Have you been dreaming of traveling the world or, at the very least, finally embarking on that once-in-a-lifetime vacation? It's no wonder many midlifers have travel on the brain, with empty nests and more freedom on the horizon, or just plain old wanderlust kicking in. My guest on this episode decided to leave her life and her job as a consultant behind for an entire year to travel solo. Natasha Augustine says anyone can do what she's doing, with a little planning and saving, and the experience can be life changing. So, whatever kind of travel you're yearning for, this episode is for you. We're dishing out travel tips, we're chatting about dream destinations and, most important, we're talking about how you can start checking those items off your travel bucket list sooner than you think.

Among the topics Natasha and I discuss:

• How Natasha decided to take an entire year to travel—and what she did to prep for her journey
• How midlife women are leading the travel movement
• The benefits of solo vs. group travel and how both can feed your soul
• How to open yourself up to new experiences by venturing off the beaten path
• Packing tips to make your excursions more enjoyable
• Hot travel spots everyone's talking about, and the trip that Natasha found the most transformative

Plus, Natasha tells us why she loves getting lost looking for bathrooms during her travels, and reveals the one thing she always brings with her on the plane. Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

Have you ever been in a dark place? That’s not too unusual, especially in midlife. But I’ll bet your first instinct is to try to snap out of it, as quickly as possible, so you can be there for the people in your life. Or present a rosy picture to the world. Well, on this episode I’m gonna make a case for allowing yourself to feel crappy, at least once in a while. I’m gonna tell you why you’re not alone in feeling crappy. And then, yes, I’m going to share some of my best tips for getting through those tough times. The first step is giving yourself permission to experience the pain and heartache. After that, there's so much you can do to feel better—and be on your way to living the midlife you deserve.

"The best way out is always through." —Robert Frost

Among the topics I address:

• Why burying negative feelings may only make you feel worse
• How to listen to your body to figure out what you truly need
• Proven ways to generate more self-compassion and joy during difficult periods
• Tips for getting yourself out of a funk, bit by bit

Midlife can be fantastic, but it can also be hard. It can be two things at once. If you're going through a rough patch right now, you're not alone. But if you're ready to work through it and come out stronger on the other side, this episode is for you.

Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

If you've got a kid over 18—whether they're heading to college, living on their own, or still under your roof—your relationship with them is evolving. Some of the changes might be great, and some might be confusing or difficult to navigate. It can be hard knowing your child doesn't need you as much as they once did, or perhaps needs you too much. It can be challenging to communicate or offer guidance without pushing them away. Or maybe you're wondering how to stay close and support them as their life goes in a new direction. Whatever your current relationship with your young-adult child, and whatever what you want it to be, this episode has got you covered. I'm chatting with author and family coach Cynthia Wand about the inevitable changes that come with parenting at this stage. You'll learn how to navigate conflict and communicate better, balance your role as a mother with your child's need for agency and, most important, establish a bond with your child that's different but stronger than ever before.

Among the topics Cynthia and I discuss:

• The most common ways the parent/child relationship changes as your child gains independence
• Issues and conflicts that can crop up after your child leaves home—and how to handle them
• Why you might want to negotiate how often to talk or text with your child who's left home—and what to do if they need more space than you do
• How to shift your parenting style as your child gets older, both to manage your own expectations and to connect with your kid
• How to strike that delicate balance between guiding your child and allowing them to take ownership of their lives
• The new and surprising ways your kid may need you as they venture into adulthood
• The questions to ask your child before they leave for college or embark on the next stage of their life
• How to support child who is having trouble launching
• Why and how to establish new rituals with your young-adult child

Plus, we reveal the one question you should ask yourself before offering your child financial support, and Cynthia helps you reframe this parenting phase as a time of renewed freedom, personal fulfillment, and a beautiful new relationship with your child. Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.