In Episode 30 of  "Quiet The Clock," we are joined by therapists Jessi and Lauren to discuss the unique challenges and societal expectations for women at age 30, along with the pressure many women face concerning marriage, motherhood, and fertility. 

Jessi and Lauren openly share how they plan to approach this decade as they newly enter their 30’s and how they are doing it on their own terms and their own desires. Their conversation focuses on embracing uncertainty, shifting personal mindsets and the potential importance of egg freezing. They highlight the importance of getting really clear and grounded in what you want and when so that you don’t feel the pressure of external voices or expectations.

Their conversation is a deep dive into the burden of responsibility placed on women, fertility health, and the role of partners in modern dating. Jessi and Lauren offer incredible advice on how to hold space for all the things you are feeling and how to get comfortable with the unknowns and your own anxieties as you navigate your 30’s.

We Also Talk About:

• Approaching the age of 30 and societal expectations [00:02:07] The guests discuss how they are approaching turning 30 and the societal expectations around marriage, motherhood, and fertility.
• Navigating uncertainty and redefining timelines [00:02:43] One of the guests shares her uncertainty about motherhood and her decision to consider freezing her eggs. They discuss letting go of societal timelines and redefining their own paths.
• Shifting mindset and embracing the unknown [00:08:33] Both guests share their shift in mindset, embracing the unknown, and focusing on their own journeys rather than conforming to societal expectations. They talk about prioritizing other aspects of their lives, such as career and personal growth, over motherhood at the moment.
• Approaching 30 and societal expectations [00:09:29] Discussion on the pressure and challenges women face when approaching their 30s and feeling the need to meet societal expectations.
• Staying in a positive mindset [00:10:19] The importance of staying positive and not comparing oneself to others on social media, and how to focus on one's own feelings and desires.
• Embracing uncertainty and finding joy [00:12:26] The mindset of embracing uncertainty and finding joy in one's own journey, even if certain milestones like marriage and motherhood are not yet achieved.
• Navigating Uncertainty in Relationships [00:17:26] Discussion about embracing uncertainty in relationships and the importance of conscious decision-making in timelines.
• The Burden of Responsibility on Women [00:18:23] Exploration of the pressure on women to think about fertility health and the role of partners in conversations about fertility.
• The Impact of External Expectations [00:19:11] Reflection on the external pressures and expectations around marriage, engagement, and having children, and the need to set boundaries.
• The pressure to conform to societal timelines [00:26:27] Discussion on staying in a relationship for the sake of the partner's desires and societal expectations.
• Pausing and reflecting on personal desires [00:26:54] Importance of taking moments to pause and question one's motivations and alignment with personal values.
• Embracing uncertainty and the unknown [00:29:23] Encouragement to embrace discomfort and anxiety as indicators of strong desires, and to trust the timing of life's unfolding.

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