98 | Why “When the Time Is Right” Is a Burnout Trap for Midlife Moms & Affirmation to Stop Waiting (replay Ep.50)

Are you waiting for the “perfect” moment to begin your next chapter? Too often, we say “when…”—when the kids are grown, when the job slows down, when we’re more ready, richer, healthier, or more confident. But “when” is a four-letter word that delays your dreams. This inspiring episode invites you to trade “when” for “what can I do today?”

In this powerful replay, you’ll:

• Identify the subtle self-limiting beliefs behind common “when” statements.
• Learn how shifting to “what” questions opens up agency and forward momentum.
• Practice an empowering affirmation to stop waiting and start living a purpose-driven life now.

Press play to stop deferring your dreams—and take one small but powerful step toward them today.

You’re listening to the right show, formerly known as the Mindful Life Changes or Mindful Career Change Podcast. We’ve made some pivots through the years, but we’ve finally landed on the right path: producing content for moms seeking calm within the chaos of midlife changes.

New episodes drop on:

• Sundays: 20-minute episodes addressing common midlife challenges with practical strategies plus a featured mindfulness practice (affirmations, mantras, or meditations)
• Wednesdays: Short guided practice sessions to reinforce Sunday's mindfulness technique and reset your week

More from The Mindful Midlife Mom:

Discover Valerie's articles on ohhellomidlife.com or watch her videos on Youtube @ohhellomidlife

This podcast explores patience, meditation, confidence, presence, and overcoming resentment while cultivating calm, peace, mindfulness, clarity, mantras, and addressing loneliness and burn out; it covers boundaries, caregiving, guilt, affirmations, working moms, self-care, midlife crisis, empty nesters, empowerment, people pleasing, compassion fatigue, family caregiving, stress relief, self-worth, stress management, and how to shift from reactive to centered when feeling short tempered, offering tools for self acceptance, easing mental exhaustion, building emotional resilience, harnessing inner strength, and preventing caregiver fatigue for those in the sandwich generation through expert advice on boundaries setting.

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Transcript

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The message in this episode couldn't be more timely. While I'm working on the exciting new chapter for our podcast community that I can't wait to share more details later this week, I'm no longer saying when I have more time or when everything is perfect. I'm saying, what can I do today? Taking action. This replay episode explores how we often delay our dreams with the word when putting our aspirations on hold until some perfect future moment that may never arrive. Whether you've heard this episode before or it's your first time, I invite you to listen with Fresh ears and ask yourself, what small step could you take today toward your dreams instead of waiting for that perfect moment? Remember, there is no perfect timing to start that passion project or taking a step towards changing your career. This episode will help you replace when with what? Transforming passive daydreams into active pursuits. You can begin right now, so without further ado, episode 50. Today's affirmation. My time is now. I am capable and worthy of making my aspirations a reality today. There's a four letter word I often hear for midlifers, especially from women. That's holding them back from fulfillment potential, or even joy. With statements starting with when, when the kids are older than I'll take back course. When the work slows down, then I'll take care of my health and wellness. Or when I have more money, then I'll work on that passion project. The true meaning behind the word win is wait. You're waiting for perfection, whether it be timing, finances or personal readiness. So in today's episode, I want to replace this four letter word with another one that is just as impactful. With what, what sparks, curiosity, and action. Even with the tiniest steps, can you closer to making your, when. daydreams into a reality for a life filled with purpose and passion right now, not later. Hello and welcome to the mindful life changes podcast. Where we dive deep into the challenges and transformations shaping our lives from shifts in our roles at home and work to the transitions we navigate physically and mentally as we gracefully age. I'm your host, Valerie Mickey. A career change guide and mindfulness enthusiasts. In today's episode, we'll take a closer look at the statements that start with when. Exploring what they truly mean in the subtle damaging effects that can have on our mindsets. And self-worth. Often without our awareness. These wind statements frequently come up in casual conversations with others. Or as private thoughts you keep to yourself. Let me share some common wind statements that we midlifers might be telling ourselves along with the possible meanings behind them. Let's start with. When I retire, then I'll start doing what I really love. What you're really telling yourself is fulfillment is only for post career life. How about when the kids are out of the house, I'll focus. My own needs. What you're really telling yourself is my dreams and desires. Aren't a priority. Or. When I have more money saved, I'll take that risk. This statement can prevent someone from pursuing opportunities now. Well, I would never make anyone feel bad or pressure them to neglect their essential needs. But if you do have some room in your finances and you have yet to take any action. Then you might be telling yourself your passion and talent are not worth investing for a brighter future. Or do you say to yourself. When I lose weight or get in shape, I'll be more confident. What you're really telling yourself is your self-worth is linked to your physical appearance. How about when things at work slow down, I'll take time for that hobby. I used to love. What you're really telling yourself is work supersedes my personal wellbeing and interests. And lastly, when I have the perfect plan, I'll make a change. What you're really telling yourself is I don't know what I'm doing so I'm not going to make any moves at all. Did any of these statements resonate with you? Along with these wind statements, you're probably justified these thoughts with your being. A responsible parent by waiting that money is the only thing you need to unlock your next chapter or your schedule is too overwhelming to take care of yourself and just barely hanging in there is the best you can do right now. How about those reasons? Do they sound familiar to you? Well, let's flip the script, probably replacing win with what, what is another four letter word that could spark curiosity and empower you to take immediate action? Even if it's the smallest step. So the next time you catch yourself saying wind pause and transform that thought into these empowering what questions. What do I want for myself right now? What small step can I take today towards my dream? What will bring me joy today? What can I do today that I've been putting off? By replacing when with what? You're not just exploring possibilities. You're actively creaming them. Each, what question can help transform passive needs and daydreams into. Active pursuits. Real life moments you can enjoy today. Right now. Even if it's creating a Pinterest board with your ideas for that passion project, documenting your recipes for that cookbook, you wants to publish one day. Or meeting for coffee with that friend who owns that business you admire in. You just want to ask some questions. These small steps can help shift your mindset, allowing you more agency over the outcomes you desire and deserve. We know life can be unpredictable. We're never guaranteed the plans we've created in our minds. That it will align with the timing with God or with the universe. Because a parent could get sick. A child could move back into the home. Or you could get laid off. There are so many things that can happen over time. So why wait. The best time to start anything that will help you feel more fulfilled or content. Today was yesterday. So the next best time is right now. With that in mind, let's seize this present moment. With an empowering affirmation. To help us open the possibilities. Of starting something for you today. Instead of waiting for life to be perfect. We'll start our affirmation practice by priming your mind a body. So you'll be open to this affirmation. Take a deep cleansing breath in. And out. Releasing all energy that doesn't serve you. I'll begin by reciting the affirmation twice. And while you listen to the affirmations, imagine you're writing this information down on a whiteboard. Or you're watching someone write on the board for you. This will help with memorization. So let's speak at. My time is now. I am fully capable and worthy of making my aspirations a reality today. My time is now. I'm fully capable and worthy of making my aspirations a reality. Today. I'll repeat the affirmation again, but this time I want you to repeat it out loud to yourself. So you make a connection. My time is now I'm fully capable and worthy of making my aspirations a reality today. I'll repeat the affirmation again. And once again, say it out loud to yourself. My time is now. I'm fully capable and worthy of making my aspirations a reality today. Now imagine. And visualize herself in action, doing something that brings fulfillment and joy right now, or small action towards your longterm goals. I'll repeat the affirmation again and imagine yourself. In this vision. And full color. My time is now. I'm fully capable and worthy of making my aspirations a reality today. I'll repeat it one last time and it give you a moment to let it sink in. My time is now. I'm fully capable and worthy of making my aspirations a reality today. When you're ready. Slowly open your eyes. If you had them closed. And if it feels comfortable to you. Place your hand over your heart. Tilt seal this affirmation practice with self love and care. This affirmation is yours to recite and practice for at least 21 days once a day. It's most effective before you go to bed at night, or when you wake up in the morning before you start your day. To deep in your affirmation practice, consider making your affirmations sticky. Right this affirmation down on a sticky note and place it on your bathroom mirror as a daily reminder that you deserve to follow your desires and dreams today. Not tomorrow. Or transformed this affirmation into a short mantra. My time is now. I am worthy. Repeat it to yourself silently as you go on a run or a walk. Or right before you start your journal session. To help you explore the possibilities of what's next. Let's not just dream about a future. Where everything is perfect. Let's make today as fulfilling as possible. By embracing what over, when you empower yourself to take control over your journey. They need to a more vibrant and purpose driven life. Please make sure to subscribe and bookmark this episode. So you'll have it handy whenever you need a quick guide of this affirmation. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a family member or a friend who may be searching for empowering affirmation or a mantra. Or you can show your appreciation by giving us a rating of this podcast, wherever you're listening, your support will help other midlifers discover this podcast so it can grow in blossom. Thank you for sharing this time and space with me. Every moment you dedicate to being mindful a step towards a more fulfilled and vibrant life. Keep embracing your midlife journey with an open heart. And remember you are not alone in this. I look forward to our next mindful gathering. I'll talk to you soon.