Midlife Muse: Things Your Mother Never Told You

Have you ever wondered why so many women seem stuck in financial struggle? Why, despite all our hard work, many of us feel like we can never truly break free?   I’ve spent over 25 years as a clinical psychologist, and what I’ve learned through my work with women is heartbreaking but also incredibly eye-opening. From a young age, we’re taught to believe there’s something wrong with us. That we don’t belong. We start chasing validation and self-worth in all the wrong places. And by the time we reach adulthood, we often find ourselves trapped—emotionally, financially, and spiritually.   In this episode, I’m revealing the truth about a system—one that’s been silently shaping our lives from the moment we first understood what the world expected of us. It’s a system designed to keep us small, poor, and questioning our worth. And the scary part is, that many of us don’t even realize it’s happening.   But here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to stay this way. You don’t have to keep battling with self-doubt, comparison, and financial distress.   In this episode, I’m talking about: A system that begins shaping women’s lives from a young age, often without them being aware of it.  How women are taught to feel "wrong" or inadequate from an early age, particularly regarding their bodies.  Using shame as a tool to control women. Why women stay in adverse situations.  “Quick fixes” to deal with feelings of inadequacy. How to truly heal. How to understand your worth to prioritize your dreams.   Join my Self-Love Program here: https://amandahanson.mykajabi.com/self-love-program    Connect with Dr. Amanda Hanson on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/midlife.muse/ 

Have you ever felt like the world expects you to be smaller, quieter, and more "convenient" to love? Have you ever found yourself believing that your worth is tied to how well you meet those expectations?   If the answer is yes, you’re in the right place.    This might be one of the only times I tell my story in such detail. It’s the story of a woman who faced her deepest fears and wildest emotions. Who made peace with her flaws and decided—against all odds—that she is worthy of love. A decision that carried me through the darkest nights and still does. Because self-love isn’t a one-time victory; it’s a journey of refusing to abandon yourself, even when the world pushes you to.   In this episode, I’ll share my raw, personal story. Not as a clinical psychologist, but as a woman—a mother, a daughter, a survivor. We’ll explore the weight of societal expectations, the quiet rebellion of self-worth, and the transformative power of saying, “I am enough.”   In this episode, I’m talking about: My personal story of embracing all of my emotions, flaws, and imperfections, ultimately deciding I am worthy of love despite societal pressures. Self-love as a continuous process of choosing not to abandon oneself.  “Mothering” myself through hardships The cycle of diminishment Rejecting societal norms that valued women only for their utility, like cooking, cleaning, and being "pleasing." The problem with traditional psychology How women are often socialized to endure critique, comparison, and sacrifice, causing them to suppress parts of themselves for the sake of acceptance. Women who claim their self-worth inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect that uplifts entire communities.   I hope my story inspires you to look inward, to find that voice within you saying, “You are worthy.” Listen to the full episode, and let’s take this journey together. Because when one woman rises, we all do.   Join my Self-Love Program here: https://amandahanson.mykajabi.com/self-love-program    Connect with Dr. Amanda Hanson on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/midlife.muse/ 

What if I told you the real reason your relationship feels strained isn’t what you think it is? Picture this: the love you once built with care, passion, and hope now feels fragile—like a sandcastle being worn away by the waves. Criticism, blame, and unmet expectations have crept in, leaving you wondering, Why isn’t this working?   In this episode, I’m uncovering the hidden destroyer of relationships—the one that quietly erodes connection and leaves both partners feeling stuck, unseen, and unfulfilled. But here’s the powerful truth: while you can’t change your partner, you can transform your relationship by stepping into your own power, healing your inner wounds, and reimagining what it means to love and be loved.   This isn’t just about your relationship. It’s about you. It’s about becoming the woman who knows her worth, who no longer waits for someone else to fulfill her emotional needs, and who inspires love instead of demanding it.   In this episode, I’m talking about: The hidden destroyer of relationships that often includes subtle blame, criticism, and unmet expectations. Understanding that relationships begin with love and passion but often falter as unspoken expectations create dissatisfaction. Societal messages that teach women to rely on partners for validation, which create unhealthy dependencies. The impact of blaming your partner for emotional needs leads to withdrawal, not connection or change. How to release your partner from the responsibility of your emotions to unlock healing and relationship transformation. How addressing insecurities and building self-worth creates space for joy and playful love to thrive. Reimaging relationship expectations.   Are you ready to take that step? Listen to this episode now and discover how to reclaim your happiness, reinvent your relationship, and reignite the spark. This is your emotional makeover, and it starts here.   Join my Self-Love Program here: https://amandahanson.mykajabi.com/self-love-program    Connect with Dr. Amanda Hanson on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/midlife.muse/ 

Are you feeling heartbroken, heavy, or even outraged after the recent election results? Do you feel the ache of seeing a world divided and the weight of knowing that, once again, humanity’s progress toward inclusion and compassion feels so far from reach?  You’re not alone.  In this episode, I open my heart to those who are grieving the deeper implications of these election outcomes—not as a political discussion, but as an exploration of humanity, compassion, and the ways we can heal. This isn't about parties or debates; it’s a call to embrace the stories and lived experiences that often go unheard, but which resonate across the world, across boundaries, and touch the lives of so many. If you’re struggling to process the reality of a society that feels more divided than ever, if you're searching for a way to feel the depths of your emotions while finding strength and joy, this episode is for you.    In this episode, I’m talking about: The feelings of heartbreak, fear, and confusion after the election results in America. Creating a space to listen to real human stories, focusing on shared humanity rather than political divisions. Greif over policies that threaten basic rights. The opinions that are shaped by fear and a lack of personal connection with those who are different than you.  My commitment to awakening women to their strength and autonomy. The patriarchal structures that suppress women’s potential. Choosing self-care as a means of resilience against oppressive forces. Creative expression and activism instead of consuming negative media. The balance of mourning and proactive steps forward. Encouraging others to understand opposing perspectives. Let’s hold our broken hearts close, let’s feel our rage, and let’s remember that while grief is part of our journey, joy and resilience are our most powerful forms of resistance.   The Muse Community: The Muses. A Safe Sisterhood Where Women Heal Women  Join Here: https://amandahanson.mykajabi.com/themuses    Connect with Dr. Amanda Hanson on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/midlife.muse/