Midlife, Menopause, And The Power of Gathering

Thoughts or comments? Send us a text!What if midlife isn’t a slow fade but a bright second spring? We sit down with life coach and community builder Cheryl Dillon to talk honestly about perimenopause, menopause, and the unexpected freedom that comes when we stop pretending and start being seen. From hot flashes and insomnia to weight changes and mood swings, we unpack the physical and emotional shifts with compassion and clarity—and then go further, into the deeper work of self-trust, friendship, and purpose.Cheryl shares the story behind Connected Hearts, her in-person membership for women in North County San Diego, built for deeper conversations, playful joy, and honest support. We explore why in-person circles feel safer than social media, how confidentiality and shared energy invite vulnerability, and the way one brave share can unlock relief for everyone in the room. You’ll hear practical ideas for soothing the inner critic, choosing clothing and care that fit who you are now, and replacing apology-filled speech with language that honors your voice.We also dive into the hidden load many women carry: decades of doing for others, autopilot expectations, and the comparison that thrives in silence. Cheryl offers simple entry points—curiosity, tiny experiments, and reflection prompts—to help you rediscover what you want when the dust finally settles. Along the way, we touch on favorite resources like How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera and Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, and how coaching and newsletters can keep momentum going between meetings.If you’ve been craving real connection, kinder self-talk, and a path that feels beautifully your own, this conversation will meet you where you are and invite you forward. Listen, share with a friend who needs it, and if it helps, leave a review and FOLLOW my show!You can find Cheryl HEREhttps://www.funderfulexperiences.com/Support the showBUY ME A COFFEE or SUPPORT ALFIE'S TREAT STASHLearn more about my book, Nature Knows: Grow and Thrive through the Wisdom of Plants HERE.Comments about this episode? Suggestions for a future episode? Email me directly at [email protected]. Want to be a guest on No Shrinking Violets Podcast for Women? Send Mary Rothwell a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/noshrinkingvioletsFollow me on Facebook and Instagram, and check out my website!