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Welcome to my imperfect email.
As always, every week, we’ll send a question that will help you reflect on your own imperfect life, inspired by this week’s episode.
Dr Emily Musgrove, our resident psychologist, is back in the studio to talk about mid-life, and the impending sense of doom that seems to plague our late 30’s to early 70’s.
So tie up your ponytail and pause that custom sports car order, it’s time to listen to Dr Em unpack the ways to find meaning and purpose in the later half of your life.
Someone please tell my dad that the ‘skullet’ isn’t cool,
Bell
Bell Northeast
what is your soul yearning for?
We'd love to hear your answer to this question. If you're in the mood to get vulnerable and share your writing, send it through.
The Meaning of Mid-Life
With Dr Emily Musgrove
Mid-life crises have a bad rap.
Joined by our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove, this emisode is for everyone, but especially for those who’s back goes out more than them, and who are trying to fill the void with purpose (or a ponytail, or a sports car).
Technically, you’re in your mid-life from about the ages of 35-70. Which would be quite bleak, if we didn’t have Dr Emily in the studio to reframe this period of our lives with hope, meaning and purpose.
Tuning into what our soul is yearning for, Dr Emily discusses how we can intentionally look at generating legacy, combat narratives which suggest “we should have it all worked out”, and maybe even turn our intelligence into a …. um, butterfly.
And then we hear from Josh, who’s right in the thick of it. Cue tears. Cue hugs. Cue sending Josh all of the love in the entire world.
For right now
Practice some self-compassion.
Dr Em invites you to close your eyes, and bring to mind someone you love and who loves you dearly. Imagine the words they would say to you, “I love you,” “I love you as you are.” (1:08:16-1:09:35)
For this week
Be a beginner.
Dr Em (and science) says there is so much value in learning new things as we age. What is a hobby you could try this week for the sake of trying something new? (1:15:36-1:19:17)
For this season of your life
Incorporate more stillness into your world.
Dr Em shares that we need to create mental space to be reflective in order to grow. Try a 15 minute walk without any stimuli apart from the outside world. (1:12:12-1:12:50)
what has the experience of grief made you feel grateful for, or aware of?
I lost my son to suicide 3 years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it was possible for anything positive to come out of that.
What I have learnt to feel grateful for are the people I love and who love me. It is easy to take those closest to you for granted, but I think of myself so lucky everyday to be loved and needed by those family and friends who ride the waves of grief with me.
There are still days where I don’t think I can live with the pain, but knowing I have their love and support gets me through it.
I can’t thank you guys enough for the interview with Lauren, what an amazing woman. I had many ‘aha’ moments while listening as I could really resonate with many of the things she has been through, which I have also been through, but thought there was something wrong with me.
With love,
Thank you for getting vulnerable and sharing your reflection with us!
Always vulnerable responsibly.
That’s right, baby. We’re going back on the road in 2025.
Hugh, Ryan and Josh are back with a brand new live show, Together Again.
Like the last show this won’t just be a live podcast recording, but a stage show extravaganza mixing vulnerability, humour and authenticity (and singing and dancing and probably a game show).
Get your tickets now!
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