Ep.80: The Year End Audit: What We're Shedding and What We're Keeping in 2026

As we wrap up the year, we’re inviting you into a different kind of year-end ritual—one that’s less about resolutions and more about reflection. In this episode, we’re doing a midlife audit: looking honestly at what we’re ready to shed and what we want to intentionally carry forward into 2026. From other people’s opinions to outdated expectations, we’re talking about the emotional baggage that quietly drains our energy—and how freeing it can be to finally let it go.

We also dig into what we’re keeping: connection, meaning, nervous system regulation, health, authenticity, and the freedom to live outside the status quo. This is a grounded, honest conversation about midlife as a season of shedding skins, reclaiming agency, and choosing a life that actually feels good to live. If you’re craving clarity, permission, and a more intentional way to step into the new year, this one’s for you.

 

Episode Highlights:

[0:46] – Kicking off a year-end audit instead of traditional resolutions
 [1:18] – The inspiration behind “not caring anymore” at midlife
 [3:03] – Letting go as a lifelong practice and why shedding gets easier with age
 [4:40] – Releasing other people’s opinions about our bodies, habits, and choices
 [7:44] – Being done with explaining ourselves—bedtimes included
 [9:28] – Downsizing, simplifying, and redefining what “home” needs to be now
 [13:09] – Midlife as a season of shedding and making space for what’s next
 [14:45] – Letting go of one-sided or draining friendships
 [16:43] – Prioritizing nervous system regulation and protecting our peace
 [17:42] – Giving up pretending we’re fine when we’re not
 [20:00] – Choosing depth, authenticity, and real conversations over small talk
 [22:06] – What we’re keeping: health, strength, movement, and time outdoors
 [24:56] – Filtering life through meaning, purpose, and connection
 [25:51] – Saying yes to connection and whole-body yeses
 [28:00] – Comfort over performance: clothes, shoes, and realistic expectations
 [30:08] – Speaking our truth, changing our minds, and honoring ourselves
 [31:02] – Letting go of the status quo and choosing a life that fits
 [34:44] – Remembering that life is happening now, not later

 

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Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day. https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day.