Do you ever feel weighed down by the endless list of “shoulds”? Be a good mom. Keep the house clean. Stay healthy. Show up for every family event. Read scriptures. Serve your community. For many midlife women, the mental checklist feels overwhelming—like an overstuffed closet.

In this episode of Midlife with Brooke, Brooke Oniki, a faith-based life coach for Christian women in midlife, shares a powerful tool to help you “clean house in your head.” By emptying out your mental list of obligations and deciding which ones you actually want to keep, you’ll create more peace, clarity, and emotional resilience.

You’ll learn:

• How to move from “I have to” to “I want to” in everyday responsibilities
• Why writing down every expectation frees up space for joy and intention
• Practical examples of reframing daily practices like scripture study, prayer, and exercise
• How to let go of cultural or family “shoulds” that no longer serve you
• Stories from real life—like Christmas traditions, Sunday dinners, and parenting—where reframing created more connection and less resentment

Reflection Prompts:

• What’s on my “have to” list that I don’t actually want anymore?
• Which responsibilities feel heavy because of the way I’m thinking about them?
• How would it change my life if I approached them with “I want to” instead?

Final Thought:

You don’t have to do everything on your list. In fact, you don’t have to do anything. But you get to choose—with intention—what goes back into your “closet.” That shift from obligation to desire can change everything for midlife women who want more peace, faith, and emotional health.

✨ Want support creating clarity in your own life?

Schedule a free coaching session with Brooke here: Book Your Call