106. Stop Comparing Your Chapter 5 to Someone's Chapter 20: Embracing Your Unique Midlife Journey

Do you find yourself minimizing your achievements or feeling chronically "behind" in life? In this transformative episode, discover why comparing your Chapter 5 to someone else's Chapter 20 creates painful "comparative disappointment" that drains your energy and steals your joy. Host Valerie Mekki shares her non-linear journey from failed business owner to laid-off professional to successful content writer, revealing how each detour built essential wisdom that a straight path never could have provided.

Learn practical strategies to break free from the midlife comparison trap, including how to measure progress against your own past rather than others' present, create a personal "wisdom inventory," and set goals based on your values instead of social timelines. Through a powerful affirmation practice, you'll begin to recognize that the wisdom you've gained through challenges cannot be measured against others' paths. Press play to transform comparison into appreciation for your unique midlife journey and reclaim the energy you've been losing to comparison.

Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers.

Follow the show @mindfullifechanges on YouTube, IG,and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this ever changing and beautiful season of life.

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Find us on YouTube! Check out a playlist of beautifully animated affirmation videos. I also publish helpful videos about midlife changes for career changers, being in the sandwich generation, vlogs on living part-time with my mom and more. You'll find me "Oh, hello midlife" on YouTube.

Connect with me on YouTube @ohhellomidlife