In this episode, we’re discussing the real, raw, and essential skills that every woman needs to navigate midlife with grace, grit, and a whole lot of self-compassion. We’ve been through the highs, the lows, the chutes and ladders of this season, and today we’re pulling back the curtain to share the seven foundational skills we believe every woman should know to not just survive, but thrive. These are the skills we teach in our Midlife Master Class, and the ones that have held us up through the toughest times. From boundary-setting and assertive communication to frustration tolerance, inner parts work, and energy protection—this conversation is packed with insights we’ve lived, taught, and continue to practice ourselves. 

 

Episode Highlights:

[0:02] - Why midlife is so hard—and why these 7 skills matter
 [2:46] - The highlight reel isn’t the whole story (and why we cry behind the scenes)
 [6:12] - Boundaries: not just with others, but with yourself
 [9:03] - When your kid is in a toxic relationship (and you want to break up with them yourself)
 [13:44] - Self-care as a boundary: what it really looks like
 [14:00] - Assertive communication: the misunderstood superpower
 [21:10] - Frustration tolerance: why it belongs in your skillset
 [22:10] - What self-connected communication actually looks like
 [29:43] - Understanding and befriending your inner critic
 [31:10] - Why self-compassion isn’t fluffy—it’s essential
 [33:08] - Protecting your energy: from giving tree to grounded goddess
 [39:39] - The dance between being needed and being free
 [41:31] - Redefining resilience as a learned, practiced skill
 [46:02] - How changing your self-talk becomes your superpower
 [47:39] - Why doing this work in a group is so powerful (and how you can join us)

 

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day. https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day.