S2 Ep 10: Identity in Midlife with guests Alex Hanlon & Cat Matson

Identity. You don’t have to be having a ‘midlife crisis’ for questions of identity to loom large in your midlife years. But what does that truly mean and how can you build or uncover an identity that just seems to fit?Welcome to this episode of Midlife Unfiltered - a podcast about unapologetically embracing the Season of Me.In this episode, join co hosts Anita McLachlan and Erica Webb as they chat with their guests, Alex Hanlon and Cat Matson about identity in Midlife.You will hear:- About the complexities of identity in midlife, including how how personal roles, societal expectations, and cultural influences shape our sense of self.- The disruption that often accompanies this life stage, the importance of values, and the role of role models in navigating identity shifts.- The role of introspection and the acceptance of uncertainty as we redefine who we are beyond our professional and familial roles.- Societal perceptions of midlife crises, and the power of storytelling in shaping self-perception.- The need for compassion, acceptance, and the creation of space for self-discovery and reflection.We’re so glad you’re here. It’s time to live life on your terms. It’s time for Midlife Unfiltered.About our guests:Alex HanlonCat MatsonAbout your Midlife Unfiltered Hosts:Anita McLachlan was at the helm of Sequins and Sand for over 15 years. As Australia’s Cossie Whisperer, Anita has helped thousands of women find a swimsuit they feel great in and the freedom that comes with feeling confident in it. She’s now turning her experiences and attention to helping women in midlife navigate this often tumultuous time and feel the power this time of life brings.Erica Webb is a counsellor, somatic exercise coach and self-kindness advocate. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) herself, she supports other HSPs to navigate what it looks like to prioritise their own mental fitness, claim the self-care that truly nurtures their body and mind, and work through the unique challenges of being a sensitive human in an often insensitive world.Connect with Anita and Erica at Midlife Unfiltered:Substack: https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife.unfilteredFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlife.unfilteredEmail: [email protected] Stamps:00:00 Defining Identity in Midlife02:47 The Disruption of Identity05:45 Shifting Perspectives on Roles08:56 The Essence of Who We Are11:56 Role Models and Their Influence14:53 Cultural Perspectives on Identity17:53 Values and Their Impact on Identity20:57 The Complexity of Identity Formation23:50 Navigating Relationships and Identity27:14 The Great Unraveling of Identity30:01 Discovering and Creating Identity32:50 Embracing the Unknown37:59 Recognizing Personal Values and Mission Statements39:53 The Unique Experience of Grief and Identity41:45 Excavating Identity Through Life Experiences44:43 The Impact of Teenage Years on Identity48:58 Midlife Reflections: Crisis or Opportunity?51:40 The Power of Stories in Shaping Identity57:51 Compassion and Acceptance in Midlife01:01:11 Creating Space for Self-Discovery01:05:52 Questions for Reflection and Growth This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com