You were born an uninhibited, confident creature filled with self-love and curiosity. Then, through the years, you slowly evolved into the person you needed to become—in order to fit in, meet other people's expectations of you, and perhaps achieve society's definition of success. My guest on this episode—Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bermudez, an Emmy-winning journalist turned digital lifestyle host and social media influencer—says midlife is an opportunity to get back in touch with that badass, authentic version of yourself you may have left behind. Lizzie opens up about everything going down during this life stage, from aging and menopause, to empty nest and other life transitions. And she wants you to know you're not alone, change can be hard but transformative, and the best is still yet to come.

During our lively conversation, Lizzie and I chat about:

• The perfectionist attitudes our generation grew up with, and why we need to free ourselves from them
• How she's learned to "just be herself again" in midlife—and why you should too
• The conflicting feelings that emerged after her daughter went off to college
• Whether she misses chasing the news, and what she's doing these days to get that rush (cliff jumping and wakesurfing, anyone?)
• How it felt to age in public as a television journalist (hint: she won't watch The Morning Show)
• Whether or not representation of women in the media is becoming less ageist
• The female competitiveness she witnessed in her field and how she's finding a more generous camaraderie among midlife women
• Why she used to hide her age, but now finds it liberating to reveal how old she is
• Where she stands on the cosmetic surgery spectrum
• Why she's been so candid in talking about the hysterectomy that sent her into early menopause
• The lessons she's learned over the years about friendship, and the relationships that matter most to her now
• What she does in the car every day to recharge her batteries

Plus: Lizzie talks about the family crises and loss that sent her spiraling as she entered her 50s. She explains why she feels "a beauty and urgency" to live life to the fullest. She opens up about the impact she still wants to make on the world. And she tells you what you need to know about diving into your second act with courage and conviction. Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.