Join hosts Neelia and Stacie on "Transforming and Thriving" for a return visit with the inspiring Erin Koppel! Initially a guest on EPISODE 8: Perseverance and Overcoming the Loss of a Parent, Erin is back to share a completely new, yet highly relatable, chapter of her life focused on navigating external expectations and societal pressures on young women and embracing her own timeline. 

Erin Koppel is a powerhouse with a Bachelor's in Kinesiology, a Club Pilates Studio Manager, and a Level 2 Lagree Instructor working toward her nutritional coaching certification.

In this powerful episode, Erin opens up about the profound impact of facing external judgment and pressure about her appearance and age as she approached 30, specifically related to not yet being married or having children. She shares the personal challenges of confronting stereotypes and the internal work it took to protect her own path, including:

• Building confidence in self through therapy and positive self-talk.
• Learning to find humor in others' reactions and taking a step back to understand that she can only control her own attitude and response.
• How she navigated the societal "timeline" and found her beautiful second chapter—becoming engaged to a man who has two children and stepping into the role of a stepmom, or in her words, having “bonus children.”
• The essential role of clear communication, self-respect, and setting boundaries to manage external pressure and make choices that align with what is best for her and her loved ones.

Erin's story is a testament to the fact that happiness is paramount, and it’s okay to take a path different from what society deems "normal." This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt judged or pressured to meet a certain life stage by a specific age.

Find Erin teaching Lagree classes at Trim Fitness Studio in Lake Forest:

• Mondays: 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 am
• Thursdays: 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 pm
• Sundays: 7, 8, 9, and 10 am

Instagram: @erinkoppel

Find us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving

We are so excited to announce the launch of our new philanthropy initiative! We invite all our amazing listeners to help support the incredible work our former guest Susan Parmalee is doing with the Wellness & Prevention Center by raising funds for their preventative and mental health programs that benefit young people, including their brand-new allcove space in San Juan Capistrano, a place for youth to find community, support, advice, or even just a moment of pause. Your donations make a real difference, and to kick things off, we'll be matching up to $1000 in donations!

DONATION LINK: DONATION LINK: Support teen mental health here!

Follow them on IG @ WPCoc and learn about their mission to create a culture in which young people prioritize their mental health and have access to quality care. Learn more about the new Allcove center your donations are helping to support here: [allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center.](allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center.)

Get your FREE meditation download: https://transforming-and-thriving.kit.com/40d6bfadc6

We love MoonBrew for help with sleep! Tastes yummy and filled with superfoods. Use this link for our discount: https://moonbrew.co/SF7GP3BC

Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.