Welcome to "The Mindshift Show," the podcast dedicated to empowering mid-career women and empty nest Moms to reshape their lives with intention and joy. I am your host, Pamela Bloomfield and transformational life coach. Today, we're diving into a powerful metaphor: "Navigating the Tunnel: Breaking Through Mental Barriers."

Recently my husband and I traveled to Ohio. On our way back we drove through 4 tunnels which had signs, Do Not Cross Center Line. While driving through the tunnels, I thought about how sometimes as mid career women or empty nest Moms we have to navigate our personal tunnels so we can realize our full potential. Have you driven through a tunnel with a sign that reads "Do Not Cross Center Line?" This sign can symbolize the mental barriers we face, like imposter syndrome and self-sabotage. Let's explore how we can break through these barriers and embrace a life of purpose and joy.

Understanding the Tunnel

Picture yourself in a tunnel of life. The path feels narrow, dark, and restrictive. This tunnel represents the mental state where we feel stuck, unable to move forward. The "Do Not Cross Center Line" sign is a reminder of the self-imposed limitations we place on ourselves.

For many empty nest Moms, this tunnel can feel all too familiar. After years of dedicating themselves to their families, they may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or fear of stepping into new roles. I remember a client, let's call her Sarah, who felt trapped in this tunnel. She was afraid to pursue her passion for painting because she didn't believe she was good enough.

It's important to identify the Center Line in your life.

The center line in our tunnel symbolizes fear—fear of failure, fear of success, and the comfort zone that keeps us from taking risks. Imposter syndrome and self-sabotage are common manifestations of these fears.

Let me share some inspiring stories of women who have successfully crossed their mental center lines.

Take Sarah, for example. She started by dedicating just 15 minutes a day to her painting. Gradually, her confidence grew, and she began sharing her work with friends and family. Today, Sarah's paintings are displayed in local galleries, and she feels more fulfilled than ever.

Another story is about Lisa, an empty nest Mom who felt lost after her children moved out. She decided to pursue her long-time interest in yoga. With consistent practice and training, Lisa is now a certified yoga instructor, helping others find balance and peace.

To recap, we've discussed the metaphor of the tunnel and the center line, and how they represent the mental barriers we face. Remember, the tunnel is just a passage, not a destination. You have the power to cross that center line and embrace a life of purpose and joy.

Are you feeling like you're going through a tunnel, it's dark with no clear end in sight because of the fear, loneliness, scared, confusion, nostalgia, feeling of unworthiness, and the "well what now" feeling. Would you like to feel liberated, renewed, contented, open to learning, untethered? I encourage you to take the first small action to

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