Perfect is pretend. Take a moment and re-read that slowly.

Welcome to another episode of MercyCast. This week, I’m sitting down with Dr. Mikayla Albertson to discuss the often-overlooked complexities of midlife. This conversation explores the challenges of aging, the journey of healing, and the importance of embracing vulnerability. Mikayla, who’s walked this road herself, shares invaluable insights on navigating this season with grace, self-acceptance, and, most importantly, radical love for ourselves.

Our chat explores how midlife often feels like a maze—unpredictable and without a clear roadmap. But it’s not all hardship. Mikayla highlights how midlife can be a time of growth, reflection, and healing. With her new book as a guide, we talk about the importance of having reliable information for women in midlife and the need to prioritize self-care and let go of unrealistic expectations.

We also explore radical acceptance, a powerful mindset that allows us to embrace life’s challenges without letting them define or break us. Mikayla shares how perfectionism can fuel self-loathing, make us feel disconnected from our true selves, and how shifting our mindset toward wellness can open the door to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

What I love most about this episode is its message of hope: Healing is not a linear process, and you are already enough. Whether caring for your body or embracing the beauty in the ordinary moments of life, there’s so much to love about the journey, imperfections and all.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Midlife can be a challenging season without a clear playbook.
• Vulnerability connects us all—it's a shared human experience.
• Healing is a lifelong journey, and radical acceptance is a key part.
• Perfectionism can lead to self-loathing and unrealistic expectations.
• Embracing imperfection allows for a more authentic and peaceful life.
• Walking, or simple self-care practices, can significantly improve mental and physical health.
• A mindset shift toward wellness can make all the difference in how we approach life.
• It's okay not to have it all figured out—healing often comes from facing adversity.
• Understanding our relationship with food is crucial for emotional and physical well-being.
• Social pressures distort self-image—remember: You are beloved and valued.

You can learn more about Dr. Mikala Albertson at her website, mikalaalbertsonmd.com.Buy her new book, Everything I Wish I Could Tell You about Midlife.

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Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected]. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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