Joy, aging well, midlife mindset shifts, and vibrant living—this Saddle Up segment dives into the real tools women need to feel more joyful, purposeful, and empowered. In this episode, Lesa shares four practical steps to experience more joy daily, inspired by her powerful conversation with 67-year-old competitive athlete and ballroom dancer Robin Kencel. Learn how meaning, mindset, judgment, and surrender impact your ability to live joyfully after 40. This episode will help you rethink joy, deepen purpose, and take simple steps toward a more vibrant, aligned life.

In this conversation, you’ll hear how joy connects to purpose, why joy is a choice, how joy grows when judgment stops, and the mindset shifts that create more joy in midlife and beyond.

(00:00) Introduction to joy, aging well & vibrant living

(01:12) Lessons from podcast guest Robin Kencel

(03:15) Joy comes from meaning and purpose

(05:24) Why joy is a choice (and how small shifts change everything)

(08:06) The “pick your joy” mindset and tiny habit building

(11:10) How judgment steals your joy

(13:20) Rewiring old thought patterns in midlife

(15:18) Surrender: letting go of the oars

(17:30) A simple thought that instantly brings more peace

(19:02) Episode recap: the 4 steps to grow joy every day

(20:12) Closing encouragement & next week’s guest tease

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• Joy comes from meaning and purpose—alignment creates energy and ease.
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• Joy is a choice, built through daily mindset decisions.
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• Judgment blocks joy, both self-judgment and judging others.
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• Surrender allows clarity—letting go of urgency creates immediate peace.
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• Small steps compound, making joy and well-being more sustainable.
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Robin Kencel isn’t just breaking records—she’s redefining what it means to age with purpose. She is the reigning Ms. Senior Connecticut and finished third runner-up in the national Ms. Senior America competition. A seven-time U.S. Pro-Am Ballroom Champion, Robin draws on decades of competitive dance experience to inspire others to stay active, confident, and spiritually grounded at any age.

Her philosophy blends faith, fitness, and mindset, encouraging women to embrace every season of life with grace and joy.

• 
  
• 
  
• Listen to the full episode with Robin Kencel (Tuesday’s main show)
• Join the Doing Life Different Newsletter here!
• 
  
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• Follow the Saddle Up Segment for weekly inspiration
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joy, midlife joy, aging well, women over 40, mindset shifts, purpose and meaning, vibrant living, midlife wellness, surrender mindset, stop judging, emotional health, personal growth, women’s empowerment, joy tools, aging with confidence, Saddle Up segment, Lesa Koski, Doing Life Different, midlife coaching

Healthy aging, mindset, and movement come alive in this inspiring episode with Robin Kencel — Ms. Senior Connecticut, 7-time ballroom champion, and advocate for thriving at any age. Discover how rhythm, balance, and purpose can help you feel strong, confident, and vibrant in your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond.

In this uplifting conversation, host Lesa Koski and Robin dive deep into the mindset of aging well, staying joyful in movement, and finding your God-given purpose no matter the number on your birthday cake. You’ll hear how Robin turned passion into purpose, healed through rhythm, and learned that health isn’t about perfection — it’s about grace, balance, and daily choices that fuel your body and spirit.

If you’re looking for midlife motivation, wellness inspiration, or mindset tools to help you feel more alive, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to start dancing again — literally or figuratively.

(00:00) Introduction — Lesa welcomes Ms. Senior Connecticut, Robin Kencel

(03:10) Robin’s story: From active childhood to professional ballroom dance

(08:35) Starting ballroom at 45 — lessons in courage, mindset, and growth

(12:22) Overcoming setbacks — breaking her foot before Miss Senior America

(18:50) Finding purpose through movement, faith, and joy

(22:40) Healthy aging: listening to your body and taking aligned action

(28:00) Nutrition and micro-habits that support longevity and balance

(33:45) Why mindset and joy matter more than perfection in midlife fitness

(40:10) Robin’s daily movement “four buckets” — strength, flexibility, agility, cardio

(45:30) Aging with grace: faith, gratitude, and daily alignment

(50:15) Final reflections: finding meaning, rhythm, and love in every season

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3. Mindset fuels longevity — physical health starts with purpose and perspective.
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7. Movement can be worship — dance, stretch, or walk with joy and gratitude.
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11. Boundaries bring peace — tune in to what your body and spirit need each day.
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15. Small habits create big results — start with micro-shifts and build from there.
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19. It’s never too late to start something new — age is simply a number, not a limit.
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Robin Kencel isn’t just breaking records—she’s redefining what it means to age with purpose. She is the reigning Ms. Senior Connecticut and finished third runner-up in the national Ms. Senior America competition. A seven-time U.S. Pro-Am Ballroom Champion, Robin draws on decades of competitive dance experience to inspire others to stay active, confident, and spiritually grounded at any age.

Her philosophy blends faith, fitness, and mindset, encouraging women to embrace every season of life with grace and joy.

Follow Robin Kencel: Follow Robin Kencel: https://www.instagram.com/robinkencel/ | https://robinkencel.com/

• Connect with Lesa Koski and sign up for her newsletter: www.lesakoski.com
• 
  

midlife mindset, aging gracefully, senior fitness, women over 40, ballroom dance, Ms. Senior Connecticut, Robin Kencel, Lesa Koski, midlife movement, wellness after 50, longevity mindset, healthy aging tips, over 40 wellness, faith and fitness, midlife reinvention, purpose in midlife, thriving women, doing life different podcast, mindset over 40, fitness motivation for women

Menopause and people pleasing are more connected than you think. Learn how hormonal shifts fuel emotional overload—and how to reclaim your voice, boundaries, and peace.

In this powerful episode of Doing Life Different, host Lesa Koski is joined by therapist Dr. Becky Whetstone for an honest, empowering conversation about the emotional toll of people pleasing—especially during perimenopause and menopause. If you're tired of saying yes when you mean no, exhausted by invisible expectations, and ready to finally feel free in midlife, this episode is for you.

We explore the deep connection between fluctuating hormones and heightened emotional reactivity, where people pleasing comes from, how to identify it in your relationships, and—most importantly—how to stop. Whether you’re navigating aging parents, grown kids, grandkids, a partner, or a career, it’s time to embrace your enoughness and stop living for approval.

(00:00) Welcome and what’s coming up in the episode

(02:31) How menopause messes with your emotions

(06:52) Where people pleasing starts (childhood trauma + core wounds)

(10:04) People pleasing in family, work, and faith

(13:36) How boundaries help you heal

(17:45) Lesa’s breast cancer journey and spiritual growth

(22:10) Saying “no” without guilt

(25:42) Healing your nervous system after people pleasing

(29:50) Faith, value, and who God says you are

(33:15) Coaching your inner child (and your mom!)

(36:21) Practical tools to stop people pleasing today

(41:10) Final thoughts and next steps

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• Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause impact emotional regulation, making people pleasing even harder to resist.
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• People pleasing is a trauma response, not a personality trait—it’s often rooted in childhood fear of rejection.
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• Boundaries are the cure: Learn to say no, feel your feelings, and stop fixing people who didn’t ask for help.
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• Faith meets psychology: God didn’t design you to live for approval. You’re already enough.
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• Healing is possible at any age—whether you're 40, 50, or 81, it's never too late to embrace your authentic self.
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Dr. Becky Whetstone is a licensed marriage and family therapist, writer, and speaker known for her direct, humorous, and faith-anchored approach to emotional healing. A self-proclaimed “recovered people pleaser,” Dr. Becky helps women break free from emotional entanglements, trauma cycles, and perfectionism to rediscover joy and autonomy.

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• 💻 Connect with Dr. Becky: MarriageCrisisManager.com
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• 📥 Join Lesa’s newsletter: lesakoski.com
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Alcohol-free living can transform your life. In this episode, sobriety coach Jen Hirst opens up about her 12-year journey from secret addiction to recovery, coaching, and empowerment. She shares six essential daily habits for sobriety, how to build resilience without alcohol, and why labels like “alcoholic” don’t define your worth.

If you're sober-curious, in recovery, or simply re-evaluating your relationship with alcohol, this episode is your roadmap to healing, freedom, and joy.

🌟 Packed with sobriety tools, metabolic health tips, and emotional healing strategies, this is a must-listen for women navigating midlife, anxiety, perfectionism, or recovery.

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• (00:00) Welcome & Jen’s Sobriety Story
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• (08:52) Hiding Addiction Behind Perfectionism
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• (12:45) When Alcohol Becomes Self-Medication
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• (19:10) Lisa’s Journey with Alcohol & Breast Cancer
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• (26:15) Letting Go of Labels: Sober vs. Alcohol-Free
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• (33:44) Six Daily Habits That Support Sobriety
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• (50:08) Healing Through Community
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• (56:25) What Actually Made Sobriety Stick for Jen
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• (1:04:15) Advice for Families of Loved Ones Struggling
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• (1:09:03) Final Thoughts & Where to Find Jen
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• Sobriety is freedom, not limitation—it offers mental clarity, physical health, and emotional healing.
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• You don’t need to hit rock bottom to rethink your relationship with alcohol.
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• Six daily habits—hydration, movement, gratitude, protein intake, reading, and community—can shift your mindset and support lasting recovery.
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• You can define sobriety on your own terms: alcohol-free, sober, or none at all.
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• Recovery is possible, even after relapse, and honest community is a game changer.
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Jen Hirst is a certified sobriety coach and the founder of Lighthouse Sobriety, a community for women who want to stop drinking and start living fully. With over 12 years of sobriety, Jen helps women boost their confidence, rebuild self-trust, and embrace alcohol-free living with clarity and joy. Her programs combine neuroscience-backed habits, community connection, and compassionate accountability.

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• 💡 Lighthouse Sobriety Membership: https://joinlighthousesobriety.com/
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• 📸 Follow Jen on Instagram: @lighthouse.sobriety

Other links!

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• 📚 Book Mentioned: Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
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• 📖 Jen’s 6 Daily Habits Worksheet: Available inside her membership
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sobriety, alcohol-free living, women and alcohol, quit drinking, sobriety for women, recovery journey, midlife sobriety, perimenopause and alcohol, emotional healing, sobriety coach, sobriety podcast, lighthousesobriety, Jen Hurst, Lisa Koski, doing life different, sober curious, breast cancer recovery, AA alternative, quitting wine, sober habits, habits for recovery, mindfulness, alcohol and anxiety

Midlife weight gain, hormone shifts & burnout? Discover how to balance metabolism, mindset & faith without white-knuckling your way through life.

If you've hit 40 and suddenly feel like everything's changed—your body, sleep, mood, energy, and weight—you're not alone. In this Saddle Up segment of Doing Life Different, Lesa Koski shares her personal, honest journey through hormone changes, breast cancer, metabolic confusion, and how she’s learning to stop white-knuckling life and start loving her body again.

From fasting to functional medicine, cortisol to clean protein, Lesa covers it all—with grace, wisdom, and a whole lot of humor. This solo episode offers actionable midlife health advice and real-life encouragement for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and metabolic mayhem.

🎧 Your body isn’t broken. It’s talking to you.

Let’s learn how to listen—with compassion, curiosity, and Christ at the center.

(00:00) Introduction: Midlife metabolism & the moment things changed

(02:43) Breast cancer, food freedom & healing after trauma

(05:10) Why your old habits stop working in your 40s and 50s

(08:32) Fasting fatigue: Why long fasts might hurt your hormones

(12:14) Joy, movement & midlife weight loss without punishment

(16:40) Alcohol, estrogen, and breast cancer awareness

(20:28) Protein overload? Why 100g isn’t always the answer

(23:03) Sleep, cortisol & the power of rest as hormone therapy

(26:15) Lesa’s 7 Steps to Metabolic Balance (without HRT)

(30:41) Final encouragement: You’re not failing, you’re evolving

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• Nourish, don’t punish. Eat to feel good—not to atone.
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• Sleep is hormonal therapy. Prioritize bedtime like medicine.
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• Stress sabotages results. Joy is part of the prescription.
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• Fast with wisdom. Fasting works—but not for everyone, every time.
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• Protein matters—but so does peace. More isn’t always better.
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Lesa Koski is a mediator, life coach, podcast host, and breast cancer survivor helping women over 40 navigate midlife with faith, mindset, and grace. Host of Doing Life Different, she empowers listeners to transform hardship into healing through God’s guidance and real-life tools.

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• 💌 Sign up for Lesa’s newsletter lesakoski.com
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• 📲 Follow Lesa on Instagram: @livebetterwithlesa
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• 🎧 Listen to the main episode with Marie Simpson (Functional Medicine Expert):
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midlife metabolism, perimenopause, menopause, hormone balance, metabolic health, fasting for women, weight loss over 40, functional medicine, breast cancer survivor, clean protein, midlife wellness, cortisol and stress, women’s health podcast, doing life different, lesa koski, christian women health, mindset and hormones

Hormone imbalance, weight gain, brain fog, and burnout after 40? You’re not alone. In this episode of Doing Life Different, Lesa Koski welcomes functional medicine practitioner Marrie Simpson for an open, empowering conversation about hormones, metabolic health, and how women can take back control of their well-being—naturally and holistically.

Marrie shares her personal journey from prescription-based medicine to root-cause healing, and dives into actionable steps women can take to balance hormones, increase energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic fitness—especially during perimenopause and menopause.

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or out of balance, this episode is packed with hope, education, and next steps—without the overwhelm. Whether you're dealing with hot flashes, insomnia, low libido, or just a nagging feeling of "not quite right," you're in the right place.

🎧 Plus: Lesa shares her own experience navigating estrogen blockers after breast cancer—and how Marie's guidance has helped her reclaim her energy and mindset.

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• (00:00) Introduction: Meet Marrie Simpson
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• (03:15) Marrie’s journey from traditional medicine to functional healing
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• (09:42) How hormone imbalance affects women 40+
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• (15:27) Understanding perimenopause and estrogen dominance
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• (19:44) The real impact of cortisol, stress, and sleep
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• (23:16) Weight gain and metabolic slow-down in midlife
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• (30:03) What women can do naturally to support hormone health
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• (34:55) When hormone replacement therapy makes sense—and when it doesn’t
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• (42:48) Alcohol, estrogen, and breast cancer risk
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• (48:19) Why listening to your body is the most powerful strategy
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• (51:30) Final words of hope from Marie and Lesa
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• 88% of chronic illnesses are connected to metabolic dysfunction—not genetics.
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• Cortisol and estrogen dominance are often the hidden culprits behind midlife weight gain and insomnia.
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• Women can take a natural approach to healing through diet, stress management, muscle preservation, and detoxification.
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• Hormone replacement therapy can be powerful—but only when individualized and timed correctly.
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• Alcohol increases breast cancer risk and interferes with hormone balance. (One glass of wine per night may not be as harmless as you think.)
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Marrie Simpson is a licensed Physician Assistant and certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. Founder of Elevate Health and Wellness, Marrie blends her clinical training with deep compassion, science-backed protocols, and personalized coaching. With specialties in metabolic health, hormone balance, autoimmune conditions, and genetic optimization, Marie empowers women to heal root causes—not just symptoms.

DIY Parenting Plan Course

Find More From Lesa Here!

Marrie Simpson’s Metabolic Reset

jjflizanes.com/lesa

perimenopause, menopause, hormone imbalance, functional medicine, Marrie Simpson, Lesa Koski, breast cancer recovery, metabolic health, estrogen dominance, cortisol and weight gain, Dutch hormone test, natural hormone support, midlife weight gain, healthy aging women, women’s health podcast, hot flashes natural remedy, hormone replacement therapy, sober curious midlife, hormone health podcast, doing life different podcast, aging gracefully, holistic hormone support

Feeling stuck in midlife? Whether it’s divorce, diagnosis, or becoming an empty nester, this episode will help you reconnect with your worth, rediscover your calling, and embrace the next chapter. Midlife transitions can feel overwhelming—but they’re also filled with opportunity. In this Saddle Up segment, Lesa Koski recaps her powerful conversation with Florida divorce attorney Heather Quick and dives into key takeaways about finding joy, working in your purpose, and healing through hard seasons.

Lesa shares personal insights about writing her book, embracing imperfection, and how pivoting—whether in career, parenting, or life—is not failure, but faith. If you’re craving clarity, courage, or just a reminder that you’re still meant for more, this one’s for you.

Whether you’re starting over after divorce, navigating an identity shift, or simply ready to feel better—your comeback starts here.

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• (00:00) Introduction: Why this episode matters for midlife reinvention
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• (02:04) Recap of Tuesday’s episode with attorney Heather Quick
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• (04:13) Embracing your calling (even when it’s hard work)
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• (06:45) Why “purpose” doesn’t have to be perfect
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• (09:20) Redefining your worth: “You’re a daughter of the King”
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• (12:34) Coaching tip: How to sit with your feelings and move through them
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• (15:55) Pivoting isn’t failure—it’s learning
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• (18:42) Parenting decisions, career shifts, and embracing divine timing
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• (21:30) Closing encouragement + listen back to Tuesday’s full episode
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• Your calling may not always feel easy—but it will feel right.
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• You are worthy because of who you are, not what you do.
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• Pivoting is not failing—it’s trusting the next right step.
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• You don’t have to love every part of your purpose to live in purpose.
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• Your words to yourself should match God’s love for you—gentle, honest, and full of hope.

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• 🎧 Full episode with Heather Quick:
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• 💻 Divorce & Parenting Plan Course:
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• ✍️ Book Coaching & Life Coaching: lesakoski.com
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• 📸 Follow Lesa on Instagram: [@livebetterwithlesa]

divorce coaching, midlife reinvention, find your purpose, women over 40, life after divorce, faith and healing, identity shift, how to pivot, finding your calling, empty nester, personal growth podcast, Heather Quick, Lesa Koski, Saddle Up Live, parenting through divorce, co-parenting tips, emotional resilience, self-worth, life coaching for women

Empowering women after divorce starts with one truth: you are valuable. In this episode, attorney and author Heather Quick shares how women can reclaim their worth, protect their peace, and build businesses that reflect their true gifts.

In this empowering conversation, Lesa Koski sits down with Heather Quick, a Florida-based family law attorney, author, and entrepreneur who’s helping women navigate divorce and rediscover their purpose. From her bold decision to launch her women-only law firm to writing multiple books and mentoring women through business ownership, Heather shares her journey with raw honesty and practical insight.

Whether you’re in the middle of a life transition or simply wondering what you’re truly good at—this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to pivot, grow, and reclaim your voice.

(00:00) Introduction to Heather Quick

(01:45) Heather’s legal journey and aha moment in family law

(06:32) From criminal law to empowering women through divorce

(09:05) The impact of being a child of divorce

(12:15) Why she opened a women-only divorce law firm

(18:00) What most women don’t realize about their worth

(21:25) The emotional strength needed to downsize and start fresh

(25:42) How Heather built her law firm from scratch during a recession

(31:10) Learning to run a business (not taught in law school!)

(34:28) The “borrowed strength” concept to support women through divorce

(36:15) Why she wrote A Woman’s Guide to Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur

(41:22) How to rediscover what you're good at—especially after a hard season

(47:50) The importance of pivoting without shame

(51:00) Raising strong daughters and becoming a resilient woman

(56:00) Final encouragement and how to connect with Heather

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• You can start over—and thrive—after divorce.
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• Your value doesn’t disappear when your relationship ends.
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• Starting a business can be a path to freedom, joy, and healing.
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• “Borrowed strength” from others can help you rebuild your identity.
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• Pivoting isn’t failure—it’s proof that you’re still growing.
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Heather Quick is a family law attorney, author, and founder of The Quick Law Group, a Florida-based firm dedicated exclusively to representing women through divorce. She is the host of the Women Winning Divorce podcast and the author of several books, including A Woman’s Guide to Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur. Heather empowers women to take control of their lives both legally and financially after divorce.

• https://www.floridawomenslawgroup.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/4womenlaw/
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• 🎧 Women Winning Divorce Podcast: https://womenwinningdivorce.com
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• 📚 Heather’s Books: [Amazon Author Page or Bookstore Link]
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• ✨ Lesa Koski’s Podcast + Courses: https://www.lesakoski.com
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divorce attorney for women, women-only divorce lawyer, empowering women through divorce, how to start a business after divorce, Heather Quick attorney, Lesa Koski podcast, family law and female entrepreneurship, women over 40 podcast, reclaiming your value after divorce, Christian podcast for women, midlife reinvention, starting over after divorce, women in law, women entrepreneurs, post-divorce confidence

In this solo episode of Doing Life Different, host Lesa Koski opens up about her own boundary struggles and how one uncomfortable decision led to deep personal relief. Whether you're navigating relationships, caregiving, or simply trying to get better sleep, this short episode will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to set a boundary of your own—without the guilt.

Lesa shares:

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• A real-life example of setting a sleep boundary in marriage
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• Why midlife is the wake-up call for boundary-setting
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• What people-pleasers need to know to feel okay saying “no”
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• Her favorite go-to phrases that protect your time, energy, and peace
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Remember: Boundaries aren’t mean. They’re wise.

🎧 Tune in and get the clarity and courage you need to take one small step toward freedom—today.

(00:00) Welcome to the Saddle Up Segment

(00:45) A personal story: Setting a bedtime boundary

(02:30) Why midlife demands better boundaries

(04:30) Tools to help you say no without guilt

(06:00) Encouragement and closing thoughts

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• Midlife often forces us to confront boundary burnout—it's not selfish to take your peace seriously.
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• A single boundary, even a small one, can lead to better health and relationships.
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• You don't need to explain your "no"—you just need to mean it.
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• Start with simple scripts to reclaim your time and energy.
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• 🎙️ Listen to the full episode with Dr. Becky Whetstone on boundaries: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0a84b700-1ed6-46ed-9e3a-41ee9038fbda/
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• 💻 Learn more at https://www.lesakoski.com
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midlife boundaries, setting boundaries in midlife, people pleasing, self-care for women, how to say no, midlife burnout, Christian podcast for women, personal growth after 40, Lesa Koski, Saddle Up Segment, Doing Life Different

Boundaries for midlife women, people-pleasing recovery, self-care, and marriage—learn why boundaries matter and how to set boundaries that stick. In this episode, we unpack what boundaries are, why boundaries become non-negotiable in midlife, and simple tools to set boundaries in marriage, friendships, work, and faith. With guest expert Dr. Becky Whetstone, we explore people-pleasing, nervous-system cues, and scripts you can use today. If you’ve struggled to speak up, this conversation will help you build healthier habits, protect your peace, and live aligned. Expect real talk, a relatable story (yes, even snoring + sleep!), and a practical challenge to start setting boundaries now.

Timestamps (in parentheses):

(00:00) Introduction to boundaries in midlife

(02:10) Why boundaries matter for women 40+ (roles, energy, identity)

(06:05) Host shares a personal boundary win (sleep, snoring & choices)

(09:40) Guest shares insights on people-pleasing & childhood wiring

(14:12) Boundaries beyond relationships: health, faith, career, time

(18:20) Scripts you can use to set boundaries (word-for-word)

(23:05) Handling pushback: guilt, entitlement & escalation

(27:18) How boundaries reduce stress and improve wellbeing

(30:10) Weekly challenge: define one value-aligned “no” and one restorative “yes”

(32:00) Closing encouragement & next steps

Key Takeaways:

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• Boundaries protect your peace, energy, and values—without them, stress and resentment grow.
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• People-pleasing is learned; you can unlearn it with awareness, practice, and support.
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• Your body signals boundary violations (tight chest, anxiety); listen and respond.
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• Simple scripts reduce friction: “That doesn’t work for me,” “I need to check my calendar,” “I can’t commit, but thank you.”
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• When you change your boundaries, life gets lighter—health, relationships, and purpose all improve.
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Guest Bio:

Dr. Becky Whetstone is a marriage and family therapist and the founder of Marriage Crisis Management. She specializes in boundaries, relationship repair, and helping women overcome people-pleasing and anxiety to build healthier, values-aligned lives.

Resource Links:

• Lesakoski.com
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• Work with Dr. Becky Whetstone — https://marriagecrisismanager.com/
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• Doing Life Different Podcast — subscribe & share
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• Boundary Scripts (mentioned): “That doesn’t work for me right now,” “I need to check my calendar,” “I can’t commit, but thank you for thinking of me.”
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Tags/Keywords:

boundaries, boundaries in midlife, women over 40, people pleasing, self care, marriage advice, relationship boundaries, faith and wellness, mindset shift, emotional health, nervous system, stress reduction, confidence for women, personal growth, healthy habits, saying no, life after 40, midlife women empowerment