Message in the Middle: Midlife Women, Reinvention & Personal Growth

If you've ever felt the pressure to fit into a certain mold or struggled with finding clothes that fit your style, personality, and current body, you're in for a treat today! Our guest, Dida Lang, is here to inspire and enlighten us with her remarkable journey from the fashion industry to thrifting and styling.  Dida is a mother, a wife, a former model, a fashion expert, a style coach, and the owner of the brand "Motherthrifting Queen."

Dida's brand, "Motherthrifting Queen," empowers women to embrace sustainable, second-hand fashion while helping them authentically express themselves with excitement and confidence in their current bodies. In this episode, we'll dive deep into Dida's background in the fashion and modeling industry and discover how she transitioned into the world of thrifting and styling.

Dida will share her experiences growing up in the industry, the immense pressures of modeling, and the feeling of not being enough. We'll explore her journey of reaching her dreams only to realize that they were not aligned with her true self and desires. Hear what it was like for her to redefine her life and start over.

But that's not all. Dida's work today goes far beyond just helping women find clothes. We'll learn why styling women is about so much more, and Dida will reveal the most challenging aspects of the work she does today. She'll share her insights on helping people discover their true style and building their confidence from within. You'll also find out why thrift shopping plays a crucial role in her mission.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dida Lang as we explore the world of fashion, self-discovery, and sustainable style. Get ready to be inspired and empowered by the "Motherthrifting Queen" herself Dida Lange. 

Motherthrifting Queen is a brand that styles women with sustainable secondhand fashion and give back excitement and confidence in expressing your authentic self in your current body.   Dida can be reached at:

Instagram: @motherthrifting_queen
Facebook: @motherthriftingqueen
Tiktok: motherthrifting_queen
Email: [email protected]

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

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Welcome to another episode of "Message in the Middle".  In this episode Marianne talks with Lisa Zawrotny, a Productivity Strategist and Accountability Coach, the founder of Positively Productive Systems, and the host of the Positively Living™ Podcast about doing less, living more, and breathing easier.

With a specific focus on mind clutter, Lisa helps us understand what mind clutter can look like and how it can manifest in our lives, shedding light on the importance of self-awareness as the first step towards decluttering.

Throughout the episode, we explore various aspects related to productivity and clutter, such as dealing with feeling overwhelmed, the impact of confidence on clutter and productivity, the role of well-defined values, and the application of the 80/20 rule to combat clutter and overwhelm.   Lisa also discusses Gretchen Rubin's four tendencies and their influence on inner and outer expectations and the primary reason that most productivity tools do not work.

Lisa can be reached via:

https://positivelyproductive.com

https://facebook.com/positivelyproductive

https://Instagram.com/positively_lisa

https://linkedin.com/in/positivelyproductive

https://positivelyliving.buzzsprout.com/

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

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 As we step into November, a month synonymous with Thanksgiving in the United States and a time for being more in tune with what we are grateful for, Marianne shares a recent experience that reminded her how impactful learning to be more present and embracing a practice of gratitude can be in our lives.  

Marianne shares a few simple activities to help you become more mindful:

1. Body Scan: Conduct a daily body scan to become aware of physical sensations and tensions.
2. Nature Walks: Spend time in nature, focusing on the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
3. Mindful Eating: Savor each bite during meals, paying attention to flavors and textures.
4. Journaling: Keep a mindfulness journal to record your thoughts and experiences, promoting self-reflection.

And for those working on being more grateful, she talks about trying some of these practices:

1. Gratitude Journal: Write down things you're thankful for daily using a gratitude journal or app.
2. Three Good Things: Reflect on and record three positive experiences each day.
3. Gratitude Jar: Whenever something or someone makes you grateful, jot it down and place it in a jar, then read them all at the end of the year.

Lastly, Marianne reminds those going through personal challenge, to embrace these practices as they can help you remember all the good in your life and the progress you've made, even if you're not quite where you thought you would be.

If you want to hear another great episode on gratitude, try last week's episode:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1938384/13819216-redefining-gratitude-get-out-of-your-problems-and-into-the-solution-with-holly-bertone.mp3?download=true

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

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Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

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In this thought-provoking episode of "Message in the Middle with Marianne," your host Marianne welcomes a very special guest, Holly Bertone. Holly is a true expert in transformational mindset coaching, a meditation facilitator, motivational speaker, and the author of the #1 Amazon bestselling book. She also hosts the Gratitude Builds Fortitude Podcast, where she dives deep into the power of gratitude.

Holly's journey to becoming a mindset coach and gratitude advocate was not a straight path.  With a background in federal government and consulting, Holly's life took an unexpected turn when she faced breast cancer and an autoimmune diagnosis. This challenging experience created a unique opportunity for her to blend her skills in project management and analytics and build a fresh perspective on problem-solving.

Now known as the go-to coach for unlocking your comeback story in the face of adversity, building mental resilience, and finding greater happiness, Holly has been featured on over 250 TV and radio segments, articles, podcasts, physical stages, and online summits. Notably, she has shared her expertise on gratitude and mindset with major platforms such as CBS and the Huffington Post.

Before they delve into the main topic, Marianne asks Holly about her background and the pivotal moments that led her to the transformational work she's doing today and Holly shares how her journey through adversity contributed to her belief that adversity can be the best thing that ever happens to us.

In the heart of the episode, they tackle Holly's bold perspective on gratitude, which she describes as "Gratitude is Dead." It's a striking statement, but Holly explains that though this is a bit of a tongue and cheek statement to get everyone's attention, simply "doing all the things" doesn't work.  The tangible physical and emotional benefits of gratitude supported by scientific research require us to take action and live in the solution not the problem.  Holly offers valuable tips on how you can start shifting your mindset in that direction. 

Don't miss this enlightening conversation that challenges conventional wisdom about gratitude and offers a fresh perspective on finding happiness and resilience in the face of adversity.

Holly's Social Links

Website - https://academy.pinkfortitude.com/podcast-landing-welcome

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/holly.bertone/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXZoAVUXw1LaJ8sSyk1KvLA

Podcast - https://academy.pinkfortitude.com/blog

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

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Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In this episode of "Message in the Middle" host Marianne embarks on a solo episode   exploring a dilemma that many of us face when it comes to vacation planning: Should we meticulously plan every detail or embrace spontaneity? Marianne reflects on her own experience as a dedicated planner and how it has shaped her approach to trips over the years.

The episode's central theme revolves around the age-old question, "To plan or not to plan?" Marianne acknowledges that, for many, the answer seems straightforward, as most individuals naturally gravitate towards either extreme planning or spontaneous travel. She draws a contrast between her approach, which has traditionally been thorough and detail-oriented, and her husband's more carefree, "winging it" style.

As a meticulous planner, Marianne discusses the benefits of this approach, including well-organized trips and great experiences. However, she also acknowledges the downsides, such as the immense time and energy dedicated to planning and the constant mental chatter that accompanies her anticipation of trips.

The episode explores the mental and emotional burdens that come with extensive planning and the impact it has on one's overall enjoyment of a vacation. Marianne mentions how her changing priorities and commitment to self-care and leisure have led her to reevaluate her approach to vacation planning.

With two upcoming trips on the horizon, a quick road trip and an extended vacation for a wedding, Marianne discusses the decisions she faced. Should she stick to her tried-and-true planning method, or should she embrace a more spontaneous approach? She delves into the pros and cons of each method, highlighting the importance of understanding one's travel personality and goals.

After deep self-reflection and considering both sides, Marianne decides to seek a balance between planning and spontaneity. She vows to create a high-level plan, book major components of the trip, and leave room for organic experiences. She is hopeful that this newfound approach will allow her to enjoy the journey, be more present, and dedicate more time to activities she values outside of trip planning.

Marianne concludes by highlighting how this shift in her vacation planning philosophy reflects broader mindset work and the potential for growth and change in various aspects of life. She admits that the outcome remains uncertain but is confident that gifting herself more time before her trips will lead to a successful and fulfilling experience.

This episode offers listeners a thought-provoking perspective on finding balance in vacation planning and encourages them to consider their own travel style and mindset. It reminds us that adapting our approach in one area of life can have a positive impact in others, ultimately leading to personal growth and more enjoyable experiences.

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

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Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In this episode of "Message in the Middle" Marianne is talking with Roni Travis. Roni is a seasoned health and lifestyle transformation coach with over a decade of expertise in the fitness and health industry. She embarked on her own personal journey in pursuit of a number on the scale, only to discover that genuine happiness resides in loving and nurturing our bodies from within. Armed with her profound experiences, Roni is on a mission to empower other women to embrace their bodies, prioritizing well-being over societal expectations.

In this episode, we'll explore a range of topics that resonate with women striving for a healthier and happier life:

1. The Journey to Self-Discovery: Roni shares her own transformative journey, shedding light on how she reshaped her relationship with food, her body, and her perception of what it means to be healthy. 
2. Living a Truly Healthy Lifestyle: We uncover the truth about what it means to lead a healthy lifestyle and how it goes far beyond the numbers on a scale or superficial appearances.
3. Overcoming the "Not Enough" Syndrome: Many women grapple with the notion that they'll only be content once they achieve certain external goals. Roni provides valuable advice on how to shift this mindset and find satisfaction and happiness in the present moment.
4. Confronting Limiting Beliefs: Roni discusses her experiences with limiting beliefs, revealing how they've manifested in her life and, more importantly, how she and her clients confront and conquer them.
5. Navigating Body Dysmorphia: We tackle the complex issue of body dysmorphia, exploring how it manifests and offering strategies to conquer these distorted self-images.
6. Becoming More Active: For those who lack a regular exercise routine, Roni imparts practical tips on how to become more active and maintain consistency in physical activity. 

Tune in to this empowering episode as Roni Travis shares her wisdom on embracing self-love and redefining what it means to be truly healthy. It's time to prioritize your well-being and embark on a journey to a happier, healthier you. Don't miss out!

Links:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aligningbodyandmind
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roni_travis/
Total getting started guide:  https://dogged-trailblazer-6922.ck.page/ead02ab7f4  

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

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Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In this episode of "Message in the Middle" our host Marianne, joins forces with the host of "The Gutsy Podcast", LauraAura, for an insightful discussion on reconnecting, rediscovering, and reclaiming your life.  

Some of the topics covered are:

Resistance - How to push through our resistance, why what we desire often hides behind our strongest resistance, and how to turn that resistance into a self-discovery tool. 

People Pleasing - For many of us, people-pleasing has been a lifelong habit. Laura will shed light on the complexities of people-pleasing and share valuable strategies for breaking free from its grip.

Staying Small - Breaking free from the containers that kept us small and leaning into who you really are.

Mind Chatter – that incessant inner dialogue that can be a strong obstacle standing in the way of meeting our goals.  Laura discusses how to tackle this relentless lower brain chatter and regain control over our thoughts.

Breaking the Habit Loop - Learning to recognize our well-worn pathways and tips for creating new one. 

​​LauraAura is an Alignment coach who guides women as they learn how to truly listen to what they want, instead of what they’ve been taught they should do or should want.  Laura is also the CEO of Worx & Co, an urban branding studio, the Host of "The Gutsy Podcast", she’s a speaker, author, and all-around visionary.

 worxand.co  |  lauraaura  |  the gutsy podcast

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

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Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In this episode, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth through the lens of the Enneagram led by Chelsie Engle, a certified Enneagram Coach.  Whether you're a newcomer or Enneagram enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insight on why typing within the Enneagram eco system can be challenging, but if done correctly, opens the door to valuable insights into understanding yourself and others on a deeper level.

Key Talking Points:

1. Demystifying the Enneagram: Chelsie provides an accessible introduction to the Enneagram, breaking down its basics for those unfamiliar with this powerful personality framework.
2. Enneagram vs. Myers-Briggs: Discover the distinctions between the Enneagram and other personality systems like Myers-Briggs.
3. Harnessing Enneagram Insights: Learn how identifying your Enneagram type can be a game-changer, empowering you to navigate life's challenges and relationships with powerful self-awareness.
4. The Pitfalls of General Testing: Chelsie delves into why generic testing often leads to inaccurate Enneagram classifications, highlighting the importance of guided interpretation.
5. Case Study: Chelsie illustrates the Enneagram's subtleties by sharing an example of how a single question can yield different results and why this matters.
6. Practical Application: Explore real-life questions and interpretations, providing a practical glimpse into the Enneagram's effectiveness in self-discovery.

Join us in this engaging conversation with Chelsie Engle.  After an extensive career in education, Chelsie shifted her focus to helping individuals discover their true selves and break free from life's constraints and uses the Enneagram as a means to help clients strengthen their relationships and reach a new level of self- discovery.

FREE enneagram test on my website Use code 20off for 20% off a typing session:  www.eliteenneagramcoaching.com

Chelsie's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/eliteenneagramcoach/

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

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Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In this episode, I dive deep into what fun means, what it looks like to cultivate a practice of fun & Joy and the types of things that hold so many of us back from doing so.  

Segment 1: Defining Fun: Our journey starts by exploring the concept of "fun" itself. We'll discuss how it's a subjective and personal experience, and we'll share some engaging anecdotes that illustrate the essence of fun. Plus, you'll learn about the incredible benefits fun can bring to your life.

Segment 2: Identifying Fun Activities: We'll provide you with practical tips on how to identify activities that truly bring you joy and excitement. Discover the role of hobbies and interests in adding fun to your daily routine and explore some unconventional and unique activities to try out. 

Segment 3: Finding Fun in Relationships: Relationships are a great source of fun! Spending time with people that fill you up, pull the best out of you, and allow you a safe space to be you and be free, not only fills your heart, but it cultivates an environment of joy and fun. 

Segment 4: Embracing Playfulness: Playfulness isn't just for kids. We'll talk about how playfulness plays a vital role in adulthood and share tips on rediscovering your inner child and learn how embracing playfulness can boost your level of joy and creativity.

Segment 5: Overcoming Barriers to Fun: We'll address those common obstacles that might be holding you back from having more fun. From time constraints to the fear of judgment, we'll provide examples and suggestions for overcoming these barriers. 

Segment 6: Fun Challenge: Get ready for a fun challenge! We'll issue an exciting challenge for you to participate in during the upcoming week. Share your experiences and outcomes with us on social media, and let's have some fun together. 

Conclusion: As we wrap up this episode, we'll summarize the key takeaways from our discussions. Remember, making room for fun in your life is essential for your overall happiness and well-being. Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and stay connected with us on social media. And be sure to tune in next time for an equally inspiring episode!

Episodes mentioned today:  

• Cultivating Joy: Discovering Your Inner Shine with Ellie Bassick-Trovato (messageinthemiddle.com)
• Discovering Joy as Your Birthright: A Conversation with Dr. Tanmeet Sethi (messageinthemiddle.com)
• Unleashing Creativity: Overcoming Resistance and Finding Your Outlet to Fun with Jean Sheridan (messageinthemiddle.com)
• 
  

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

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Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

Join Marianne as she sits down with Kerrie Folsom Nygard, a life coach, certified Nutrition Specialist, Personal Trainer, and someone who is highly trained in brain management and binge eating,

In part two of this conversation, we explore:

• How choosing a different perspective can be a game changer.
• Why we are fundamentally all the same.
• The importance of getting comfortable in the uncomfortable.
• The concept of "Emotional Eating": where it originates, how to conquer it, and how to effectively handle our emotions through our relationship with food.
• What the F.E.E.L technique is and how to implement it.

Join us for an insightful conversation that will empower you to take charge of your relationship with food, your emotions, and your body. 

If you missed the first part of this conversation, you can check it out here                      Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review if you find this episode helpful. Your support means the world to us! 🌟 #FoodFreedom #Curiosityandcompassion #MindfulEating #NutritionJourney #MessageInTheMiddle

Kerrie Folsom Nygard is the creator of the Freedom with Body and Food Program, founder of Brain Management 101, Life Coaching Practice, a certified Life Coach from The Life Coach School, a certified Nutrition Specialist from NASM, a certified NASM Personal Trainer, a graduate of the Beating Binge Eating program, a previous Fitness Instructor and last but not least, the mother of Six Children.  She can be reached:

Free workshop group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/463672975528647

Personal FB is Kerrie Folsom Nygard

Instagram is @kerrie.a.nygard

Website: www.kerrienygard.com

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

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Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...