It happens to the best of us—those moments when your adult kids make plans, share inside jokes, or connect over things you’re not part of. You love them, but a quiet ache settles in: Am I being left out? Am I not as important as I used to be?

In this episode of Midlife with Brooke, host Brooke Oniki gently unpacks the emotions that surface when you feel overlooked. She shares personal experiences and client stories that will help you process those feelings with compassion and respond in ways that keep your relationships strong.

You’ll learn:

• Why it hurts so much to feel left out (and why that’s normal)
• How to separate facts from the painful story you might be telling yourself
• Practical ways to manage disappointment without damaging connection
• How to align your response with your values, even when you feel hurt
• Tools like focusing on the gain instead of the gap and using ladder thoughts to shift perspective

Brooke’s stories—from missed invitations to group plans you’re not part of—show how it’s possible to feel the sting, process it, and still show up with generosity, peace, and love.

Reflection Questions:

• What story am I telling myself about being left out?
• What response aligns with my values?
• Am I focusing on the gap—or the gain?

Final Thought:

Feeling left out doesn’t mean you’ve lost connection. It’s an invitation to deepen trust, choose compassion (for yourself and others), and keep showing up in ways that strengthen the bond you’ve built over a lifetime.

For more content from Brooke, sign up for her email at www.brookeoniki.com/newsletter.