81. Changemakers: Using Women's History as Inspiration, with L. M. Elliott

Often, we see the opportunities, we feel the intuitive nudge, but we don't trust ourselves enough to take the leap. In this Changemakers episode, I am joined by New York Times bestselling author, Laura Malone Elliott.Laura shares her midlife pivot from writing long-form narrative journalism in the 1980s to becoming a best selling historical novelist. We dive into how she turned a dreaded assignment into a book, the reality of juggling a demanding career with kids' activities, and why history proves that women in midlife have already earned the right to trust their own judgment.What You’ll Learn:✔ Watching for "Holes in Coverage": How Laura navigated a male-dominated newsroom by finding the gaps in reporting and focusing on women's issues✔ History Repeating Itself: The striking parallels between the fight for the ERA in the 1970s and the political climate today, and why the backlash against women is nothing new✔ Trusting Your Crisis Skills: Why midlife women—who are constantly trusted by others in times of crisis—need to start trusting ourselves when making big life changesEpisode Chapters:00:00 - Becoming a high school history teacher04:29 - Starting as a journalist in the 1980s09:12 - The holiday assignment that changed everything14:06 - Juggling writing and family22:52 - Writing Truth Lies and the Questions in Between28:55 - History repeating itself and the ERALinks & Resources:Find Laura Malone Elliott's books and Substack at lmelliott.comConnect with Laura on Instagram @l_m_elliottConnect with Cheryl on social media: @cherylpfischerTake Action Today:Pull Every Thread: When you have an idea or see a small opportunity, explore it. Hunt for Glimmers: Find one tiny moment of joy today (like a great cup of coffee) to retrain your brain to see the positive.Read Truth, Lies, and the Questions in Between!Why This Episode MattersMaybe the self-doubt from decades of being told we are "too emotional" or "too ambitious" still lingers. By looking to history, and looking at our own track records, we can find the courage to step through the small windows of opportunity that life drops at our feet.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/coachingLet’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