April 6, 2025 • 14 mins
Does putting yourself out there in midlife feel infinitely more terrifying than it did in your 20s? Whether you're considering a career change, returning to dating, launching a business, or starting a creative pursuit, the stakes feel higher now—and that inner voice of doubt sounds louder than ever. In this courage-building episode, discover the B.R.A.V.E. framework that breaks down bravery into practical, manageable steps specifically designed for midlife courage-building.
Host Valerie Mekki shares her personal experience of launching a YouTube channel at 46 and the fear that came with it. You'll learn how to use the power of your "why" as an emotional anchor when fear threatens to hold you back, along with a transformative affirmation practice that helps you remember your purpose is always stronger than your fear. Press play to transform those paralyzing "what ifs" into exciting possibilities and take that brave first step you've been considering.
Episode 4: Affirmation For Growth: I am Outgrowing My Comfort Zone
Oh, hello midlife YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOD7wVQA48VfFrr2rKbmZpQ
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.
OR
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
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Today's affirmation, I am brave,and I remember that my why is
(00:04):
stronger than my fear.
Remember when you were in yourtwenties and the idea of trying
something new felt excitingrather than terrifying?
The stakes seemed lower than youhad decades ahead to pivot if
things didn't work out.
Failure felt like a temporarysetback, not a reflection of you
(00:26):
or a waste of precious time.
But now in midlife, puttingyourself out there carries a
different weight.
Whether you are considering acareer change after 20 years in
the same field, returning to thedating scene after a long-term
relationship has ended,launching that business idea
you've kept in the back burner.
(00:46):
Or stepping into a completelynew creative pursuit.
The voice of doubt sounds louderthan ever.
What will people think of mestarting over at this age?
Can I really afford to takerisks at this stage of life?
And what if I fail?
What will people say Thesequestions feel heavier in
midlife because the stakesgenuinely are higher.
(01:09):
You likely have more financialresponsibilities, feel like you
have less time to course correctif things go awry and aren't
sure if you are ready to be seenin a new role.
The thought of becoming abeginner again, of facing that
vulnerability after decades ofcompetence.
It can feel daunting, but here'swhat I have discovered.
(01:32):
Midlife bravery isn't abouthaving no fear.
It's about having the resiliencythat comes with age that allows
you to move forward despite thatfear.
(01:55):
Hello and welcome to the MindfulLife Changes Podcast, where we
dive deep into the challengesand transformations shaping our
lives from shifts in our rolesat home and work to the
transitions we navigatephysically and mentally as we
gracefully age.
I'm your host Valerie Mekki acareer change guide and
mindfulness enthusiast.
(02:15):
Putting yourself out there atmidlife hits differently than
when you were in your twentiesor thirties.
Back then, it was perhaps amixture of naivete and the
belief that you had nothing tolose.
I'm not saying you werefearless.
Any significant life changenaturally comes with fear, but
in your younger years, you wereless in your head and more about
(02:37):
taking action because there wasless risk and less concern about
being judged.
I completely understand this.
At age 46, I find myself facingthe camera for a YouTube channel
that includes this podcast,which launched earlier this
week.
It's called, oh, hello Midlife.
Please go check it out, and I'llput the link in the show notes.
(02:59):
There, I'm sharing all of thechanges I've experienced in the
past year.
Living part-time with my mom tohelp my dad who lives in
assisted living home.
Living away from my husband ofover 20 years being empty
nesters at some degree and stillnavigating that pivot of my
career change after 40.
Yes, I'm still navigating that.
(03:20):
And the question, aren't I tooold for?
This keeps circling in my headwhenever I hit record on my
phone, putting my image andthoughts out there is.
Terrifying and the potentialjudgment from people I know and
don't know feels paralyzing.
Perhaps you are at the same cuspof putting yourself out there
(03:40):
again, whether changing careers,starting that side hustle or
tackling a fitness goal thatseems harder to achieve at this
age, and you're wondering toyourself, can I really do this?
Well, what if we summon thatbold mindset we possessed
earlier in our twenties andthirties?
But now enhanced with thewisdom, grit, and perspective
(04:01):
we've gained over the decades.
It's about recognizing thatwhile the stakes may be higher,
so too are your resilience livedexperiences.
That's a really powerfulcombination.
So I'm going to share aframework that helps me step
courageously into new beginningsafter 40, I call it.
(04:23):
The brave approach, B-R-A-V-E.
A simple but powerful acronym,you know, you know me guys.
I love my acronyms.
This acronym breaks down theoverwhelming concept of putting
yourself out there with braveryinto practical and manageable
steps.
So stepping outside of yourcomfort zone and doing something
new, inevitably comes with fear,but it will take bravery to push
(04:48):
through the fear and take actionanyway.
This framework will help youaccess your inner courage when
you need it the most.
Transforming those paralyzingwhat ifs into exciting new
possibilities.
So let me break down what bravestands for.
How each element helps you stepcourageously into new
(05:09):
beginnings.
Let's start with B.
B equals breathe.
When fear rises, our bodystresses responses kick in,
sending us into a fight orflight mode.
Where rational thinking becomesnearly impossible, take a few
deep intentional breaths.
(05:29):
This is more than just calming.
It's a psychological resetbutton.
Simply pausing to breatheactivates your parasympathetic
nervous system, bringing youback to a centered state where
courage can emerge.
So before making any decisionfrom a place of fear.
Breathe first.
(05:50):
RR stands for Remember your why.
This is your emotional anchor.
When doubt creeps in aboutwhether you're too old or too
established to make a change,reconnecting to your deeper
purpose cuts through the noise.
Remembering your why at midlifeis often more authentic and
(06:12):
powerful than in your youngeryears.
It's redefined by experiencesand aligned with your core
values.
Write it down, keep it visible,and return to it whenever fear
threatens to derail you,remember your why.
Moving on to a a equalsactionable small steps.
(06:33):
The beauty of midlife bravery isthat it doesn't require dramatic
leaps of faith.
Breaking down any brave act intomicro steps makes the impossible
feel manageable.
Instead
Valerie (06:46):
of starting a YouTube channel, think record a one
minute video just for myself.
These small actions build bothconfidence and momentum.
Each tiny step forward isevidence that you can do hard
things, creating a positivefeedback loop of courage.
Now, let's move on to V.
V stands for victory.
(07:08):
Victory is one step away.
What midlife has taught us isthat overnight success is rarely
real.
Victory in brave endeavors isn'tjust about instant results.
It's about consistent progress.
Whether you're learning newskills, building a business, or
putting yourself out theresocially, remember that your
(07:29):
next small step might be the onethat creates a breakthrough.
So having this mindset keeps yougoing when immediate results
aren't visible, remember,victory is one step away.
Lastly, e.
E equals even small steps.
are a win.
This is perhaps the mostimportant element of midlife
(07:51):
bravery, learning to celebrateyourself or taking action
regardless of the outcome.
So each time you choose braveryover comfort, you are
strengthening that couragemuscle, acknowledging these
victories, no matter how smallthey seem.
The brave approach isn't abouteliminating fear.
(08:11):
It's about moving forward withpurpose.
Despite it When used together,these five elements create a
practical roadmap for puttingyourself out there in midlife
with confidence, wisdom, andyes, bravery.
So with that in mind, let's helpyou internalize this shift in
perspective with an empoweringaffirmation.
(08:33):
I am brave and remember that mywhy is stronger than my fear.
This is the anchor that Imentioned before that can really
help center you whenever feararises.
When you consciously rememberyour why, you're not just
recalling information, you'rereconnecting with your purpose,
your passion, and your reasonfor a well-lived life.
(08:54):
Let's start our practice bypriming our mind and body so
you'll be open to receiving thispowerful affirmation.
Take a deep and cleansing breathin and let all the air out.
Releasing any energy thatdoesn't serve you and your mind
or body.
Take one more cleansing breathin and let all the air out.
(09:18):
I'll begin by reciting theaffirmation twice.
And when you listen to theaffirmations, imagine you're
writing this affirmation down ona whiteboard or you're watching
someone write it on the boardfor you.
This will help withmemorization.
So let's begin.
I am brave and I remember thatmy why is stronger than my fear.
(09:42):
I'll repeat the affirmationagain.
I am brave and remember that mywhy is stronger than my fear.
I'll repeat the affirmationagain, and this time I want you
to repeat it out loud toyourself so you can make that
connection.
(10:04):
I am brave and I remember thatmy why is stronger than my fear.
Once again, I'll repeat theaffirmation and say it out loud
to yourself.
I.
I am brave and remember that mywhy is stronger than my fear.
(10:38):
Now I want you to visualizeyourself facing something that
feels scary.
Perhaps it's that new beginningthat you've been wanting to
start.
Notice the fear that arises.
Now, imagine yourself taking adeep breath and remembering your
why.
Watch as remembering your why.
Transforms your posture, yourfacial expression, your energy,
(11:02):
and feel how it anchors you,giving you stability even as
fear stills whispers in thebackground.
Imagine this in full color.
I'll repeat the affirmationagain.
I am brave and remember that mywhy is stronger than my fear.
(11:29):
I'll repeat it one last time andgive you a moment to let it sink
in.
I am brave and remember that mywhy is stronger than my fear.
When you're ready, slowly openyour eyes if you had them
(11:51):
closed, and if it feelscomfortable to you, place your
hand over your heart to helpseal in this affirmation with
self love and care.
Remember this simple practice,take a deep breath, and remember
your why.
It's always stronger than yourfear.
This remembering is not just amental exercise, it's an act of
(12:11):
bravery itself.
This affirmation is yours torecite and practice for at least
21 days once a day.
It's most effective before goingto bed at night or when you wake
up in the morning before youstart your day.
To deepen your affirmationpractice, consider making your
affirmation sticky.
This is another acronym thatwill help you craft more
(12:32):
sustainable and effectiveaffirmation practice.
Refer back to episode one whereI walk you through this method.
You can also write down thisaffirmation on a sticky note and
place it on your bathroom mirroror on your laptop as a daily
reminder of your why and thatyou are brave and that you can
push past the fear.
You can also shorten thisaffirmation to a mantra, my why
(12:55):
is stronger than my fear.
And repeat it to yourselfwhenever you are questioning
your path or whenever feararises.
And if you like this affirmationfor bravery, check out episode
four where I share anaffirmation designed to help you
step outside of your comfortzone and move past the
discomfort.
I'll add that link into the shownotes too.
There is no better way todevelop a healthy habit than by
(13:18):
setting yourself up for success.
Subscribe to this podcast andbookmark this episode so you'll
have it handy whenever you needa quick reminder of your brave
framework.
And affirmation.
If you found this episodehelpful, please share it with a
family member or a friend whomight be standing at the edge of
their own brave new beginning orshow your appreciation by giving
(13:39):
us a rating.
Whenever you listen to thispodcast, your support helps
other midlifers discover thiscontent so it can grow and
blossom, and.
Just a quick reminder, you cannow listen to this episode on
YouTube, on my channel.
Oh, hello midlife.
There you'll find videos onnavigating midlife changes and
challenges like caring for agingparents while raising kids.
(14:00):
A topic that most of you canrelate to.
And you will also find a specialplaylist of animated affirmation
videos to help guide you throughyour sessions with calming and
peaceful visuals.
This has always been somethingthat I've always wanted to do
and publish, and I'm so excitedto share it with you.
Thank you for sharing this timeand space with me.
Every moment you dedicate tobeing mindful as a step towards
(14:22):
a more fulfilled and vibrantlife, keep embracing your
midlife journey with an openheart.
And remember, you are not alonein this.
I look forward to our nextmindful gathering.
I'll talk to you soon.
Today's affirmation, I am brave,and I remember that my why is
(00:04):
stronger than my fear.
Remember when you were in yourtwenties and the idea of trying
something new felt excitingrather than terrifying?
The stakes seemed lower than youhad decades ahead to pivot if
things didn't work out.
Failure felt like a temporarysetback, not a reflection of you
(00:26):
or a waste of precious time.
But now in midlife, puttingyourself out there carries a
different weight.
Whether you are considering acareer change after 20 years in
the same field, returning to thedating scene after a long-term
relationship has ended,launching that business idea
you've kept in the back burner.
(00:46):
Or stepping into a completelynew creative pursuit.
The voice of doubt sounds louderthan ever.
What will people think of mestarting over at this age?
Can I really afford to takerisks at this stage of life?
And what if I fail?
What will people say Thesequestions feel heavier in
midlife because the stakesgenuinely are higher.
(01:09):
You likely have more financialresponsibilities, feel like you
have less time to course correctif things go awry and aren't
sure if you are ready to be seenin a new role.
The thought of becoming abeginner again, of facing that
vulnerability after decades ofcompetence.
It can feel daunting, but here'swhat I have discovered.
(01:32):
Midlife bravery isn't abouthaving no fear.
It's about having the resiliencythat comes with age that allows
you to move forward despite thatfear.
(01:55):
Hello and welcome to the MindfulLife Changes Podcast, where we
dive deep into the challengesand transformations shaping our
lives from shifts in our rolesat home and work to the
transitions we navigatephysically and mentally as we
gracefully age.
I'm your host Valerie Mekki acareer change guide and
mindfulness enthusiast.
(02:15):
Putting yourself out there atmidlife hits differently than
when you were in your twentiesor thirties.
Back then, it was perhaps amixture of naivete and the
belief that you had nothing tolose.
I'm not saying you werefearless.
Any significant life changenaturally comes with fear, but
in your younger years, you wereless in your head and more about
(02:37):
taking action because there wasless risk and less concern about
being judged.
I completely understand this.
At age 46, I find myself facingthe camera for a YouTube channel
that includes this podcast,which launched earlier this
week.
It's called, oh, hello Midlife.
Please go check it out, and I'llput the link in the show notes.
(02:59):
There, I'm sharing all of thechanges I've experienced in the
past year.
Living part-time with my mom tohelp my dad who lives in
assisted living home.
Living away from my husband ofover 20 years being empty
nesters at some degree and stillnavigating that pivot of my
career change after 40.
Yes, I'm still navigating that.
(03:20):
And the question, aren't I tooold for?
This keeps circling in my headwhenever I hit record on my
phone, putting my image andthoughts out there is.
Terrifying and the potentialjudgment from people I know and
don't know feels paralyzing.
Perhaps you are at the same cuspof putting yourself out there
(03:40):
again, whether changing careers,starting that side hustle or
tackling a fitness goal thatseems harder to achieve at this
age, and you're wondering toyourself, can I really do this?
Well, what if we summon thatbold mindset we possessed
earlier in our twenties andthirties?
But now enhanced with thewisdom, grit, and perspective
(04:01):
we've gained over the decades.
It's about recognizing thatwhile the stakes may be higher,
so too are your resilience livedexperiences.
That's a really powerfulcombination.
So I'm going to share aframework that helps me step
courageously into new beginningsafter 40, I call it.
(04:23):
The brave approach, B-R-A-V-E.
A simple but powerful acronym,you know, you know me guys.
I love my acronyms.
This acronym breaks down theoverwhelming concept of putting
yourself out there with braveryinto practical and manageable
steps.
So stepping outside of yourcomfort zone and doing something
new, inevitably comes with fear,but it will take bravery to push
(04:48):
through the fear and take actionanyway.
This framework will help youaccess your inner courage when
you need it the most.
Transforming those paralyzingwhat ifs into exciting new
possibilities.
So let me break down what bravestands for.
How each element helps you stepcourageously into new
(05:09):
beginnings.
Let's start with B.
B equals breathe.
When fear rises, our bodystresses responses kick in,
sending us into a fight orflight mode.
Where rational thinking becomesnearly impossible, take a few
deep intentional breaths.
(05:29):
This is more than just calming.
It's a psychological resetbutton.
Simply pausing to breatheactivates your parasympathetic
nervous system, bringing youback to a centered state where
courage can emerge.
So before making any decisionfrom a place of fear.
Breathe first.
(05:50):
RR stands for Remember your why.
This is your emotional anchor.
When doubt creeps in aboutwhether you're too old or too
established to make a change,reconnecting to your deeper
purpose cuts through the noise.
Remembering your why at midlifeis often more authentic and
(06:12):
powerful than in your youngeryears.
It's redefined by experiencesand aligned with your core
values.
Write it down, keep it visible,and return to it whenever fear
threatens to derail you,remember your why.
Moving on to a a equalsactionable small steps.
(06:33):
The beauty of midlife bravery isthat it doesn't require dramatic
leaps of faith.
Breaking down any brave act intomicro steps makes the impossible
feel manageable.
Instead
Valerie (06:46):
of starting a YouTube channel, think record a one
minute video just for myself.
These small actions build bothconfidence and momentum.
Each tiny step forward isevidence that you can do hard
things, creating a positivefeedback loop of courage.
Now, let's move on to V.
V stands for victory.
(07:08):
Victory is one step away.
What midlife has taught us isthat overnight success is rarely
real.
Victory in brave endeavors isn'tjust about instant results.
It's about consistent progress.
Whether you're learning newskills, building a business, or
putting yourself out theresocially, remember that your
(07:29):
next small step might be the onethat creates a breakthrough.
So having this mindset keeps yougoing when immediate results
aren't visible, remember,victory is one step away.
Lastly, e.
E equals even small steps.
are a win.
This is perhaps the mostimportant element of midlife
(07:51):
bravery, learning to celebrateyourself or taking action
regardless of the outcome.
So each time you choose braveryover comfort, you are
strengthening that couragemuscle, acknowledging these
victories, no matter how smallthey seem.
The brave approach isn't abouteliminating fear.
(08:11):
It's about moving forward withpurpose.
Despite it When used together,these five elements create a
practical roadmap for puttingyourself out there in midlife
with confidence, wisdom, andyes, bravery.
So with that in mind, let's helpyou internalize this shift in
perspective with an empoweringaffirmation.
(08:33):
I am brave and remember that mywhy is stronger than my fear.
This is the anchor that Imentioned before that can really
help center you whenever feararises.
When you consciously rememberyour why, you're not just
recalling information, you'rereconnecting with your purpose,
your passion, and your reasonfor a well-lived life.
(08:54):
Let's start our practice bypriming our mind and body so
you'll be open to receiving thispowerful affirmation.
Take a deep and cleansing breathin and let all the air out.
Releasing any energy thatdoesn't serve you and your mind
or body.
Take one more cleansing breathin and let all the air out.
(09:18):
I'll begin by reciting theaffirmation twice.
And when you listen to theaffirmations, imagine you're
writing this affirmation down ona whiteboard or you're watching
someone write it on the boardfor you.
This will help withmemorization.
So let's begin.
I am brave and I remember thatmy why is stronger than my fear.
(09:42):
I'll repeat the affirmationagain.
I am brave and remember that mywhy is stronger than my fear.
I'll repeat the affirmationagain, and this time I want you
to repeat it out loud toyourself so you can make that
connection.
(10:04):
I am brave and I remember thatmy why is stronger than my fear.
Once again, I'll repeat theaffirmation and say it out loud
to yourself.
I.
I am brave and remember that mywhy is stronger than my fear.
(10:38):
Now I want you to visualizeyourself facing something that
feels scary.
Perhaps it's that new beginningthat you've been wanting to
start.
Notice the fear that arises.
Now, imagine yourself taking adeep breath and remembering your
why.
Watch as remembering your why.
Transforms your posture, yourfacial expression, your energy,
(11:02):
and feel how it anchors you,giving you stability even as
fear stills whispers in thebackground.
Imagine this in full color.
I'll repeat the affirmationagain.
I am brave and remember that mywhy is stronger than my fear.
(11:29):
I'll repeat it one last time andgive you a moment to let it sink
in.
I am brave and remember that mywhy is stronger than my fear.
When you're ready, slowly openyour eyes if you had them
(11:51):
closed, and if it feelscomfortable to you, place your
hand over your heart to helpseal in this affirmation with
self love and care.
Remember this simple practice,take a deep breath, and remember
your why.
It's always stronger than yourfear.
This remembering is not just amental exercise, it's an act of
(12:11):
bravery itself.
This affirmation is yours torecite and practice for at least
21 days once a day.
It's most effective before goingto bed at night or when you wake
up in the morning before youstart your day.
To deepen your affirmationpractice, consider making your
affirmation sticky.
This is another acronym thatwill help you craft more
(12:32):
sustainable and effectiveaffirmation practice.
Refer back to episode one whereI walk you through this method.
You can also write down thisaffirmation on a sticky note and
place it on your bathroom mirroror on your laptop as a daily
reminder of your why and thatyou are brave and that you can
push past the fear.
You can also shorten thisaffirmation to a mantra, my why
(12:55):
is stronger than my fear.
And repeat it to yourselfwhenever you are questioning
your path or whenever feararises.
And if you like this affirmationfor bravery, check out episode
four where I share anaffirmation designed to help you
step outside of your comfortzone and move past the
discomfort.
I'll add that link into the shownotes too.
There is no better way todevelop a healthy habit than by
(13:18):
setting yourself up for success.
Subscribe to this podcast andbookmark this episode so you'll
have it handy whenever you needa quick reminder of your brave
framework.
And affirmation.
If you found this episodehelpful, please share it with a
family member or a friend whomight be standing at the edge of
their own brave new beginning orshow your appreciation by giving
(13:39):
us a rating.
Whenever you listen to thispodcast, your support helps
other midlifers discover thiscontent so it can grow and
blossom, and.
Just a quick reminder, you cannow listen to this episode on
YouTube, on my channel.
Oh, hello midlife.
There you'll find videos onnavigating midlife changes and
challenges like caring for agingparents while raising kids.
(14:00):
A topic that most of you canrelate to.
And you will also find a specialplaylist of animated affirmation
videos to help guide you throughyour sessions with calming and
peaceful visuals.
This has always been somethingthat I've always wanted to do
and publish, and I'm so excitedto share it with you.
Thank you for sharing this timeand space with me.
Every moment you dedicate tobeing mindful as a step towards
(14:22):
a more fulfilled and vibrantlife, keep embracing your
midlife journey with an openheart.
And remember, you are not alonein this.
I look forward to our nextmindful gathering.
I'll talk to you soon.
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