Silver Women, Bright Future

How'd you do in high school biology?? Yeah, me neither… I vaguely remember talking about the processes of equilibrium and homeostasis. Still, it wasn't until I was in counseling a short while ago that I learned they also apply to human relationships and our own psyche! While they may be healthy in the world of science, when we're talking about them as a reaction to our growth and change to better...

Joni Mitchell returned to the stage at the Newport Jazz Festival this past summer. And what a celebration that was! She had a brain aneurysm in 2015 (I mistakenly said in the podcast 20 years ago!) and lost the ability to talk, walk, and sing… She had to teach herself, or be taught, how to do all those things all over again. What a series of transitions that was, am I right? Tune in as I talk abou...

Journaling enables us to sit still, focus on, and evaluate the issues, attitudes, and actions (or lack thereof) we're taking in our lives, and consider how they are serving us and our future selves. In a previous episode, I talked about the messages we tell ourselves. The constant conversations we can have - for good or for bad - that run through our heads each day, perhaps even non-stop throughou...

In this short-but-sweet episode, I'm discussing an easy-peasy way to get moving through change and overcome whatever transition you're in the messy middle of! Find the complete show notes, along with links mentioned in this episode, here: patfenner.me/little-things/ Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the " Times that Transform ", here . Discover major life transitions that many women face, an...

Typically, people think of boundaries as a way to enclose or limit our freedom...but healthy boundaries can actually help us navigate change as we explore new ways of engaging with the world. In this episode, I'll be discussing: 3 benefits boundaries offer us, and 4 areas to explore setting them Also, make sure to pick up the download I mention! The link is in the show notes, which you can access...

Let's face it: transitions are tricky! But sometimes the best option we have is to start with a clean slate. In today's episode, I'll share the story of a friend of mine who successfully used this technique in her own life. what reinventing yourself IS , and just as importantly, what reinventing yourself isn't ! Find the complete show notes, along with links mentioned in this episode, here: patfen...

Waiting for Superman - I should write a book with that title! I recently listened to a podcast and this question pretty much grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me awake: Why are you waiting for Superman when you have your own cape in the closet? And that's what I'm talking about today... Find the complete show notes here: patfenner.me/swbf-podcast/ Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the "...

Missing in action is a term traditionally applied to soldiers unaccounted for in battle. Well, friends, when life feels like a battle to you, there are times we might "go mia", too. In this episode, I discuss 5 things you can do if you're in that season - don't let it go to waste! Allow yourself to "back off" Make self-care a priority Lean into your "mia" status Start a new habit Practice positive...

Did you know there are 28 individual life transitions mentioned in that short eight-verse section of the Bible? (And, of course, material for another one of the songs in my life's soundtrack - wink-wink!) Certainly, friend, that is a LOT of change goin' on there! Listen to today's episode as I talk about a few of them. And dig into the journal prompts included to get the most out of my discussion...

How easy it seems to be for us to point the finger when things happen in life that we don't like or a relationship goes awry, leaving brokenness and pain and chaos in its wake. We sometimes even point our finger at someone else despite knowing in our heart-of-hearts that it was mostly our fault. But here is how we can be proactive against bitterness, and turn our attitude about the situation, and...

Transitions are full of the unknown. Sometimes change is uncomfortable. And at other times, it's downright painful. This episode is for those other times… I'll be sharing 4 steps you can start implementing today that will be helpful whenever you eventually do have a life change that is truly difficult at a heart level. Plus, some other helpful resources - and of course, action steps for you to tak...

Some of you may know that I had a major life "redirect" about a year ago. You may be going through something like that today, too! And if you are…this concept of the #whynotyears may be truly transformational. And this episode is for YOU, friend! Find the complete show notes here: patfenner.me/why-not-years/   Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the " Times that Transform ", here . Discover ma...

We're black to wrap up my take on having a lovely day, taken from a snippet of the soundtrack of my life! If you're just joining me for this episode, you might first want to listen to episode 5, where I give you the "backstory" on this concept. Even if you don't, DO take a listen to Bill Wither's song (link below)...and be ready to greet each day with a totally different "spin!" And be ready to gr...

This is another "blast from the past" concept that has helped me through changing times over the years. It stems from an activity I was introduced to during my high school years -  and I'm sure many of us have experienced those as turbulent times... Well, put on your dancing shoes for this episode, and be ready to greet - or REgreet - the day with open arms, no matter what's going on in your life!...

Mindfulness is neither hokey nor "magic", but it can help you as you find your way through a major life change. In today's episode, I talk about how practical mindfulness is, and why it should definitely be in your "transition toolkit."  (Believe me, someday you'll thank me for mentioning this!) Plus, I share a few questions to journal about as you try this technique out for yourself... Find the c...

I miss my grandmother - we called her Baba. Losing her was one of those life transitions that wasn't fun... She by no means considered herself wise, and yet, this comment she often told me as I was growing up has endured in my head and heart and gotten me through many an anxious crossroads in my life. Perhaps it will help you, too… Find the complete show notes here:  patfenner.me/what-baba-used-to...

While we all know that change is inevitable, many times we "didn't see that coming!" In this episode, I share two reasons why that could be the case, and a three-step process you can use no matter what the reason is that you were blindsided. Find the complete show notes here: patfenner.me/didnt-see-that-coming/ Follow this podcast and get a free pdf, the " Times that Transform ",   here . Discover...

To answer that, let's revisit the definition of "transition":  the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another . Transitions happen over the course of a journey, which involves a process, which takes time. And since we're all on this earth with plenty of time...guess that means we'll be experiencing plenty of transitions, amIright ?! Transitions provide us with opportuni...

The Strong Women Bright Future podcast is for women who need and want to be equipped and empowered to deal with their "2nd Act" of life. Each week, as your "sherpa", I'll share stories, tips, lessons, and strategies that I've learned over the years - You can overcome obstacles and find strength through changes, my friend, and I'm here with you on the journey! Let's be social! Find me on Instagram...