Life Feast

Making friends in midlife is hard—but you’re not broken. This episode unpacks why adult friendship feels so weird, and how to build real connection after 40 and 50 (without all the awkwardness). It's time to find your people.

✨ Episode Summary: Making friends in midlife can feel like asking someone out... and offering to co-sign their mortgage at the same time. (“Want to grab coffee?” = “Want to be my emergency contact?” 😅)

In this episode, Lizzie gets real about why adult friendships feel so weird—and why we need them more than ever. From social science to awkward stories, you’ll walk away with 5 meaningful strategies to build authentic connection after 40 and 50.

Spoiler: friendship is the ultimate wellness hack, and it might be the one thing you’re missing. Whether you’ve just dropped your last kid off at college, moved to a new city, or just feel low-key lonely despite a full calendar, this episode will make you feel less alone—and more empowered to find your people.

🧠 In this episode, you’ll learn:

Your brain is lying to you about your year—focusing on the stress, the struggles, and the moments that went sideways. But what if your camera roll could tell the truth?

In this episode, Lizzie shows you a simple, creative way to uncover the highlights, joys, and growth you might have missed. You'lll use photos and positive psychology to reframe your year and plan for an even better one ahead. Tune in for an inspiring mix of gratitude, savoring, and actionable steps to make your next year your best yet. Let’s feast on life, one beautiful memory at a time.

✨ Ready to reframe your year and feast on life? 🎙️Tune in now, and let Lizzie guide you toward a year filled with joy, connection, and creative savoring.

🌍 Join Lizzie for an Unforgettable Creative Retreat: Craving more creativity, joy, and adventure? Come on a photo, positive psychology, and art journaling retreat with Lizzie and Weatherly Stroh in 2025! Retreat destinations include Sardinia, Morocco, and (coming soon) Croatia. Reignite your spark and savor life in some of the most beautiful locations on Earth.
👉 Learn more and sign up at Art of Life Creativity.

📣 Share Your Year in Photos: Tag Lizzie on Instagram @LizzieLaRock or share in the DMs. 

📆 Upcoming Opportunities: Life Feast Online & In The Wild is being revamped for 2024. Join the waitlist at TheLifeFeast.com.

☕️ Want to coach 1:1 with LIzzie? You'll get creativity, clarity and RESULTS. Details are => here

💌 Support The Life Feast Podcast: If you loved this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes or share it with a friend. Your support helps spread joy and creativity!

Struggling to get a good night's sleep? Discover how a simple bedtime gratitude practice can lead to longer, more restful slumber. In this episode, we delve into research from Dr. Robert Emmons and studies conducted by the University of California, Davis, and the University of Miami, which reveal that practicing gratitude before bed can significantly improve sleep quality. Learn how taking a few minutes each night to reflect on what you're thankful for can help you fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed. We'll also share practical tips to incorporate this practice into your nightly routine, turning your bed into a haven of gratitude and rest.

Want More? Of course you do! If you loved this episode and want to bring more joy, creativity, and mindfulness into your life, here’s how we can work together: ✨

📲 Join The Life Feast: Ready to feast on life and discover how mindfulness, creativity, and awe can transform your everyday? The Life Feast is my signature program designed to help you reconnect with your playful, adventurous, and soulful self through iPhone photography, coaching, and a vibrant community. Learn more and join here: The Life Feast

🌍 Retreat with Me: Escape the grind and dive into a world of creativity, connection, and self-discovery at one of my in-person retreats. Imagine painting in the Moroccan sun, journaling by the sea, or savoring inspired meals with a small group of like-minded women. Spots are limited, so check out upcoming retreats here: Retreats

🎙 Work with Me One-on-One: If you're ready to take your personal or professional life to the next level, I offer one-on-one coaching tailored to help you rediscover your purpose, ignite your creativity, and design a life that lights you up. Learn more about coaching here: Work with Me

📸 Find Me Online: Stay inspired by following me on Instagram @lizzielarock for daily doses of creativity, awe, and adventure! Let’s feast on life together! 💫

Imagine a simple act that not only elevates your happiness but also strengthens your bonds with others. In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of the Gratitude Visit—a practice where you express heartfelt thanks to someone who has profoundly impacted your life. Discover how this intentional gesture can lead to immediate and lasting increases in happiness, as evidenced by Dr. Martin Seligman's research at the University of Pennsylvania. We'll guide you through the steps to craft and deliver your own Gratitude Visit, sharing inspiring stories and practical tips to help you embark on this meaningful journey.

Want More? Of course you do! If you loved this episode and want to bring more joy, creativity, and mindfulness into your life, here’s how we can work together: ✨

📲 Join The Life Feast: Ready to feast on life and discover how mindfulness, creativity, and awe can transform your everyday? The Life Feast is my signature program designed to help you reconnect with your playful, adventurous, and soulful self through iPhone photography, coaching, and a vibrant community. Learn more and join here: The Life Feast

🌍 Retreat with Me: Escape the grind and dive into a world of creativity, connection, and self-discovery at one of my in-person retreats. Imagine painting in the Moroccan sun, journaling by the sea, or savoring inspired meals with a small group of like-minded women. Spots are limited, so check out upcoming retreats here: Retreats

🎙 Work with Me One-on-One: If you're ready to take your personal or professional life to the next level, I offer one-on-one coaching tailored to help you rediscover your purpose, ignite your creativity, and design a life that lights you up. Learn more about coaching here: Work with Me

📸 Find Me Online: Stay inspired by following me on Instagram @lizzielarock for daily doses of creativity, awe, and adventure! Let’s feast on life together! 💫

What if nature held the secret to calming your stress, boosting gratitude, and unlocking awe—the pinnacle of positive emotions? In this episode of The Life Feast Podcast, Lizzie Larock shares how stepping outside isn’t just good for your health—it’s transformative for your gratitude practice.

Nature is the ultimate trifecta for your nervous system: walking, fresh air, and gratitude combine to create a powerful stress-busting and joy-enhancing experience. Lizzie dives into the science of awe, explaining how this profound emotion is deeply tied to gratitude and appreciation.

Whether it’s marveling at the intelligence of nature, appreciating the rhythm of the seasons, or simply pausing to notice the beauty of a pine cone or a puddle, you’ll learn how to turn any outdoor moment into an “AWEsome” gratitude practice.

This episode will inspire you to unplug, get curious, and reconnect with the magic right outside your door. Who knows what wonders await you when you pay attention?

Want More? Of course you do!
If you loved this episode and want to bring more joy, creativity, and mindfulness into your life, here’s how we can work together: ✨

📲 Join The Life Feast:
Ready to feast on life and discover how mindfulness, creativity, and awe can transform your everyday? The Life Feast is my signature program designed to help you reconnect with your playful, adventurous, and soulful self through iPhone photography, coaching, and a vibrant community. Learn more and join here.

🌍 Retreat with Me:
Escape the grind and dive into a world of creativity, connection, and self-discovery at one of my in-person retreats. Imagine painting in the Moroccan sun, journaling by the sea, or savoring inspired meals with a small group of like-minded women. Spots are limited, so check out upcoming retreats here.

🎙 Work with Me One-on-One:
If you're ready to take your personal or professional life to the next level, I offer one-on-one coaching tailored to help you rediscover your purpose, ignite your creativity, and design a life that lights you up. Learn more about coaching here.

📸 Find Me Online:
Stay inspired by following me on Instagram @lizzielarock for daily doses of creativity, awe, and adventure! Let’s feast on life together! 💫

Did you know that expressing gratitude to strangers can significantly boost your resilience and well-being? In this episode, we explore the profound impact of thanking those we don't know, drawing on insights from psychologist Sara Algoe's "find, remind, and bind" theory, which suggests that gratitude helps us discover new relationships, reinforces existing ones, and strengthens community bonds. We'll share inspiring stories, including how expressing gratitude to hospital staff during challenging times can bring peace and connection. Plus, we'll provide practical ideas for expressing thanks to strangers, such as writing positive reviews, sending thank-you notes through platforms like Thankstous.net, or surprising local service workers with tokens of appreciation. Join us to learn how stepping out of your comfort zone to thank a stranger can lead to unexpected joy and resilience.

Want More? Of course you do! If you loved this episode and want to bring more joy, creativity, and mindfulness into your life, here’s how we can work together: ✨

📲 Join The Life Feast: Ready to feast on life and discover how mindfulness, creativity, and awe can transform your everyday? The Life Feast is my signature program designed to help you reconnect with your playful, adventurous, and soulful self through iPhone photography, coaching, and a vibrant community. Learn more and join here: The Life Feast

🌍 Retreat with Me: Escape the grind and dive into a world of creativity, connection, and self-discovery at one of my in-person retreats. Imagine painting in the Moroccan sun, journaling by the sea, or savoring inspired meals with a small group of like-minded women. Spots are limited, so check out upcoming retreats here: Retreats

🎙 Work with Me One-on-One: If you're ready to take your personal or professional life to the next level, I offer one-on-one coaching tailored to help you rediscover your purpose, ignite your creativity, and design a life that lights you up. Learn more about coaching here: Work with Me

📸 Find Me Online: Stay inspired by following me on Instagram @lizzielarock for daily doses of creativity, awe, and adventure! Let’s feast on life together! 💫

Imagine embarking on a quest to personally thank every individual involved in your morning cup of coffee—from the farmer who cultivated the beans to the barista who crafted your brew.

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary journey of A.J. Jacobs, who expressed gratitude to nearly 1,000 people for his daily coffee. This simple act of acknowledgment deepened his appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world and transformed his perspective on life.

Join me as we explore the profound impact of extending gratitude beyond the obvious, and learn how practicing mindful acknowledgment can foster greater happiness, connection, and a sense of wonder in your everyday experiences.

Want More? Of course you do!
If you loved this episode and want to bring more joy, creativity, and mindfulness into your life, here’s how we can work together: ✨

📲 Join The Life Feast:
Ready to feast on life and discover how mindfulness, creativity, and awe can transform your everyday? The Life Feast is my signature program designed to help you reconnect with your playful, adventurous, and soulful self through iPhone photography, coaching, and a vibrant community. Learn more and join here.

🌍 Retreat with Me:
Escape the grind and dive into a world of creativity, connection, and self-discovery at one of my in-person retreats. Imagine painting in the Moroccan sun, journaling by the sea, or savoring inspired meals with a small group of like-minded women. Spots are limited, so check out upcoming retreats here.

🎙 Work with Me One-on-One:
If you're ready to take your personal or professional life to the next level, I offer one-on-one coaching tailored to help you rediscover your purpose, ignite your creativity, and design a life that lights you up. Learn more about coaching here.

📸 Find Me Online:
Stay inspired by following me on Instagram @lizzielarock for daily doses of creativity, awe, and adventure! Let’s feast on life together! 💫

Join us to discover how embracing the little things can lead to a more fulfilling and grateful life. In this episode, we explore the art of the "Gratiku"—a gratitude-inspired haiku that honors the small yet significant aspects of our daily lives. Drawing inspiration from Lizzie Larock's experiences in Provence, France, where she developed a newfound appreciation for modern conveniences like clothes dryers, we delve into how focusing on the often-overlooked elements can enhance our gratitude practice. We'll guide you through crafting your own Gratiku, a simple 5-7-5 syllable poem, to express thanks for everyday items that make life easier. Whether it's your morning coffee maker or the warmth of your favorite blanket, this creative exercise encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection to the present moment. 

Want More? Of course you do! If you loved this episode and want to bring more joy, creativity, and mindfulness into your life, here’s how we can work together: ✨

📲 Join The Life Feast: Ready to feast on life and discover how mindfulness, creativity, and awe can transform your everyday? The Life Feast is my signature program designed to help you reconnect with your playful, adventurous, and soulful self through iPhone photography, coaching, and a vibrant community. Learn more and join here: The Life Feast

🌍 Retreat with Me: Escape the grind and dive into a world of creativity, connection, and self-discovery at one of my in-person retreats. Imagine painting in the Moroccan sun, journaling by the sea, or savoring inspired meals with a small group of like-minded women. Spots are limited, so check out upcoming retreats here: Retreats

🎙 Work with Me One-on-One: If you're ready to take your personal or professional life to the next level, I offer one-on-one coaching tailored to help you rediscover your purpose, ignite your creativity, and design a life that lights you up. Learn more about coaching here: Work with Me

📸 Find Me Online: Stay inspired by following me on Instagram @lizzielarock for daily doses of creativity, awe, and adventure! Let’s feast on life together! 💫

GratiTWOSday: The Two-Minute Gratitude Habit That Changes Everything

Episode Description:
What if just two minutes could completely transform your mood, your relationships, and even your health? In this episode of The Life Feast Podcast, Lizzie Larock introduces you to GratiTWOSday, a playful yet powerful weekly habit inspired by happiness researcher Shawn Achor.

This isn’t your typical gratitude practice. Lizzie breaks down how sending a simple thank-you email or text every Tuesday can uplift your spirit, deepen your connections, and supercharge your well-being. With science-backed insights and Lizzie’s signature humor, you'll learn why this two-minute practice is so effective and how it can spark joy, optimism, and meaningful interactions—all while taking almost no time at all.

Ready to revolutionize your Tuesdays (and your life)? Start your GratiTWOSday tradition today and spread gratitude in the simplest, most impactful way possible.

Want More? Of course you do!
If you loved this episode and want to bring more joy, creativity, and mindfulness into your life, here’s how we can work together: ✨

📲 Join The Life Feast:
Ready to feast on life and discover how mindfulness, creativity, and awe can transform your everyday? The Life Feast is my signature program designed to help you reconnect with your playful, adventurous, and soulful self through iPhone photography, coaching, and a vibrant community. Learn more and join here.

🌍 Retreat with Me:
Escape the grind and dive into a world of creativity, connection, and self-discovery at one of my in-person retreats. Imagine painting in the Moroccan sun, journaling by the sea, or savoring inspired meals with a small group of like-minded women. Spots are limited, so check out upcoming retreats here.

🎙 Work with Me One-on-One:
If you're ready to take your personal or professional life to the next level, I offer one-on-one coaching tailored to help you rediscover your purpose, ignite your creativity, and design a life that lights you up. Learn more about coaching here.

📸 Find Me Online:
Stay inspired by following me on Instagram @lizzielarock for daily doses of creativity, awe, and adventure! Let’s feast on life together! 💫

GrATTITUDE Adjustment: Jumpstart your work day with a GRATTITUDE adjustment. Discover the secret to loving your workday (even when it feels like a grind). In this episode, Lizzie Larock dives into the transformative power of gratitude and how a simple "grATTITUDE adjustment" can change the way you experience your job. Learn actionable strategies like starting your day with a 5-minute gratitude exercise, expressing specific thanks to colleagues, and bringing more positivity into meetings—all proven to boost productivity, connection, and happiness at work. Lizzie also shares inspiring real-life examples of businesses using gratitude to create thriving, supportive workplace cultures.

If you're ready to ditch the workplace blues and create more joy in your 9-to-5, this episode is for you. Tune in for mindset shifts and practical tips that will make every day feel a little brighter. Transform your workday—one thank you at a time! 🎙️ It's time to give your work day a GRATTITUDE adjustment.

Kick off this year's Gratitude Gravy challenge with a rampage of appreciation for every aspect of work that you appreciate.

Want More? Of course you do! If you loved this episode and want to bring more joy, creativity, and mindfulness into your life, here’s how we can work together: ✨

📲Join The Life Feast:
Ready to feast on life and discover how mindfulness, creativity, and awe can transform your everyday? The Life Feast is my signature program designed to help you reconnect with your playful, adventurous, and soulful self through iPhone photography, coaching, and a vibrant community. Learn more and join here.

🌍 Retreat with Me:
Escape the grind and dive into a world of creativity, connection, and self-discovery at one of my in-person retreats. Imagine painting in the Moroccan sun, journaling by the sea, or savoring inspired meals with a small group of like-minded women. Spots are limited, so check out upcoming retreats here.

🎙 Work with Me One-on-One:
If you're ready to take your personal or professional life to the next level, I offer one-on-one coaching tailored to help you rediscover your purpose, ignite your creativity, and design a life that lights you up. Learn more about coaching here.

📸 Find Me Online:
Stay inspired by following me on Instagram @lizzielarock for daily doses of creativity, awe, and adventure! Let’s feast on life together! 💫