Mindful Life Changes

Valerie Mekki

A weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into the heart of life's transitions for those 40 and over. From embracing an empty nest and caring for elderly parents to navigating the body and mind changes of a certain age and reshaping careers. Every Sunday,  join host, Valerie Mekki,  offering a blend of mindfulness practices, heartfelt affirmations, and real-life stories to guide you through the evolving landscape of midlife. Whether it involves professional pivots, personal growth, or embracing the changes within, this podcast is designed to create a comforting space where you can learn, grow, and thrive together.

read less
EducationEducation
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness
BusinessBusiness
Self-ImprovementSelf-Improvement
Mental HealthMental Health
CareersCareers

Episodes

50. ‘When’ the Four-Letter Word That’s Holding You Back + Affirmation of Self-Empowerment
Apr 28 2024
50. ‘When’ the Four-Letter Word That’s Holding You Back + Affirmation of Self-Empowerment
Are you caught in a cycle of "When I... then I'll..." thinking? In today's episode of the Mindful Life Changes Podcast, we confront the "when" statements that are stealthily sabotaging your life's potential. Host Valerie Mekki empowers midlifers, especially women, to shed the procrastination and perfectionism often cloaked in these statements. From "When the kids are older, then I’ll..." to "When I have more money, then I’ll...", Valerie unpacks how these thoughts diminish our sense of self-worth and delay our dreams.Replacing "when" with "what" can revolutionize your approach to daily living. This episode is not just about challenging your long-held beliefs but about transforming them. Valerie guides you through turning passive waiting into active engagement with life's possibilities. She provides practical steps to shift from dreaming to doing by asking empowering questions like "What do I want for myself right now?" and "What small step can I take today towards my dream?"Join us as we flip the script from waiting for the perfect time to seizing the present moment with powerful affirmations and actionable advice. Don't miss this transformative journey towards living a life filled with purpose and passion, starting today.Show Notes  & Chapters: [00:00:00] Start[00:00:42] Intro [00:02:00] Common when statements[00:04:26] By replacing ‘When’ with ‘What’[00:05:49] Start of the affirmation[00:08:40] End of affirmation [00:08:52] Making your affirmations S.T.I.C.K.Y [00:10:06] EndFormerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.ORConnect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki
49. When You Can’t Fall Asleep: Breathing Exercises for Night & Bedtime
Apr 21 2024
49. When You Can’t Fall Asleep: Breathing Exercises for Night & Bedtime
Ever have those nights when you just can’t go to sleep? No matter what you do you can’t catch those precious “Z’s”, until now. In this enlightening episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, host Valerie Mekki delves into the transformative power of breathing exercises as a natural remedy for improving sleep quality and managing stress. With an in-depth exploration of diaphragmatic and 4-7-8 breathing techniques, Valerie offers practical guidance on how to incorporate these exercises into your nightly routine. Whether you're struggling with sleep due to the stresses of midlife or simply seeking ways to enhance your relaxation practices, this episode provides valuable insights and methods to help you achieve a deeper, more restful night's sleep.Join Valerie as she provides a soothing walkthrough of each technique, designed to calm the mind and body, and shares personal insights on how embracing these practices can lead to significant improvements in both sleep and overall well-being. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their sleep quality and reduce stress in a natural, accessible way.Time Stamps:===[00:00:00] Start[00:00:59] Intro[00:02:00] Why you can’t go to sleep[00:03:15] Breathing exercises for sleep[00:04:54] Belly Breathing Exercise[00:08:54] Breathing Exercise “4, 7, 8 “ method[00:11:52] If you want to continue your sleep journey[00:13:14] EndFormerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.ORConnect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki
48. Creating a Peaceful Night Routine + Relaxing Body Scan For Sleep
Apr 14 2024
48. Creating a Peaceful Night Routine + Relaxing Body Scan For Sleep
The way we wind down at night can have a profound impact on our sleep quality, mood, and readiness for the next day. It’s not just about going to bed; it’s about transitioning to rest in a way that nurtures our body and mind. In this enlightening episode of the Mindful Life Changes Podcast, host Valerie Mekki introduces the transformative R.E.M method—a nightly routine designed to ensure a peaceful and restorative sleep.R.E.M stands not only for the crucial sleep phase known as Rapid Eye Movement but also for an easy-to-remember guide to crafting your night routine: Room, Electronics, Mindfulness. Valerie will walk you through the steps to optimize your sleeping environment (Room), manage your exposure to electronics (Electronics), and engage in mindfulness practices (Mindfulness), such as a soothing body scan meditation to relax your body and ease your mind into a restful state.Transforming your night with the R.E.M method sets the stage for a successful morning. By creating conditions conducive to deep, restful sleep, you wake up more energized, focused, and ready to embrace the day with a lighter mood and a clear mind. So, if you're looking to change the narrative of your nights from restless to restful, join Valerie as she explores how the R.E.M method and a calming body scan can redefine the end of your day, setting a peaceful tone for the night and a vibrant start for tomorrow.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.ORConnect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki
47. Elevate Your Morning Routine with the ‘3 S’s’ + A.M. Affirmation
Apr 7 2024
47. Elevate Your Morning Routine with the ‘3 S’s’ + A.M. Affirmation
In the rhythm of our busy lives, mornings can either be a time of chaos or a sanctuary of peace. How we start our day can significantly impact our mood, productivity, and stress levels throughout the day. It's not just about waking up; it's about waking up right. In this episode of the  Mindful Life Changes Podcast, host Valerie Mekki explores how crafting a morning routine centered around the three S's—Silence, Sunlight, and Sweat—can transform these early hours into a foundation of strength and calmness for the entire day. Silence allows us to greet the day with gratitude, away from the beeping notifications from our phones, setting the tone for inner peace. Sunlight invites us to align our internal clocks with the natural world, energizing our bodies and minds. Sweat, through physical activity, clears the fog of sleep and primes us for the day’s challenges with focused intention and clarity. Together, these practices create a morning routine not just about doing but about being present, being intentional, and being at peace with the day’s potential.So, if you're ready to change the narrative of your mornings from one of stress and dread to one of peace and purpose, join me as we delve deeper into how the three S's can redefine the start of your day.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.ORConnect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki
46. Finding Your Center and Peace with Two Simple Grounding Practices (Replay Ep.19)
Mar 31 2024
46. Finding Your Center and Peace with Two Simple Grounding Practices (Replay Ep.19)
In a world that feels more unpredictable by the day, revisiting the fundamentals of finding calm in the chaos has never been more relevant. This week, we're bringing back a listener favorite from The Mindful Career Change Podcast: Episode 19, 'Finding Your Ground in Life's Chaos.' Host Valerie Mekki, an expert in career change counseling, guides us through transformative grounding practices designed to anchor us in the present, even as life whirls unpredictably around us.Discover the enduring power of techniques like 'Grounding' and the '54321' method—simple, yet profound practices that can bring clarity, reduce stress, and enhance your decision-making prowess, especially crucial during career transitions. Whether you're new to our community or seeking a vital reminder of these essential skills, this episode offers invaluable insights into navigating life's uncertainties with grace and resilience.Dive back into this pivotal episode with us and reinforce your toolkit for staying centered and making mindful decisions, no matter what life throws your way.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.ORConnect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki
45. Affirmation For Relieving Stress: “With Each Breath I Release Stress and Fear…”
Mar 24 2024
45. Affirmation For Relieving Stress: “With Each Breath I Release Stress and Fear…”
In the midst of a life challenge, it's difficult to see beyond the current moment. However, you don’t have to ‘just get by’ and hope the stress will just go away on its own. Discover four compelling strategies to help you navigate through midlife changes in this episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast with host, Valerie Mekki. Stress, anxiety, and pent-up emotions can take up unnecessary space in your body and mindset. In order to navigate the significant life changes that come your way, it is essential to release the negative energy to make room for patience, grace, and empathy. From the cathartic release of a screaming session to the reflective peace of intense journaling, Valerie offers practical steps and personal affirmations to guide you toward emotional liberation and clarity.Whether you're seeking to lighten your emotional load or foster a deeper connection with yourself and others, this episode holds the key to unlocking a more mindful, compassionate, and empowered existence. Press play to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to face life's challenges with a renewed sense of purpose and positivity.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.ORConnect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki
43. Empowering Affirmation: “I Am Built To Thrive”— Overcoming Midlife Stresses with Movement
Mar 10 2024
43. Empowering Affirmation: “I Am Built To Thrive”— Overcoming Midlife Stresses with Movement
Dive into a journey of empowerment and resilience in this inspiring episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast, where we uncover the transformative benefits of movement and exercise on our mental well-being. Join host, Valerie Mekki, your guide through the trials and victories of midlife. She shares how embracing physical activity can be the key to managing life's stresses, conquering self-doubt, and unlocking an inner strength you may have never known you had. With insights from neuroscience and personal anecdotes, Valerie illuminates the path to a more resilient and confident self, proving that we are all built to thrive, conquer, and excel.Prepare to be inspired to tap into your inner power through the simple, yet profound act of moving your body with a motivational affirmation practice. Let's embark on this journey together, finding strength in every step and celebrating the victories, both big and small, on the path to wellness and self-discovery in midlife.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.ORConnect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki
42. Gratitude Affirmation: “I Am Deeply Grateful for My Body”— Navigating Midlife Changes and Stresses
Mar 3 2024
42. Gratitude Affirmation: “I Am Deeply Grateful for My Body”— Navigating Midlife Changes and Stresses
Feeling disconnected or falling out of love with your body? We explore the transformative power of body gratitude, especially as we navigate the complexities of midlife. Join host, Valerie Mekki, a career change guide and mindfulness enthusiast, and delve deep into how our relationships with our bodies may feel distant as we age, however, there are simple ways to appreciate and love your body again.Valerie discusses practical ways to cultivate body gratitude daily, from the first breath of the morning to the last thought at night, and how this practice can shift our mindset, improve our well-being, and deepen our appreciation for the incredible journey our bodies navigate. Practice an affirmation of gratitude for your body that you can recite for 21 days having you feeling motivated, inspired, and a more meaningful connection with your body. Time Stamps and Show Notes:[00:00:31] Intro[00:01:54] Too easy to overlook our body's remarkable ability [00:04:00] You can't attract what you desire and detest it at the same time[00:05:15] Practice body gratitude [00:06:37] If you're caring for an aging or health-challenged parent[00:07:33] Star of affirmation[00:10:11] End of affirmation[00:10:34] Make your affirmation S.T.I.C.K.Y[00:12:27] EndCheck out episode 40 for more information about midlifers entering a "Rubber Band Era"Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.ORConnect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki
41. Mirror Talk: Discovering Self-Love with Positive Affirmations
Feb 25 2024
41. Mirror Talk: Discovering Self-Love with Positive Affirmations
Uncover the Power of Self-Love with Mirror Work with the Mindful Life Changes Podcast. In this episode, host Valerie Mekki, a career change guide, and mindfulness enthusiast, takes you on a transformative journey of self-discovery. We dive into the profound practice of mirror work, a technique popularized by the notable author and publisher Louise Hay. Valerie shares her personal experience of this 21-day practice that can also help you strengthen your self-confidence, diminish self-doubt, and solidify your commitment to personal and professional growth. Whether you're navigating a career transition, embarking on new life ventures, or simply seeking to deepen your self-compassion, this episode offers invaluable insights and a guided affirmation practice to help you love and accept yourself unconditionally. Discover how the simple act of facing your reflection can become a powerful catalyst for changeShow Notes & Time Stamps[00:00:00] Today's affirmation[00:01:08] Intro[00:02:19] Why did I go on this journey of mirror work?[00:03:31] A fascinating 2014 study[00:04:26] When you engage in mirror work[00:05:21] How mirror work can help [00:06:32] Start of Affirmation[00:09:21] End of affirmation practice[00:09:39] Make your affirmation practice S.T.I.C.K.Y[00:11:04] EndIf you are interested in learning more about the method and practice of mirror work, please look up Louise Hay's book Mirror Work. Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.ORConnect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki
40. Navigating Midlife Changes: “I am Capable of Stretching with Life’s Demands" Affirmation
Feb 18 2024
40. Navigating Midlife Changes: “I am Capable of Stretching with Life’s Demands" Affirmation
In this first official episode of the Mindful Life Changes podcast  (formerly known as the Mindful Career Change), host Valerie Mekki, a career change guide and mindfulness enthusiast, delves deep into the art of thriving during mid-life's unique challenges. Turning 45 herself, Valerie introduces the concept of the 'Rubber Band Era'—a time when individuals are stretched by responsibilities yet possess the remarkable ability to bounce back with resilience and wisdom. Discover how to navigate the complexities of caregiving, career shifts, and personal transformations with grace, leveraging your life experiences as a source of strength.Dive into actionable strategies designed to enhance your resilience, flexibility, and durability. From incorporating movement into your daily routine to adopting mindfulness practices that fortify mental and emotional resilience, Valerie offers a comprehensive guide to redefining mid-life. Learn how setting strategic boundaries can protect your energy and focus, allowing you to maintain your well-being amidst life’s relentless pace. Join us on the Mindful Life Changes podcast for an episode packed with insightful reflections, practical advice, and the motivation to level up your life, proving it’s possible to stretch without breaking and emerge stronger than ever.Show Notes and Timestamps===[00:00:00] Start[00:00:08] Intro.[00:01:05] We changed our name to the Mindful Life Changes podcast[00:02:00] Mindfulness goes beyond career transitions[00:02:51] We are not the ''Sandwich Generation''[00:04:13] 'Rubber Band Era' explained[00:04:27] However, can you ever be stretched too thin? [00:05:29] Seeking reinforcements or lighten the burden [00:07:28] Transform into a resilient and durable rubber band[00:08:48] Start of affirmation[00:11:57] End of affirmation[00:12:43] How to make your affirmation S.T.I.C.K.Y[00:14:00] EndIf you're inspired to learn more about the "Rubber Band Era," check out the latest article post at www.ohhelloworklife.com, my blog about changing careers and passion projects. Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.ORConnect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki
39. (Replay) Encouraging Affirmation: I Am Doing My Best and Releasing All Unrealistic Expectations
Feb 11 2024
39. (Replay) Encouraging Affirmation: I Am Doing My Best and Releasing All Unrealistic Expectations
We are revisiting this episode this week and we’ll be back next week with some exciting news! Break free from the 'I should' trap and embrace a mindset of self-compassion and growth. Join host Valerie Mekki, a career change guide, as she dives into how a seemingly innocent two-word phrase, 'I should,' can secretly sabotage your self-confidence and motivation. She explores the impact of unrealistic expectations and how they often lead to guilt and shame, especially during career changes. Discover the transformative impact of 'I am' statements over 'I should,' and take part in a simple but eye-opening exercise that will help you eliminate 'I should' from your inner dialogue. She also shares a transformative affirmation practice with, 'I Am Doing My Best and Releasing All Unrealistic Expectations, Creating Room for Growth and Possibilities.' It's time to cultivate self-compassion, prioritize personal growth, and unlock your true potential.Show Notes and Timestamps:[00:01:05] Intro[00:01:38] The word should. What does it really mean? [00:02:44] Expectations in comparison to others[00:03:24] When expectations are rigid[00:04:43] Let's flip the script[00:05:43] A simple exercise that can help you eliminate ‘I should’ from inner dialogue[00:06:39] Start of affirmation[00:09:38] End of affirmation [00:10:05] Make your affirmation practice S.T.I.C.K.Y [00:11:52] End of episodeLearn a better way to have a healthier and kinder inner dialogue with yourself. Check out episode #14 for full details. And if you’re curious about how to make your affirmations sticky, listen to episode 1 and I’ll walk you through how to make your affirmation practice a more effective and transformative tool for your career-changing journey. Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.ORConnect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki
38. “I Am Not Just A Learner” Encouraging Affirmation- Making the Most of Your Knowledge & Skills
Feb 4 2024
38. “I Am Not Just A Learner” Encouraging Affirmation- Making the Most of Your Knowledge & Skills
Transform Learning into Action on the Mindful Career Change Podcast.  Join host Valerie Mekki in today's empowering episode as we bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. It's one thing to absorb information from books, podcasts, and online courses, but it's another to turn that learning into real-life achievements. Discover two creative approaches to transition from a 'learner' to a 'doer' and ensure your time invested in learning truly pays off. Whether you're looking to boost your career, master a new skill, or embrace a life change, this episode offers practical strategies to make your learning journey impactful. Get ready to challenge yourself, embrace your 'sliding doors' moments, and transform your potential into action with today's affirmation: 'I am not just a learner; I am a doer.' Don't let your learning journey end with knowledge—make it the beginning of something great. Show Notes and Timestamps:===[00:00:09] Intro[00:02:00] The pitfalls of not taking action [00:02:45] The sliding door theory [00:04:44] Archaeologist mindset[00:05:18] Teacher mindset[00:06:11] Start of affirmation [00:09:00] End of affirmation[00:09:09] Make Your affirmations S.T.I.C.K.Y. - Mirror Talk by Louise HayIf you’re curious about how to make your affirmations S.T.I.C.K.Y listen to episode 1 and I’ll walk you through how to make your affirmation practice a more effective and transformative tool for your career-changing journey.Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers. Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.ORConnect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki