LIVING IN MID-BLOOM

Hi Mid-Bloomers! Thanks for joining me for part two of my interview with Michelle Hill.
 
I am super excited to report that her new book, The Heart Swindler – Reclaim Your Heart and Stop Falling for Liars, Losers, and Lunatics highlights was released November 16th.  Michelle shares stories of women who are survivors of romance scams with these self-important and non-empathic individuals.

Today Michelle and I discuss her experiences with these a--holes (pardon my French!) and the havoc created in her life. Michelle has the courage to share, without shame, not seeing who these people really were. I love the strength and resilience she has to speak in her truth, and, to help others who may fall for these manipulative ploys of entrapment.

We touch on what's currently going on with her publishing company and her favorite part of the process.

We also talk about the two children’s books co-authored with her cousin, Joy VanDertuin: multiple award-winning Gizelle’s Silly Soggy Day and Gizelle’s Whimsical Wintery Day.

Reach out to Michelle and check out her books;

  Heart Swindler website and the Bonus Page website.

winningproof.com
[email protected]
714.797.3731

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

Hello Mid-Bloomers!  On this episode I asked a few friends about their thoughts on Thanksgiving and I share when I was a Hindu one Thanksgiving, i.e. "not eating meat." 
I know, right!?

This is my favorite time of the year.  There's a chill in the air, breezy with colorful leaves twirling around. Remember Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving with toast and jelly beans?  I watch it every year and it never gets old. My mom used to cook up a storm with homemade dressing made with stale bread, cornbread, juices from the turkey, spices like thyme, basil, and sage. Yum! And she made all of her desserts from scratch including the crust; sweet potato pies, apple pies, cookies and pound cake! There were so many years when the family came to our house and mom made enough so everybody could take leftovers home. After dinner we would pass around a microphone and everyone would say what they were thankful for.

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. I'm grateful my TIA was not a full on stroke. And it gave me a chance to make major changes in my life without losing any physical or mental functions.  My heartfelt gratitude goes to the swift response of the medical professionals who took me to the hospital by ambulance, the doctors and nurses in the ER, and once in my room, the doctors, nurses, and medical techs that took good care of me. 

I'm grateful for the friendship of my neighbors Gregory and Victoria for their support, and taking care of my home and my kitties, and, my spiritual coach who has guided me on a path of self-discovery and self-love.  And friends that I'm so grateful to have in my life. 

Sending blessings to everyone this Thanksgiving. May you give yourself the love you deserve and the time to reflect on what you are thankful for this year.

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

Hi Mid-Bloomers!   On today's episode, we have a remarkable guest, Michelle Hill, who is the embodiment of resilience and creativity. Michelle's journey through life has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born into what appeared to be a typical family, she faced challenges that would shape her into the person she is today.

Early Life and Challenges:

Michelle's childhood might have seemed ordinary on the surface, but a strained relationship with her mother became a defining chapter of her life. It was during these moments of introspection that she discovered her passion for writing.

As a child seeking refuge Michelle began to nurture her creative soul. Alone with her thoughts, she allowed her imagination to flourish and her words to take flight on the pages of her notebooks. Little did she know that these early experiences with writing would become the foundation for her future success.

The Birth of Winning Proof:

Fast forward to the present day, and Michelle Hill is the founder of Winning Proof, a company dedicated to creating enduring legacies for sports and business professionals. Her mission is to empower individuals to share their compelling stories and invaluable leadership lessons. Michelle understands the power of storytelling in today's global marketplace and ensures that her clients remain prominently visible.

Michelle Hill
Your Legacy Builder at Winning Proof
winningproof.com
[email protected]
714.797.3731

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

Hello Mid-Bloomers! Sooo grateful you're back to hear the rest of my interview with Petra.  She is such a naturally warm and empathetic soul.  She encourages everyone to tap into their own personal power.

In this episode we talk about the breath work she does and how trauma can affect your physical and mental health.

"When we coordinate our senses,  an amazing shift happens. Our breath is our life force and when we use the breath in an empowering way, we are able to expand our consciousness.

We all have stuff that we (unconsciously) hold within our cells. Even though you have cognitively worked through trauma, your body may still be holding feelings of anger, sadness, regret, shame, guilt and fear."   -  Petra van Deijl

Petra van Deijl is an International Certified Life Coach & Breath Work Practitioner, and,  works with clients from all over the world. Petra specializes in addressing narcissistic and emotional abuse within seemingly loving relationships. 

Please feel free to get in touch with Petra at her website or send her an email:

Petravandeijl.com
[email protected]

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

Welcome Mid-Bloomers to Season Two!

My special guest for the first two episodes is Petra van Deijl. Petra  is an International Certified Life Coach & Breath Work Practitioner, and,  works with clients from all over the world. Petra specializes in addressing narcissistic and emotional abuse within seemingly loving relationships. Petra  and I both openly share our personal experiences with narcissists.  How they impacted our lives but ultimately we took back control and found ourselves again.

Wise Words From Petra van Deijl;

What Is A Narcissist?
Narcissism is a personality disorder. The narcissist is very much aware of the abuse they inflict on you. Often times we (mistakingly) think that a Narcissist is very confident but they are in fact plagued by very low self esteem. To compensate this void feeling they will seduce and consequently destroy their targets by way of manipulation, intimidation, projection, gaslighting and the silent treatment. 

Do you struggle with feeling invisible or unheard? You need to know you are enough!
Do people tend to suck the energy out of you, misuse your financial or emotional resources, or take you for granted?

You are not alone in this. Being a kind and loving human being does not equal being used as a doormat. In childhood you have been conditioned to put the needs of others before your own, this has become a part of your emotional make up. This is your belief system. One of the great things about being capable of introspection is that it allows you to uncover your childhood wounds, heal them and in doing so you create a new identity for yourself. 

Please feel free to get in touch with Petra at her website or send her an email:

Petravandeijl.com
[email protected]

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

Hey Mid-Bloomers! Winter is coming....well it is, but, actually  Season Two is coming next week!  As I've mentioned my first guest of the season will be Petra van Deijl;  a life coach based in the Netherlands. Petra specializes in addressing narcissistic and emotional abuse within seemingly loving relationships. You will fall in love with Petra's natural warmth as she shares and listens with an open heart.

On today's episode I talk about fall, gum balls, Halloween, comfy sweaters, and, missing groceries.

         WHAT MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND       

• Love, a gift that binds souls and transcends time and space. 
• Gratitude, the art of recognizing life's blessings, transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. 
• Kindness, a selfless act that ripples through the world, leaving behind a legacy of compassion. 

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

Hey Mid-Bloomers!  In this episode I share how I'm feeling sooooo much better! I chose ME and my health has become a priority. I know that having my TIA (transient ischemic attack) was instrumental in this decision. I would still be eating crap, crossing my fingers and hedging my bets with God. So he gave me a little wake up call. I'm awake!!  

HAIKU
Farewell, pizza love,
Health beckons, pizza waits—argh!
Greens dance, I embrace.

I'm also happy to share that Season Two launches on Wednesday, November 1st. Yay!
My first guest of the season will be Petra Van;  a life coach based in the Netherlands. Petra specializes in addressing narcissistic and emotional abuse within seemingly loving relationships. Throughout our discussion, Petra sheds light on the often unnoticed harm inflicted in these dynamics. On her website, she eloquently expresses, "Adversity, if you let it, has this wonderful way of strengthening your wings," a sentiment we've heard in various forms—what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Tune in to discover insights on resilience, healing, and the empowering journey beyond adversity. Yes, we're more than survivors; we're thrivers!

Check out her website ;
https://www.petravandeijl.com/

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

• The Numbing Game - How I use food to make the great escape from reality.

"Yes; I'd like to order 2 large pepperoni. Right; is that enough for five people? Ok, and a side of cheesy bread and a liter of coke." So this method allows me to avoid the appearance of ordering all of this just for me. I don't want a liter of coke but I figure if I order 1 can it will give my shameful secret away.

• Valerie Bertinelli and her weight loss journey is much like mine 

                  Healing
                  Therapy
                  The struggle to Love Yourself

• Various assorted ways to Numb Out

                   Food
                   Binging Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video
                   Shopping - Hello QVC!
                   Co-dependent Relationships

• Ch- ch-ch- ch-Changes

                 I don't like my body. I feel shame. But I must learn to love me                                                               where I am. And where I'm going.

• Nothing happens by coincidence - My, Speak From Your Power, Coach Cindy Ashton
• So what am I eating now? 
• Getting assistance for monitoring my vital signs.
• I'm still scared.

                                                                             
For more information about Cindy Ashton, please visit the following; 

Www.SpeakFromYourPower.com/training

linkedin.com/in/cindyashton

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

Recently, I had a life-altering experience when I suffered a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack). My heartfelt gratitude goes to the swift response of the medical professionals who took me to the hospital by ambulance, the doctors and nurses in the ER, and once in my room, the doctors, nurses, and medical techs that took good care of me. During that time, I experienced high blood pressure, numbness on my left side, and garbled speech. Fortunately, these symptoms lasted no more than three hours. 

A Crucial Lesson: This experience served as a stark reminder of how important it is to prioritize our health, especially as we navigate the middle-age years. It's easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life, but our well-being should always come first.

Important Steps: Taking prescribed medications, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. It's a combination that not only supports our physical health but also strengthens our mental and emotional resilience.

Community of Support: I'm grateful for the incredible support from friends and family during this time. It reinforces the importance of a strong support network as we journey through our lives.

A Gentle Reminder: In these moments, it's crucial to be kind to yourself. Recognize that healing is a journey, and it's okay to have setbacks. Seek support, whether from friends, family, or professionals, and remember that self-compassion is an essential part of the healing process.

Let's Prioritize Our Health Together: I'm sharing this personal experience to encourage all of us in the middle-age bracket to take our health seriously. Let's motivate each other to make positive choices that ensure a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Important Takeaways: Having a contingency plan in place is crucial. I've started compiling a list of emergency contacts, including trusted neighbors and friends, and sharing my house keys with a close friend who can assist in unforeseen situations. This simple yet thoughtful step can provide peace of mind and ensure the well-being of my  kitties; Hoss and Allie.

National Institute on Aging (.gov)
Getting Your Affairs in Order Checklist: Documents to Prepare ...

Tina Turner: She stops taking her medication damaging her kidneys:https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/05/24/tina-turner-i-put-my-life-in-danger-by-neglecting-kidney-disease-hypertension/#:~:text=Even%20after%20suffering%20a%20stroke,to%20be%2C%E2%80%9D%20Turner%20wrote.

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!

People often struggle with self-esteem, self-care, and believing in themselves.  Childhood trauma, which I experienced, can have a profound and lasting impact  throughout a person's life. Trauma experienced during childhood can lower self-esteem with feelings of unworthiness, guilt, or shame.  There are voices that whisper in your ear from your past playing old and negative self-perceptions which can persist into adulthood, making it challenging to believe in yourself and prioritize self-care. Additionally, childhood trauma can disrupt healthy tools that were developed, making it difficult for individuals to engage in self-care effectively.
 
My recent health scare literally brought me to my knees. And every coping mechanism I had learned over the years was, temporarily, thrown out the window.
 
Healing from past trauma is a complex journey that often involves therapy and support to rebuild self-esteem and develop the belief in one's worth and the ability to care for oneself.  It is hard work, but, it can be done.

Blessings everyone.

Check out my other episodes at
livinginmidbloom.buzzsprout.com
and on social media
www.linkedin.com/in/living-in-mid-bloom 

We want to hear from you! Send us a text and share your thoughts.

Connect on Instagram for a behind the scenes look of what it really means to BLOOM in MID LIFE --> @livinginmidbloom

April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Get ready to bloom!