“Going back to what you enjoyed doing when you were young can be the foundation for an activity as an adult, and that has brought me real satisfaction and happiness. It doesn’t have to be something new and unusual.”

Meet Andrew, a financial services professional turned expert in historical military art. Andrew’s childhood hobby of collecting toy soldiers sparked a lifelong interest in history, leading him to become a leading authority on soldier artists from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

In this episode, Andrew delves into his journey from a hobbyist to a respected historian. From organizing major exhibitions to authoring books, Andrew's passion for history has inspired him to explore a range of new paths to explore this fascinating niche.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How Andrew turned a hobby into a passion, now using his expertise to write books and give lectures
• How revisiting this hobby led to finding a new community of like-minded peers
• How a childhood hobby can lead to personal fulfillment and happiness later in life

And . . . don't miss Sarah's wrap-up, where she discusses the psychological benefits of hobbies and how they can significantly enhance our happiness. Whether you're a history buff or simply seeking inspiration to revisit an old hobby, this episode offers valuable and inspiring lessons on pursuing passions at any stage of life.

Check out Andrew's website: https://www.andrew-wolf.com/

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Join us each week as we uncover more inspiring stories like Andrew's on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

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“When you start doing a routine and do it with regularity, the way the body and the mind works is that it starts to give you a sense of stability and fulfillment.”

On today’s episode, I dive deep into the art of routine with an expert on the subject, Angel Iscovich. Angel shares his profound insights and practical advice on how establishing routines, which he calls “routineology”, can transform your life.

In our conversation, Angel discusses the science behind routines, emphasizing how they can enhance productivity, improve mental health, and bring a sense of stability in our chaotic lives. He also expands on his concept of "routineology," which is a structured approach to creating and maintaining effective daily habits.

You’ll learn how to apply specific strategies to your own life, including:

• the key elements of successful routines, including the importance of consistency
• the power of small incremental changes
• and how to tailor routines to fit individual lifestyles

Angel also addresses common challenges people face when trying to stick to a routine and offers actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles.

Whether you're struggling to establish a morning routine, looking to boost your work efficiency, or seeking more balance in your personal life, this episode is packed with valuable insights and tips. Tune in to discover how you can harness the power of routines to achieve your goals and enhance your overall well-being and happiness.

Learn more about Angel and the Art of Routine: https://www.angeliscovich.com/

Purchase Angel's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510764550/

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Join us each week as we uncover more inspiring stories like Angel’s on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

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“I had so neglected myself and I had a mindset that there were a lot of things that I couldn’t do. But I wanted to be out of pain. I finally tried Pilates, and you know, it’s just been a complete transformation.”

Meet Sharon, an empty nest mom and professional writer, who transformed her health, and her life, by taking up Pilates.

How would you like to be described by one of your kids as “weak AF”? Well, when Sharon heard her daughter describe her that way, it spurred her to take action and reclaim her health.

In this heartfelt episode of the Midlife Happiness Project, I sit down with Sharon, who opens up about her transformative journey into the world of Pilates and how it has reshaped her life. Discover how years of neglecting her own health while juggling the demands of motherhood and a writing career led Sharon to this pivotal moment of self-realization.

Through Pilates, Sharon not only alleviated chronic pain but also found a newfound strength and vitality that she never imagined possible. This episode delves into Sharon's candid experiences of balancing family, work, and personal health, highlighting the practical and emotional benefits of staying active. From overcoming physical limitations to fostering new social connections and even planning future dance classes, Sharon's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-care.

Tune in to be inspired by Sharon's journey and learn how integrating a wellness routine, like Pilates, can bring immense joy, happiness, and strength into your life, no matter where you start. Whether you're a busy parent, a professional, or anyone seeking a positive change, Sharon's experiences offer valuable insights and encouragement to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you!

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Join us as we uncover more inspiring stories like Sharon's on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

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“It’s just being confident enough to take the step and lean in to this thing you don’t know a whole lot about. It’s hard, change is hard. But when you have that confidence, the world’s really your oyster.”

Meet Lori, a former teacher and stay at home mom who found renewed purpose and fulfillment by changing careers later in life

In this episode of the Midlife Happiness Project, I talk to Lori about her transition from being a dedicated stay-at-home mom to pursuing a career in therapy. Despite the challenges of returning to school in her forties, she obtained her master's degree in counseling psychology and now runs her private practice, specializing in grief and loss.

I think what sets Lori's story apart is her strategic approach to change. Long before becoming an empty nester, she volunteered extensively to explore her interests and prepare for the next chapter in her life. Through her journey, Lori not only found personal fulfillment but also transformed her relationships, becoming a more confident, independent person.

Join us as we celebrate Lori's courage, resilience, and unwavering determination to embrace change and find happiness in midlife. Lori's story serves as a beacon of inspiration for those contemplating career changes later in life, reminding us that it's never too late to pursue our passions and live our best lives.

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Join us as we uncover more inspiring stories like Lori’s on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

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“I often say I feel like a snail: I’ve got my house on my back, I’m not moving very fast but I can explore new places and I’m self-sufficient most of the time. But then I can stop and go to a nice restaurant if I see it. And just, life is good!”

Meet Frank, a recent retiree from Silicon Valley, who has found a unique and fulfilling way to enjoy his empty-nest years – exploring the country in an RV.

In this week’s episode, Frank and I discuss how traversing the nation in an RV with his wife, daughter, and even their dog and cat, has provided him with endless opportunities for exploration and connection with nature.

Frank’s passion for the RV lifestyle was actually sparked by a spontaneous decision to travel from Florida back to their California home in an RV, rather than by plane. Since then, he and his wife have purchased their own RV and have had numerous adventures traveling across the US. For Frank, the joy and freedom of RV camping has now become a core part of his plan for retirement.

Whether you're an RV enthusiast or simply curious about this mobile lifestyle, Frank's story will captivate and inspire you. Tune in to learn how RV camping can bring happiness and adventure into your life, and perhaps, you might find yourself dreaming of your own cross-country RV journey. Don't miss this episode filled with travel tales, practical insights, and a celebration of life on the open road.

Join us as we uncover more inspiring stories like Frank’s on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifehappinessproject/

“It’s kind of the perfect storm. Our parents are still healthy, our kids are active and haven’t settled down. So it gave us a chance to say why don’t we take advantage of this?”

Meet Archna, a mother of two grown children and a dog mom, who moved hundreds of miles away with her husband to a new town, seeking financial freedom and a renewed sense of purpose as an empty nester.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with my wonderful friend Archna to explore the profound impact of her decision to relocate and how it's brought her newfound joy. Archna's story is deeply inspiring, as she opens up about the journey from her bustling life in the town where she raised her kids to embracing a fresh start as an empty nester in a new town.

Archna and I delve into the motivations behind her move, from seeking financial freedom to rediscovering herself beyond the roles of motherhood and career. From navigating the challenges of making new friends to finding purpose in community engagement, her experiences offer invaluable insights into the transformative power of change.

As we discuss the complexities of midlife transitions and the importance of prioritizing personal fulfillment, Archna's resilience and optimism shine through. Whether you're contemplating a major life shift or simply seeking inspiration, join us as we delve into Archna's remarkable story and discover the keys to finding happiness in life's later chapters.

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Join us as we uncover more inspiring stories like Archna’s on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

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“If you’re doing something and you’re totally immersed in it, you can see that it brings you real happiness. And if you can be happy, that will spread to other people, I guarantee it.”

Meet Allen Weiss, an expert on mindfulness. Not only has he taught mindfulness at USC and Claremont Graduate University for over 10 years, but he is also a published author, successful entrepreneur and former professor at Stanford University. Allen provides an inspiring and practical approach to bringing mindfulness into your life and adding a dose of real happiness.

Whether it's meditation, creative pursuits like art or music, or even something as simple as playing with your dog, Allen explains how the key to happiness is to be fully present and immersed in the experience. It's a reminder that happiness isn't necessarily found in external achievements or possessions, but rather in the experience of being fully engaged in whatever we're doing.

Curious about mindfulness but not sure where to start? Alan breaks it down for you, explaining the fundamentals and offering simple techniques to begin your mindfulness journey. Once you listen to this episode, I promise you won’t look at a beautiful sunset in the same way again!

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Join us each week as we uncover more inspiring stories like Allen’s on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

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“Some people do the Camino for spiritual reasons, and some just for the physical aspects of hiking the trail. Regardless of your motivation, you can’t help but embrace the spirituality of the Camino.”

Meet Annie, a business owner and empty nester, who discovered profound satisfaction and joy through the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage across France and Spain.

Despite not being overtly religious, Annie found the historic pilgrimage to be a transformative experience. Whether seeking spiritual enlightenment, physical challenge, or simply a break from the complexities of daily life, the Camino offers something unique to each traveler.

As Annie shares her stories of camaraderie, self-discovery, and personal growth, we also investigate the transformative power of walking meditation and the joy of connecting with strangers on a profound level. Whether embarking on a solo adventure or joining with loved ones, Annie's journey serves as a reminder that life's most meaningful experiences often lie just beyond our comfort zones.

Join us as we unpack the lessons learned from Annie's Camino journey and explore how embracing challenge, community, and self-reflection can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment in our own lives. So lace up your shoes, open your heart, and take the first step on your own path to happiness!

Join us as we uncover more inspiring stories like Annie's on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifehappinessproject/