourself unconditionally. Discover how the simple act of facing your reflection can become a powerful catalyst for change

Show Notes & Time Stamps

[00:00:00] Today's affirmation

[00:01:08] Intro

[00:02:19] Why did I go on this journey of mirror work?

[00:03:31] A fascinating 2014 study

[00:04:26] When you engage in mirror work

[00:05:21] How mirror work can help 

[00:06:32] Start of Affirmation

[00:09:21] End of affirmation practice

[00:09:39] Make your affirmation practice S.T.I.C.K.Y

[00:11:04] End

If you are interested in learning more about the method and practice of mirror work, please look up Louise Hay's book Mirror Work. 

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 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

===

[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

Join host Valerie Mekki on the 'Mindful Life Changes' podcast (previously known as ‘The Mindful Career Change’). A podcast that takes a deep dive into the heart of life's transitions for those 40 and over. From embracing an empty nest and caring for elderly parents to navigating the body and mind changes of a certain age and reshaping careers. Valerie offers a blend of mindfulness practices, heartfelt affirmations, and real-life stories to guide you through the evolving landscape of midlife. Whether it involves professional pivots, personal growth, or embracing the changes within, this podcast is designed to create a comforting space where you can learn, grow, and thrive together.

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

Transform Learning into Action on the Mindful Career Change Podcast.  Join host Valerie Mekki in today's empowering episode as we bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. It's one thing to absorb information from books, podcasts, and online courses, but it's another to turn that learning into real-life achievements.

Discover two creative approaches to transition from a 'learner' to a 'doer' and ensure your time invested in learning truly pays off. Whether you're looking to boost your career, master a new skill, or embrace a life change, this episode offers practical strategies to make your learning journey impactful. Get ready to challenge yourself, embrace your 'sliding doors' moments, and transform your potential into action with today's affirmation: 'I am not just a learner; I am a doer.' Don't let your learning journey end with knowledge—make it the beginning of something great.

Show Notes and Timestamps:
===
[00:00:09] Intro
[00:02:00] The pitfalls of not taking action
[00:02:45] The sliding door theory
[00:04:44] Archaeologist mindset
[00:05:18] Teacher mindset
[00:06:11] Start of affirmation
 [00:09:00] End of affirmation
[00:09:09] Make Your affirmations S.T.I.C.K.Y.

- Mirror Talk by Louise Hay

If you’re curious about how to make your affirmations S.T.I.C.K.Y 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:

===

[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

No one ever prepares you for the massive hit to your ego or the frustration that comes with learning a new profession. You may have to deal with learning new technology, grasping new concepts and theories, and may even fail a test. However, starting over (again) also means learning and failing. 

In today’s episode, host Valerie Mekki, a career change counselor, delves into the realities of being a student again as you pivot your new career, start a side hustle, or launch a passion project. She shares the importance of adopting a beginner’s mindset to help you optimize your learning phase and avoid any possibility of derailment or contemplating quitting. She also shares an empowering affirmation to help remind you that you are a student again, and mastery doesn’t happen overnight and is part of the journey toward a new career. 

[00:00:00] Today's affirmation

[00:01:11] Introduction

[00:03:00] You're not immune to the disappointing failures 

[00:04:16] Five tips I wish I knew when I was learning

[00:06:29] Start of Affirmation

[00:09:21] Make your affirmations S.T.I.C.K.Y

[00:11:00] End

If you're curious to learn more about getting the most out of your goals for this year,  check out episode #34 - "Add These Three S's To Your New Year's Goals for a Thriving Career Change"

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

Unleash Your Inner Bravery: Conquering Fear with Courage. Join host Valerie Mekki, a career change counselor, as she delves into the heart of what it means to be brave in today's episode. Forget the grand, superhero-like gestures; discover how true bravery lies in the everyday choices we make. Learn how the power of quick, decisive actions can transform fear into growth and unlock your greatest potential. Valerie offers practical insights and inspiring affirmations to help you build your 'bravery muscle' in day-to-day life, preparing you for bigger challenges and bolder goals. Whether it's speaking up, trying new experiences, or facing daunting tasks, this episode is your guide to embracing bravery in all its forms. Tune in and find out how to turn split-second moments of courage into a path of transformative success.

Show Notes:

[00:00:08] Intro

[00:02:04] What is bravery? 

[00:03:23]  Bravery doesn't always mean dramatic actions

[00:04:14] Start of affirmation

[00:06:51] End of affirmation

[00:08:43] End

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