Welcome back to Life After Kids with Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne as they explore the phenomenon of winter blues and offer strategic advice for maintaining mental and physical health during the colder months. With a backdrop of snow-covered New England, our hosts discuss how post-holiday slumps can be intensified by reduced daylight and colder temperatures, common across the Midwest and East Coast. They share personal anecdotes and professional insights on how to combat these feelings and maintain wellness.

As they dive deeper, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne emphasize the importance of resilience, discussing the value of establishing routines and setting goals to stay motivated. They explore strategies such as morning walks, even in the cold, to invigorate the senses and improve mood, suggesting it’s more about the right mindset and attire than the actual weather. They also stress the importance of vitamin D, recommending winter getaways to sunnier locales if possible, or otherwise supplementing. The episode is rich with practical tips and philosophical reflections aimed at helping listeners find joy in every season of life.

Establish a morning routine that incorporates outdoor activity, regardless of the weather, to boost mood and resilience.

Maintain excitement by planning future activities or milestones to look forward to, which can help mitigate post-holiday slumps.

Ensure adequate vitamin D intake during winter through supplements or strategic travel to sunnier climates.

Embrace winter activities that match your interests, such as ice skating or simply enjoying a cozy indoor day to combat inertia.

Approach life changes with an open mindset to continue growing and finding joy in everyday occurrences.

Discover more insightful discussions and advice by listening to the full episode, and be sure to stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Life After Kids podcast series.

In this episode of Life After Kids, Dr. Brooke sits down with Haleh Shoa, the passionate CEO of Picturli, to explore the significance of preserving family memories. Haleh shares her inspirational journey from a childhood in upheaval during the Iranian revolution to establishing a groundbreaking digital asset management business. This story of resilience and innovation sets the stage for discussing how crucial it is to protect and cherish family photos and videos for the present and future generations.

Haleh underscores practical strategies for dealing with the overwhelming task of organizing both digital and analog photo collections. She emphasizes the importance of safeguarding memories, explaining Picturely's meticulous methodology that aligns with the standards of the Library of Congress for archiving. The conversation explores themes of memory preservation, stress management through organization, and the emotional challenges tied to curating family histories. Haleh also offers valuable insights on connecting with elder family members and creating photo books, making this episode a treasure trove of wisdom for families seeking to streamline their personal archives and enrich their lives with meaningful memories.

Digital Asset Management: Picturely's process ensures photos and videos are organized chronologically, making them easily accessible and shareable.

Emotional Connection: Haleh explains the emotional toll and satisfaction tied to organizing family photos and how it can serve as a therapy.

Practical Organization Tips: From cleaning camera lenses to leveraging techniques like burst shots, Halei offers invaluable advice for better photo-taking and managing digital clutter.

Preserving Memories for Future Generations: Haleh highlights the importance of documenting family stories and organizing memory archives for future generations' benefit.

Involving Elders in Storytelling: Engage with elder family members to capture valuable stories and insights, enriching the family history narrative.

Picturely Website: Picturli.com

7 Step Step Guide To Picture Organization

Social Media:

Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn: @Picturli

Books Mentioned:

"The Quinn Essentials for Women: 9 Transformational Tools to Accomplish Anything" by Andrea Quinn

"Photo Organizing Made Easy" by Cathi Nelson

Discover how these practical strategies and insightful perspectives can transform the way you preserve your family's memories. Listen to the full episode for more inspiring conversations, and discover how you can begin managing your digital and physical photo collections effectively. Stay tuned for future episodes that continue to explore meaningful topics for navigating life after kids.

In this insightful episode of Life after Kids, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynn discuss the often-overlooked art of listening. They explore how listening enriches relationships with spouses, children, and friends and its vital role in communication breakdowns. Focusing on the importance of attentive listening, the hosts discuss how this simple yet profound act can transform personal interactions and build stronger connections.

The episode takes listeners through the nuances of emotional intelligence, offering valuable tips on how to listen actively and empathetically. Through engaging dialogue sprinkled with light-hearted banter and personal anecdotes, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne emphasize listening as a loving act of service. They also touch on the challenges of listening in the digital age and the importance of putting devices aside to engage fully with those around us. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the silent moments, understand non-verbal cues, and balance speaking with listening to foster healthier communication dynamics.

The Art of Listening: Understanding listening as an essential component of effective communication and how it can prevent relationship breakdowns.

Emotional Intelligence: Insights into developing emotional intelligence by listening between the lines and understanding the emotions behind words.

Listening in Relationships: Practical advice on listening to spouses, children, and friends to strengthen bonds and promote a deeper understanding.

Technology's Impact: Discussing how to manage distractions in the digital age and maintain focused, meaningful conversations.

Self-Reflection: The importance of listening to oneself and tips for enhancing intuition and personal insights through practices like journaling.

Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne illuminate the profound impact of listening on personal growth and relationships. Tune in to discover actionable advice for becoming a better listener and nurturing your relationships in meaningful ways. Stay connected with the series for more enlightening discussions on navigating life after kids.

On today's episode of Life after Kids, Drs. Brooke and Lynne discuss the intricate journey of finding purpose in life after children have grown, highlighting the essential role of maintaining emotional and physical health. The discussion extends beyond merely seeking passions or hobbies to underscore the importance of constructing a strong foundation of health and wellness to live a fulfilling life beyond motherhood and energetically pursue new purpose.

Throughout the episode, the doctors emphasize two key health priorities to boost overall well-being: reducing blood sugar levels and increasing physical activity. They argue that these foundational health strategies can significantly impact hormone balance, mood stability, and energy levels, which are prerequisites for pursuing meaningful life changes. Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne provide actionable insights, such as starting simple dietary adjustments and incorporating manageable movement routines. For those feeling overwhelmed by life's choices and searching for a renewed sense of direction, this episode reaffirms the need to prioritize health as the gateway to discovering purpose.

Establishing a strong foundation of emotional and physical health is critical before embarking on a journey to find life purpose.

Decreasing blood sugar levels and increasing daily movement are pivotal strategies for enhancing health and supporting hormonal balance.

Achieving overall wellness allows individuals to more effectively explore and fulfill their life's purpose and goals.

Consistency in small, actionable changes can lead to significant improvement in one's identity and self-perception as someone who values health.

Engaging with a community or support group, such as the Life After Kids membership, can provide accountability and encouragement in pursuing health goals.

Visit www.lifeafterkids.com for more information on the podcast and additional resources.

Connect with Life After Kids on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for updates and community discussions.

Explore the What's My Purpose Quiz to gain insight into discovering new passion areas.

Tune in to the full episode for an in-depth discussion on laying the groundwork for a fulfilling life post-parenthood and join the community of listeners striving for the best in their personal and family life. Stay engaged for more transformative content from the Life After Kids podcast!

In this lively and reflective episode of "Life After Kids," Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne delve into a 2024 Year in Review, bringing laughter and thoughtfulness to the forefront as they unpack the highlights and lessons learned. Setting a festive stage with the holiday season in mind, the hosts share personal milestones, unexpected life changes, and poignant reflections that showcase their journey over the past year. Their candid discussions aim to inspire women embracing a new life chapter after raising children.

Reflecting on a year marked by personal growth and professional achievements, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne engage in a playful recap of their favorite podcast moments, memorable community posts, and the pivotal experiences that have shaped their perspectives in 2024. From celebrating milestone birthdays and dealing with the unpredictability of menopause to navigating the intricacies of writing a book together.

Emphasizing self-reflection and growth, the episode encourages the audience to engage in their personal year-end reviews, offering tips on harnessing memories and finding gratitude amidst life's chaos, with a spirited conversation around accepting life's manifold twists and embracing joy beyond family responsibilities

Embrace both the highs and lows of a given year as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Allow for the coexistence of joy and melancholy as children grow independent and leave home.

Finding personal fulfillment involves seeking joy outside familial roles, emphasizing self-awareness and permission for self-exploration.

Engaging with nature and broadening social interactions can offer profound personal benefits, particularly during transitional life phases.

Setting an annual theme or word can guide personal goals, even if the journey diverges from expectations.

Embracing Joy and Adventure in Life after Kids: Celebrating Birthday Milestones

Preparing for Your Child to Leave Home

Join Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne in this engaging episode of "Life After Kids" as they dive into the heart of holiday connections beyond the typical hustle and bustle. As they fondly reminisce about their family traditions and share heartfelt stories, they highlight the importance of making the holiday season a time of deeper connection—not just with children but also with older family members.

Amid laughter and personal anecdotes, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne discuss how holidays have shifted in meaning as their children have grown. They emphasize the significance of fostering intentional conversations and integrating unique family traditions. This episode is filled with practical advice for creating lasting family memories, whether through simple traditions, capturing moments through photography, or introducing new family activities. Listen in to discover how you can transform this festive season into an unforgettable experience.

Holidays present a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with family members of all ages.

Balancing traditional holiday experiences with novel ones can enhance family bonds.

Capturing moments through pictures is valuable but should not replace genuine connection and engagement with loved ones.

Simple yet intentional conversation starters during family gatherings can create meaningful dialogues and strengthen relationships.

Encouraging family members to disconnect from technology can facilitate more authentic interactions.

Don't miss this heartwarming episode filled with rich holiday insights and practical tips for strengthening family connections.

Kiya Tomlin is a visionary designer and apparel manufacturer known for blending comfort with style. She is the creative mind behind the Kiya Tomlin brand, offering a range from ready-to-wear to bespoke couture designs. Inspired by the active lifestyle she leads as the wife of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and as a mother, Kiya introduced her signature Impossible Dress in 2014, renowned for its ease and elegance. With her work rooted in her Pittsburgh-based factory, her collection is available online and in select boutiques across the country. Kiya also holds an NFL license, extending her fashion aesthetic to fans of the sport. Beyond her business endeavors, she's dedicated to philanthropy, contributing actively to multiple boards over the years.

Central to the discussion is the theme of "Invisible Woman Syndrome," which many women experience as they transition through midlife. Kiya emphasizes the importance of feeling seen and valued, sharing insights on how fashion can empower women by improving confidence and self-expression. She discusses the gap in the market for midlife women who seek clothing that is youthful yet appropriate, echoing concerns over limited media representation of aging women. Through her brand, Kiya aspires to champion diversity and inclusivity. Supporting the community, advocating lifelong learning, and embracing leadership roles are explored as key strategies for women to reclaim relevance and purpose during life after kids.

In this special holiday episode of Life after Kids, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne dive into the spirit of the season with their beloved "Favorite Things" episode. With enthusiasm, they introduce their curated list of gifts, from luxurious yet affordable fashion finds to unique culinary delights, perfect for filling wish lists or delighting friends and family. Dr. Lynne and Dr. Brooke focus on the joy of giving and receiving, with an emphasis on items that bring beauty and happiness without breaking the bank.

Gift Ideas Variety: Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynn offer a diverse range of gift ideas suitable for different personalities and tastes, from clothing and skincare to specialty kitchen items.

Practicality and Affordability: The products featured, while luxurious, are also accessible, proving that elegance and practicality can coexist without a high price tag.

Personalization in Gifting: Emphasizing the power of an unexpected and unique gift, such as high-quality olive oil or personalized travel jewelry cases, showcases creativity in thoughtfulness.

Embracing Simplicity and Joy: The conversation highlights the importance of simplicity, joy, and treating oneself, alongside caring for others during the holiday season.

Treasured Traditions: Incorporating small traditions like keeping a five-year journal adds depth and sentimentality to the gift-giving process.

PJ Cabos Olive Oil: A premium Greek olive oil known for its high polyphenol content.

Farmacy Green Clean: A notable brand offering a highly acclaimed makeup remover.

Orcatini's: Insulated martini tumblers for enjoying cocktails on the go.

Five-Year Journal: A unique journal for tracking daily life over five years, encouraging reflection and memory-making.

Personalized Jewelry Case

In this heartwarming episode of "Life After Kids," Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne delve into the impactful theme of giving and contribution during the holiday season. With a focus on the significance of December as National Giving Month, the hosts explore various ways to extend a helping hand, emphasize the richness it brings to life, and share personal stories that highlight the power of selfless acts. As they trace their experiences back to family traditions of giving, they illuminate the profound impact this can have not only on individuals but also on community well-being.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynn underscore the benefits of not just monetary contributions but also the offering of time and presence. Using relatable anecdotes and insights, they suggest actionable steps for recognizing and acting upon opportunities to help those in need. The hosts explore the theme of fulfillment and meaning, stressing the importance of offering love and support to one's wider community, especially during vulnerable times like the holidays. Join them as they inspire listeners to view generosity as an integral part of life after kids, offering practical advice for those looking to enrich their own lives and the lives of others.

Contributing to others, whether through time, money, or skills, can lead to personal fulfillment and enrich life stages after children have grown.

Recognizing the needs within the community can open opportunities to provide meaningful support and build a legacy of kindness.

Practicing giving without expecting anything in return fosters a sense of gratitude and appreciation for one's own blessings.

Small acts of generosity and inviting others into one's life during the holidays can combat feelings of loneliness and enhance the festive spirit.

Sharing personal experiences of giving not only promotes positivity but also encourages others to contribute generously.

"I've always had the sense of, I have been so blessed in my life... How could I not do something in return for that?" - Dr. Brooke

"It’s not just like, oh, this is a good thing and we should give back. It’s actually seeing how much you get back when you give." - Dr. Lynn

"Sometimes the best thing if you are struggling is when you have problems, the best thing you can do is take the focus off your own problems and go help somebody else." - Dr. Brooke

"If you're taking so much, sometimes you need to give some back to feel balanced." - Dr. Lynn

"Just keep your ear open and keep your eyes on the ground for stories of people in need... If you are determined to find somebody to help, you will." - Dr. Brooke

Tune in to this episode to be inspired by the power of giving and discover practical ways to bring more meaning to your life and the lives of others. Don't miss out on the valuable insights and heartwarming stories shared by Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynn in this engaging conversation. Stay connected with "Life After Kids" for more uplifting and insightful episodes.

In this engaging episode of Life After Kids, hosts Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne explore the theme of maintaining the magic of the holiday season when children have grown up and family dynamics change. Their insightful conversation empowers parents to find new ways to celebrate and connect, even when traditional family gatherings evolve. Through personal anecdotes and valuable strategies, the episode provides a fresh perspective on embracing the holidays with joy and creativity.

Discover how to create holiday magic with teenagers and adult children as Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynn delve into topics like appreciating simple moments, introducing novel traditions, and understanding personal tendencies regarding past, present, and future thinking. Their discourse is enriched with practical tips for maintaining connection, fostering quality time, and enhancing the holiday experience, whether spent alone, as a couple, or with extended family.

Creating New Traditions: Finding and fostering novel experiences can keep the holiday spirit alive, even as family dynamics change.

Appreciating Simple Moments: Focus on the small details that bring joy and magic to everyday experiences during the festive season.

Navigating Change Positively: Embrace the shift in holiday traditions when children grow or are unable to visit, viewing this as an opportunity for new experiences.

Mindful Connection: Prioritize quality time and meaningful interactions over commercial or material aspects of the holidays.

Leveraging Personal Strengths: Understanding and utilizing personal time-based talents can enhance holiday celebrations and personal fulfillment.

Life After Kids Website

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Tune in to this enlightening episode to transform how you celebrate the holiday season, turning challenges into joyful opportunities. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes of Life After Kids for more inspiring conversations!