Dr. Lisa Petty calls herself a “midlife alchemist,” who helps women navigate the big questions of midlife after arriving there with a sense of panic and uncertainty about her own identity and purpose. This led her to pursue a master's degree and eventually a doctorate focused on the wellbeing of women at midlife. She says the concept of “having it all,” introduced into the culture in the early 1980s by Helen Gurley Brown, the former editor of Cosmopolitan Magazine, quickly turned toxic. It went from an aspiration to a command. Having it all now meant doing it all. Lisa emphasizes the importance of tuning into our bodies, following our intuition, and embracing our own unique journey of self-discovery.

Guest Bio

Dr. Lisa Petty started her career as a holistic nutritionist and health researcher, and quickly became recognized as a speaker, journalist, award-winning author and media health expert. After several years coaching women who struggled to follow through on their health goals, Lisa earned a PhD for her research on how midlife women experience self-care in the face of the social pressures on them to be perfect in every facet of their lives. Her new book “Forget About Having It All: The Midlife Woman’s Guide to Creating the Life you Want” is a combination of research findings and Lisa’s own story of midlife self-discovery. Through a combination of research and channeled wisdom, Lisa now helps midlife women navigate midlife and create the life they really want.

Turning 40 and Abandoning the Toxic Concept of ‘Having It All’

In this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, host Stephanie speaks with Lisa, a midlife alchemist and holistic nutritionist. Lisa shares her journey from a soul-sucking career in finance to finding her true calling in holistic nutrition. As she navigated the challenges of raising a child with a heart defect, Lisa delved into the world of holistic health and became a teacher and coach. However, as her own children grew up and she faced an empty nest, Lisa felt a deep sense of panic and uncertainty about her identity and purpose. This led her to pursue a master's degree focused on midlife women and their relationship with food and wellbeing. Eventually, Lisa obtained her doctorate and became an expert in self-care for women at midlife. 

Throughout the episode, Lisa emphasizes the importance of tuning into our bodies, following our intuition, and embracing our own unique journey of self-discovery. She encourages women to recognize the distractions and societal expectations that often hinder their wellbeing and to embrace their own power as creators. The episode concludes with a reminder to listeners to follow the glimmers of joy and authenticity in their own lives. 

Highlights from the episode:

• Lisa's transition from a soul-sucking career in finance to holistic nutrition and a doctorate in the wellbeing of women at midlife.
• The challenges women face in taking care of their wellbeing and the societal expectations placed on them.
• The toxic concept of ‘having it all,’ first espoused in Helen Gurley Brown’s seminal 1982 book, “Having It All.”
• The importance of tuning into our bodies and following our intuition for self-discovery.
• How to recognize and embrace the glimmers of joy and authenticity in our lives as mini spiritual awakenings.

Overall, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical tips for women navigating the complexities of midlife and finding their true selves. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks Podcast.

Sponsor

The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications

Lisa’s Special Offer for Forty Drinks Listeners

A Free 30-Day Self-Care Journal

Lisa’s New Book 

Forget About Having It All: The Midlife Woman's Guide to Creating the Life you Want

Find Lisa on Instagram

Lisa’s Midlife Alchemy Group on Facebook

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from the Ick. www.fortydrinks.com/ick  

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