LIVING IN MID-BLOOM

"In order to grow we must reveal our truth and stand in it. I am brave. And I love myself for where I was and where I am."

Just as finding the right physician is important to your physical health, you should demand the same care and attention for your emotional and mental health. My focus over the next few weeks will spotlight the good, the bad, and the ugly I experienced and experience in therapy.  Seeking therapy is a very individual decision in which you may find yourself vulnerable. Therapy can be hard work depending upon what your needs are and what you are willing to put into it. I'll be sharing recommendations on how to find the right therapist over the next few episodes.

TIP #1 FOR FINDING THE RIGHT THERAPIST
Ask for recommendations from trusted sources such as friends, family, or your primary care physician. 

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 and friends! Putting out a little teaser today about therapy. After finding and working with a well suited therapist, it can be life changing. It was painful and is painful when touching on experiences that you never really worked through. Or, are just now rearing their ugly head. I found the quality of my life and my relationships are so much better but as we know the journey never ends. Many relationships ended because my personal vibration had changed for the better. 

Just as finding the right physician is important to your physical health, your emotional and mental health demand expert care to appropriately assess your needs. My focus over the next few weeks will spotlight the good, the bad, and the ugly I experienced and experience in therapy.  Seeking therapy is a very individual decision in which you may find yourself vulnerable. Trust is the forefront for positive and effective treatment.

Therapy can be hard work depending upon what your needs are and what you are willing to put into it. I'll be sharing recommendations on how to find the right 
therapist on my full podcast episode airing Wednesday May 3rd and in later episodes.

TRANSCRIPT
...So I went to this new outpatient program at a medical center in DC. My therapist at the time initially recommended I enter their in patient program. I bristled at that. One flew over the cuckoo's nest? Oh no! And I couldn't leave my precious kitties. They've kept me sane and don't judge me. So then she suggested an outpatient program, weekly along with weekly individual therapy sessions...

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!

Victoria has been a long-time neighbor and friend. She has a master’s in social work and has spent her entire career in the healthcare field. She has the gift of "Empathy" and that explains, to me, why she was passionate about her career and has the same passion in retirement.

Over the past few years I was dealing with elderly family members, including my mother, that required additional attention and care. Navigating through our massive health care system can be overwhelming and Victoria was instrumental in successfully guiding me through the many processes.
 
As you listen to our conversation I ask you to consider the following:

It is ok and good to ask for help
Asking for help is a sign of strength and courage. It shows that you are willing to learn and grow, and that you value the input and knowledge of others. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Empathy and why it matters
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It matters because it allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, build stronger relationships, and create a more compassionate world. It also helps us to be better communicators and problem-solvers, as we are able to see things from different perspectives.

Acknowledging Your Expertise/And get paid!
If you've got a side gig or diving into your passion, it is important to recognize the value of your expertise and set fair rates for your services. It's okay to ask for payment for your work, as it reflects the time, effort, and knowledge you are bringing to the table. Remember to communicate your rates clearly and confidently to potential clients.

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!

This is a sound bite from the next episode scheduled to air Wednesday, April 19, 2023.  April's friend Victoria has spent her entire career in the healthcare field. Leading with an empathetic soul, Victoria shares her personal insights. April shares her gratitude toward Victoria when dealing with elderly family members including her mother.
  

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!

In this episode April starts getting into some of the issues she began dealing with after losing her job. Here are some of her own go to quotes;

• "You are worth caring about!  It may be a new message but it is surely the truth. That voice that easily says "fool". It's familiar. But it's not the truth. It sounds right because what else did you know? Revel in this new message!"
• "Some of us were taught that others come first. That we do not matter. And we end up being caregivers for those you choose not to live fully. The truth is we don’t owe anyone else our life. Do not feel guilty for choosing you."
• "When you spend time trying to please others you lose who you are and lose sight of your own needs."
•  "There's nothing to lose and everything to gain when you put it all out there."

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!

This is a sound bite from the next solo episode scheduled to air Wednesday, April 5, 2023.  April starts to get to the heart of some of the issues she has been dealing with for the past few years. 

 "There's nothing to lose and everything to gain when you put it all out there."

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!

This is part two of my interview with Beth Tomas.
 
We start the conversation with her breast cancer diagnosis as Beth owns her feelings of anger, fear, and frustration.

Despite recently losing her husband and her brother, Beth kept her annual breast exam appointment.
 
Beth; you could not have provided a better example of self-care! What a reminder for all of us to understand the importance of regular exams. Take yourself and take a friend with you to an appointment. No; it's not a party but it's giving you some self-care loving!

For more information please contact the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. at their website;

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org

We check in to see how her daughters are doing, and, discuss her non-profit of which she is the Founding Executive Director, This Girls Story (TGS). TGS, a non-profit organization, is a quarterly girl-led magazine that showcases contributions from all who identify as girls, ages 13-19.

For more information and to connect with Beth please check out the TGS website at https://www.thisgirlsstory.org/

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!

I had the privilege of speaking with Beth Tomas, my guest for the next two episodes to share her journey through unexpected loss. In September of 2021 Beth lost her husband, Antero Tomas, of 21 years. He died of complications from a massive stroke.  Within a few weeks of Antero’s passing, her brother Skip died of cancer. A few months later, Beth was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She was brave enough to share her journey through grief and how she is learning to navigate these life changing events.

Beth and her loved ones have been helping each other;
her first born, Vashti Selix, her baby girl Valleri Tomas, and her sister, Karen Pearl.  

Beth's biggest baby right now is her non-profit organization. She is the Founding Executive Director of This Girls Story (TGS). TGS, a non-profit organization, is a quarterly girl-led magazine that showcases contributions from all who identify as girls, ages 13-19. Beth is passionate about nurturing young women to live up to their full potential. She believes helping girls develop their voice and writing about it or expressing it in another art form will build the skills they need to become strong, articulate, and compassionate leaders.

For more information and to connect with Beth please check out the TGS website at https://www.thisgirlsstory.org/

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!

March 1st is the third full episode and the second solo episode of the Living In Mid-Bloom podcast. 

April has said all along she would be sharing her personal journey. In this episode she starts at the beginning of the journey she's  been on for the past three years.  Summary of episode;

• Self-Care for the Mind, Body, & Soul
• Trauma Responses - Do we still need the tools we used as children to protect ourselves?
• Flipping The Narrative 

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!

Stacey Montgomery began her education studying medicine due to an early inspiration as a child.  However; she realized fairly soon it was not  her cup of tea and shifted to the law, starting her professional career in the corporate world.  Stacey has always loved drawing and writing but never believed it was something that could blossom into a successful living.  But when she was laid off, she took the opportunity to follow her passion and speed down that creative track. 

Stacey M. Design celebrates children and has been on a mission to build their self-confidence. She believes there is something special in each child and is determined to help them tap into their own uniqueness and greatness.  She calls it their "Super Power."

Stacey's son, Isaiah has been one of her biggest inspirations. She witnessed his personal struggles in school. Feeling helpless, sad and frustrated, Stacey realized that he and many other children needed guidance in a way that would make them feel more confident and that they matter.  As a writer and illustrator Stacey developed guided journals for social emotional learning (SEL) programs for use in elementary schools and youth groups. Using her guided journals in school settings, a group, or at home, encourages productive conversations and develop their self-esteem.

For more information and to connect with Stacey please check out her websites at 
www.staceymdesign.com and her non-profit foundation at 
www.mysuperpowersfoundation.org

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!