74. Changemakers: Why You Should Treat Yourself Like a Houseplant (And Quit What Isn't Working), with Mary Rothwell

Are you feeling stuck in a toxic work environment, struggling to let go of an old identity, or blaming yourself when things just aren't working out? You’re NOT alone — and it is never too late to pull up your roots and replant yourself. In this Changemakers episode, licensed therapist, speaker, and author Mary Rothwell joins me to share her journey of leaving a 32-year career in higher education after a leadership change turned her beloved job into a nightmare.Mary shares the messy reality of midlife entrepreneurship and how she eventually found her true path by combining her mental health expertise with her deep love for nature . If you are ready to stop forcing yourself to bloom in the wrong soil — and want to learn how to honor your "essential nature" — this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn:✔ The Physical Toll of Toxic Jobs: Why we often blame ourselves when a boss treats us poorly, and how to trust the physical signs (like stomach aches) telling you to leave✔ Abandoning Your Identity: The grief and challenge of walking away from a successful 32-year career to start completely over ✔ Plant Wisdom: How to figure out if you are a "shade person" or a "sun person" and why you shouldn't apologize for your environment needs ✔ Forest Bathing for Beginners: The science-backed benefits of immersing yourself in nature to lower anxiety, and how to do it even in an urban setting 🎯 OMG Moment:If you see a houseplant or a tree struggling to grow, you look at its environment. You check the light, the soil, the water. You never look at a struggling plant and think, "My goodness, that is a lazy plant. It's not trying hard enough." Yet, when we struggle in an environment we weren't built for, the first thing we do is blame ourselves .Take Action Today:Connect with Mary: Visit her website at maryrothwell.net to learn about her "Build and Burn" coaching membership .Join the Launch Team: Go to maryrothwell.net/launchteam to get early access to audio chapters as Mary launches her new book, Nature Knows.Try Micro-Forest Bathing: Find your favorite tree on your way to work, put your hand on the bark, and use your senses to connect and ground your nervous system.Grab the Story Cycle Resource: If you are struggling to process your emotions around a career change, download my free tool at cherylpfischer.com/storycycleWhy This Episode MattersMidlife is a time of massive transition. We often try to muscle our way through environments and roles that no longer fit who we are, ignoring our bodies in the process. By viewing ourselves as a part of nature, we can stop apologizing for our unique needs and give ourselves permission to find the right soil, the right light, and the right community to truly thrive.Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife.Find the GreenSynergy Elixir and Energy Fizz duo at cherylpfischer.com/greens. Grab your water bottle, add these, and enjoy! Support the show🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence!🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us.💡Want menopause advice, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transformation?Find out more about the Midlife Recharge at cherylpfischer.com/rechargeLet’s talk health after 50, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women.Connect with Cheryl: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website---------------💡If you are a brand, author, or business wanting to reach an audience of women in their 40s and 50s who are focused on health, success, and taking care of themselves and others well in this stage of life, consider sponsoring Mind Your Midlife podcast.  More information here.