The Awaken Series

In this powerful kickoff to The Awaken Series, I’m sharing the moment I realized I was no longer truly living—I was just surviving. On the outside, everything looked “fine.” But inside, I was flatlining. Overwhelmed, overgiving, disconnected from my body, my style, and myself.

This is the story of how I hit the reset button—not just on my wardrobe, but on my identity. I’ll share the exact moment I saw my reflection and didn’t recognize the woman staring back… and how that wake-up call changed everything.

We’ll talk about why “fine” is often a mask for burnout, why midlife is the time to reclaim your spark, and how style became the surprising tool that brought me back to life.

Grab your free Midlife Reset Starter Kit Inside, I’ll guide you through the first 3 steps to reclaim your energy, your clarity, and your confidence.

Next episode: I’ll be sharing the boldest move I made during my reset—letting my gray hair grow in—and why it was about so much more than hair.

Other Podcasts to Listen to:

Understanding the Cycle of Style Ep. 116: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/116-understanding-the-cycle-of-your-style/id1560924181?i=1000577998077

Come join us in the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenlivingwildlyalive

Follow me on IG @marymicheleofficial and @WomenLivingWildlyAlive

Read the blog on Substack: https://womenlivingwildlyalive.substack.com/

Today, I’m letting you in on something I call The Confidence Code™ — a simple 3-step ritual that changes everything about how you show up.

Because here’s the truth: Confidence isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you wear.

I’m breaking down The Confidence Code™—my simple 3-step formula to help you feel fabulous in your skin, no matter your age, size, or season of life.

Inside this episode you’ll learn:

• How to highlight your best features and actually see them
• The style shift that instantly boosts your confidence
• Mindset moves to silence your inner critic and feel powerful again

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wondered where your sparkle went—this is for you.

Tune in and unlock your confidence today. Because midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s your comeback.

✨ Want to go deeper? Join me inside Body Image Breakthrough — my 30-day transformational experience for women ready to stop playing small and start showing up like the radiant, powerful force they are. You’ll rewrite your relationship with your body — and finally feel at home in your skin. We begin June 15th!

Get all the details here: https://stylefindersos.com/body-image-breakthrough/

Are you ready for your Midlife Reset? Book a Get Acquainted Call with Mary Michele today: https://calendly.com/marymichelenidiffer/30min

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymicheleofficial/

Shop with Me: https://shopstylefinder.com/

Think your confidence faded with your waistline or youth? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, I’m revealing 5 subtle ways midlife women unknowingly sabotage their self-confidence—and what to do instead.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, small, or invisible, this is your invitation to reclaim your power—no makeover required.

• Listen now and learn how to stop dimming your own light.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Spot the Sneaky Saboteurs – How everyday habits like negative self-talk, comparison spirals, and style “safe zones” quietly erode your confidence.
• Flip the Script – Concrete mindset shifts to transform your inner dialogue from “I can’t” to “Watch me.”
• The one mindset tweak that can instantly make you feel more powerful, visible, and self-assured in midlife.

Want to go deeper?

Join me inside Body Image Breakthrough — my 30-day transformational experience for women ready to stop playing small and start showing up like the radiant, powerful force they are. You’ll rewrite your relationship with your body — and finally feel at home in your skin. We begin June 15th!

Get all the details here: https://stylefindersos.com/body-image-breakthrough/

Are you ready for your Midlife Reset? Book a Get Acquainted Call with Mary Michele today: https://calendly.com/marymichelenidiffer/30min

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymicheleofficial/

Shop with Me: https://shopstylefinder.com/

Think aging is just about wrinkles and gray hair? Think again. In this powerful episode, Mary Michele busts the myths about what really makes women over 50 feel (and look) older—and spoiler alert: it’s not your birthday candles.

From the silent stressors to the style mistakes stealing your sparkle, she reveals the real culprits accelerating the aging process—and how to reclaim your glow with confidence, joy, and unapologetic self-expression.

What You’ll Learn: - The 7 surprising things aging you faster than time - The toll of stress and go-go-go living - Why joy is your anti-aging secret weapon - The toxic thought that’s aging you overnight - The magic of shifting from maintenance to radiance

Power Quote: “You don’t need to look younger. You need to feel wildly alive.”

Listen now to rewrite the rules of aging—on your terms.

If today’s episode hit home and you’re tired of feeling like your body is the problem, it’s time for a radical shift. Body Image Breakthrough is a 30-day transformation designed to help you stop the self-sabotage, ditch the guilt, and finally feel good in your skin—no matter your age, weight, or size.

This isn’t about losing pounds. It’s about losing the shame that’s been holding you back.https://stylefindersos.com/body-image-breakthrough/

Are you ready for your Midlife Reset? Book a Get Acquainted Call with Mary Michele today: https://calendly.com/marymichelenidiffer/30min

Ready to Find Your Signature Style? Our Micro Course is for you! https://findyoursignaturestyle.com

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymicheleofficial/

Shop with Me: https://shopstylefinder.com/

In this episode, we’re celebrating the woman who raised the bride—you! That’s right, we’re talking all things Mother of the Bride. Because after your daughter walks down the aisle, all eyes are on you. Your dress speaks volumes, so let’s make sure it says chic, confident, and effortlessly stunning.

From decoding wedding vibes and navigating color palettes to ensuring your outfit flatters from every angle (hello, photos!), you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to wear, what to skip, and how to show up as the radiant, elegant woman you are.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: ● The #1 mistake most mothers of the bride don’t realize they’re making ● How to show up stylishly without stealing the spotlight ● The secret to choosing the dress that makes you feel unstoppable ● What every camera-ready outfit has in common ● The finishing touches that make you unforgettable

Be sure to grab my styling guide to Mother of the Bride Dresses here: ​​https://www.facebook.com/groups/diaryofamidlifewoman

Are you ready for your Midlife Reset? Book a Get Acquainted Call with Mary Michele today: https://calendly.com/marymichelenidiffer/30min

Ready to Find Your Signature Style? Our Micro Course is for you! https://findyoursignaturestyle.com

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymicheleofficial/

Shop with Me: https://shopstylefinder.com/

Have you ever felt like you had to chase the trends or ‘figure out’ your style? I’m here to tell you that you already have everything you need inside you. Your true style isn’t something you create from scratch; it’s something you uncover, refine, and reclaim.

Today, we’re diving into how your style is a reflection of who you are from the inside out— your values, your lifestyle, your energy — and why midlife is the perfect time to cultivate a style that feels like home. Let’s get started!

In this episode I’m sharing: ● What signature style really means (hint: it’s not trends) ● How your style reflects your values, lifestyle, and identity ● Why midlife is the best time to discover your true style

Today, I’m going to show you why your signature style isn’t something you have to ‘figure out.’ It’s something that’s already within you — waiting to be revealed.

Are you ready for your Midlife Reset? Book a Get Acquainted Call with Mary Michele today: https://calendly.com/marymichelenidiffer/30min

Ready to Find Your Signature Style? Our Micro Course is for you! https://findyoursignaturestyle.com

Join the conversation in our Facebook Group: ​​https://www.facebook.com/groups/diaryofamidlifewoman

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymicheleofficial/

Shop with Me: https://shopstylefinder.com/

It’s not just about fewer shoes — it’s about freedom

You’ve lived enough life to know what truly matters — and yet, when it comes to travel, it’s easy to pack like we’re preparing for every possible version of ourselves. After several years of frequent traveling to Europe and around the US, I want to help you break free from that. In this episode, I’m sharing why I choose to travel light — not just in my suitcase, but in my soul — and how you can too. Whether you’re jetting off to Paris, heading to a weekend getaway, or planning an epic road trip, this is your permission slip to simplify, elevate, and pack with purpose.

Other Resources to Listen to: 86 - Your Guide to Packing for Travel https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/86-your-guide-to-packing-for-travel/id1560924181?i=1000559667992

Contact me for more info on the Paris Retreat: michele (at) shopstylefnder (dot) com

Are you ready for your Midlife Reset? Book a Get Acquainted Call with Mary Michele today: https://calendly.com/marymichelenidiffer/30min

Ready to Find Your Signature Style? Our Micro Course is for you! https://findyoursignaturestyle.com

Join the conversation in our Facebook Group: ​​https://www.facebook.com/groups/diaryofamidlifewoman

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymicheleofficial/

Shop with Me: https://shopstylefinder.com/

Welcome back to The Diary of a Midlife Woman, where we talk all things confidence, style, and health in this incredible season of midlife. Today, we’re diving into a topic that affects every woman at some point—menopause. But let’s be honest, there’s a LOT of misinformation out there. So in today’s episode, I’m talking with Dr. Polly Watson, a board-certified OB-GYN with over 20 years of experience, to bust 10 of the biggest menopause myths that might be holding you back from feeling amazing, empowered, and in control of your body. Whether you're in perimenopause, post-menopause, or just curious about what’s ahead, this episode is for YOU.

Dr. Polly Watson is a board-certified OB-GYN with over 20 years of experience, specializing in menopausal, sexual, and functional medicine. She is an expert in addressing a wide range of hormonal concerns, including PCOS, PMS, perimenopause, menopause, low libido, and sexual pain. As a certified practitioner with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), Dr. Watson integrates holistic care approaches that go beyond traditional medicine.

Her specialized training includes menopausal medicine through The Menopause Society and sexual medicine through the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. Dr. Watson partners closely with her patients, utilizing a combination of lifestyle modifications, nutrition, mindfulness, bio-identical hormones, and supplements to optimize hormonal balance and overall well-being.

1. Menopause Happens Suddenly – When does menopause actually start and how long before we’re in full blown menopause? 2. It Only Affects Older Women – When do women really start experiencing symptoms of menopause? 3. Say Goodbye to Your Sex Life – What are some ways to manage changes in sexual health? 4. Say Hello to Hot Flashes for the Rest of Your Life - Does everyone have hot flashes? How long do they last and what can we do to mitigate them? 5. HRT is Dangerous – Tell us from a doctor’s perspective the truth about HRT. 6. All HRT is the Same - Give us the scoop on HRT. Are there different kinds? Is it all right for everyone? 7. Weight Gain is Inevitable – Do we REALLY have to resign ourselves to the fact that we now have a spare tire around our middle? 8. Menopause = The End of Your Best Years – Are my best years behind me? Is it all downhill from here? 9. I’m Supposed to Feel Tired and Achy all the Time - What’s the reality when it comes to our energy levels and joints in menopause and what can we do to support them? 10. You Just Have to Tough It Out – Am I doomed to suffering for the rest of my days?

Learn more from Dr. Polly Watson here: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/

Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd/?hl=en

Are you ready for your Midlife Reset? Book a Get Acquainted Call with Mary Michele today: https://calendly.com/marymichelenidiffer/30min

Ready to Find Your Signature Style? Our Micro Course is for you! https://findyoursignaturestyle.com

Join the conversation in our Facebook Group: ​​https://www.facebook.com/groups/diaryofamidlifewoman

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymicheleofficial/

Shop with Me: https://shopstylefinder.com/

Ready to liven up your style for spring? Simply choose a new style icon to breathe new life into your closet.

Today, we’re diving deep into the wardrobes of 10 extraordinary style icons who are redefining fashion and proving that age is never a limit when it comes to expressing yourself. From the effortless cool of Jenna Lyons to the daring edge of Kristen McMenamy, these women aren’t just getting dressed—they’re telling a story, embracing their individuality, and inspiring us to do the same.

We’ll explore their signature looks, what sets them apart, and most importantly, how their fearless approach to fashion can empower YOU to create a wardrobe that’s uniquely yours.

Because style doesn’t have an expiration date. Let’s redefine what it means to dress with confidence and flair at any age.

Other Podcasts to Take the Learning Deeper:: 5 Style Icons Over 40 to Inspire Your Style This Season https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/134-5-style-icons-over-40-to-inspire-your-style-this-season/id1560924181?i=1000584887409

Come join us over on Facebook and let me know which one you’ll be inviting into your closet this spring!

Are you ready for your Midlife Reset? Book a Get Acquainted Call with Mary Michele today: https://calendly.com/marymichelenidiffer/30min

Find Your 3 Keys to Style: https://findyoursignaturestyle.com/

Join the conversation in our Facebook Group: ​​https://www.facebook.com/groups/diaryofamidlifewoman

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymicheleofficial/

Shop with Me: https://shopstylefinder.com/

Are you ready to shake things up and feel wildly alive at any age? In this episode of Diary of a Midlife Woman, we’re diving into The Midlife Reset—how to reignite your passion, confidence, and joy in this exciting chapter of life. From mindset shifts to style upgrades and daily rituals that fuel your energy, we’ll explore what it really takes to feel vibrant, sexy, and unstoppable. It’s time to embrace midlife with power and purpose!

Are you ready for your Midlife Reset?  Book a Get Acquainted Call with Mary Michele today: https://calendly.com/marymichelenidiffer/30min

Ready to Find Your Signature Style?

Our Micro Course is for you! https://findyoursignaturestyle.com

Join the conversation in our Facebook Group:

​​https://www.facebook.com/groups/diaryofamidlifewoman

Follow me on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/marymicheleofficial/

Shop with Me:

https://shopstylefinder.com/