Q & A Episode: Answering Questions About Life Transitions You Have Asked

Today marks a special episode: our very first Q & A session! Over the last three months, we’ve focused on themes like Setting the Foundation, Building Strength, and Thriving in Mid-Life. We’ve talked about everything from rediscovering your purpose to building confidence, letting go of expectations, and even creating energizing routines.

I’ve been so inspired by your questions, comments, and feedback throughout this journey, and I wanted to take this episode to address some of the most common and insightful questions I’ve received.

Transcript

Hello, and welcome to Aspire and Achieve with Annie!

Today marks a special episode: our very first Q & A session! Over the last three months, we’ve focused on themes like Setting the Foundation, Building Strength, and Thriving in Mid-Life. We’ve talked about everything from rediscovering your purpose to building confidence, letting go of expectations, and even creating energizing routines.

I’ve been so inspired by your questions, comments, and feedback throughout this journey, and I wanted to take this episode to address some of the most common and insightful questions I’ve received.

So, grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the questions you’ve been asking about navigating mid-life transitions. I’ll be sharing practical answers, suggestions, and encouragement to help you on this journey.

Let’s start with questions that focus on Setting the Foundation—the first part of our journey together.

How do I figure out my purpose if I don’t even know where to start?
 

Answer: Start by reflecting on what lights you up. Think about activities or moments in your life that brought you the most joy or fulfillment. Journaling can be incredibly helpful here—ask yourself questions like, 'What would I do if I had unlimited time and resources?' If you’re stuck, download my Rediscovering Me Workbook for step-by-step guidance. 

I feel like I don’t have time to focus on myself. How do I make time?

Answer: Prioritize small, manageable steps. Start by carving out 10–15 minutes a day just for you. Use this time to meditate, journal, or simply sit in silence. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for your well-being.

I’m struggling with grief, but I don’t even know where to begin. What’s the first step?

Answer: Begin by acknowledging your feelings without judgment. Grief is a deeply personal process, and there’s no 'right' way to navigate it. Consider using my free Grief Journal Prompts to help you express your emotions and start processing your loss.

Now, let’s move into questions about Building Strength. This is where we talked about confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and creating routines."

How do I overcome self-doubt when I feel like I’m too old to start something new?

Answer: First, recognize that self-doubt is often rooted in limiting beliefs. Challenge those beliefs by asking yourself, 'Is this true, or is it just something I’ve told myself over time?' Replace those doubts with empowering affirmations like, 'I am capable of learning and growing at any age.'

What’s a simple morning routine I can start to feel more energized?

Answer: Keep it simple:

• Start with a glass of water to hydrate your body. 
• Spend 5–10 minutes journaling or setting your intentions for the day.
• Do a short stretch or movement routine to wake up your body.
•  End with a few minutes of gratitude or mindfulness.

How do I build confidence after years of feeling invisible? 

Answer: Start with small wins. Identify one area where you feel capable and build on that. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your growth, and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small.

What if I try new things and fail?

Answer: Failure is part of growth. Instead of seeing it as a setback, view it as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself, 'What did I learn from this experience?' Then use that knowledge to try again.

Finally, let’s tackle questions about Thriving in Mid-Life. This is where we really dig into joy, gratitude, and letting go of what no longer serves us."

How do I let go of perfectionism?

Answer: Start by practicing self-compassion. Remind yourself that nobody is perfect and that your worth isn’t tied to your achievements. When you feel the urge to perfect something, ask yourself, 'Is this good enough?' Often, 'good enough' is all we really need.

How do I embrace joy when life feels overwhelming?

Answer: Focus on small, joyful moments. It could be a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, a walk in nature, or laughing with a friend. Over time, these small moments add up and create a foundation of joy.

What’s a simple gratitude practice I can start?

Answer: At the end of each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big—sometimes the smallest things, like a kind word or a sunny day, can make the biggest difference.

How do I move past societal expectations and embrace who I really am?

Answer: Start by identifying which expectations are holding you back. Then, ask yourself: 'Whose voice is this? Is this really my belief, or does it come from someone else?' Replace those external expectations with your own values and priorities.

What tools can help me stay focused on self-improvement?

Answer: Consider using tools like planners, vision boards, or even apps that help you track your goals and progress. My Creating a Morning Routine Workbook is a great place to start for building structure into your day.

Any of the resources I mentioned in this podcast and more can be found on my website at annielewellyn.com. There are also links in the show notes to this episode.

Also, please remember, if you're feeling stuck or uncertain about your next steps, I invite you to book a free 90-minute Purpose Reboot Session with me. Together, we’ll explore where you are, where you want to go, and the best options for getting the support you need to move forward with confidence. Visit AnnieLewellyn.com to schedule your session today!

Wow, what an amazing first quarter it’s been!

We’ve covered so much over the last 12 episodes: from setting a strong foundation to building resilience and finding joy in the midst of mid-life transitions. And today’s Q & A has been such a beautiful way to reflect on everything we’ve explored together.

I want to thank each and every one of you for being part of this journey. Your questions, comments, and feedback inspire me every single day, and I’m so grateful to be walking this path with you.

As we move into the next quarter, I have even more exciting topics and resources lined up to help you navigate the ups and downs of mid-life with confidence, purpose, and joy.

So, stay tuned, and as always, remember: You are stronger than you think, braver than you feel, and more capable than you realize.

Until next time, keep aspiring, keep achieving, and keep embracing this beautiful, crazy journey we call mid-life.