Have you ever gone on vacation and wished you could stay forever, just to escape the stress and responsibilities waiting at home? What if you could create a life you actually looked forward to coming home to? After spending three incredible weeks in Tuscany hosting two women's wellness retreats, I had an unexpected realization. I found myself missing home—not because I wasn't enjoying Italy, but because I'd finally created a life I genuinely loved.
In this episode, I'm sharing what my time in Tuscany taught me about slowing down, setting boundaries, and getting intentional about what truly matters. We'll explore how stepping away from everyday responsibilities can help you recognize what's working, what's draining your energy, and what needs to change. Because creating a fulfilling life in midlife doesn't always mean starting over. Sometimes it's about making small, intentional changes so you can build a life you don't need to escape from.
In this episode:
[0:02] The unexpected realization I had while hosting two wellness retreats in Tuscany
[3:46] Why we don't recognize how much stress we're carrying until we step away
[7:44] What Italian hospitality taught me about connection, presence, and receiving care
[10:22] Why midlife women need opportunities to step away from their everyday responsibilities
[12:23] How time away can help you appreciate the life you've already created
[13:57] Why feeling overwhelmed doesn't mean you need to change your entire life
[15:33] A simple life audit to identify what you want more of and what you're ready to release
[17:46] What you miss while you're away can reveal about your priorities and boundaries
[19:46] The connection between hormones, sleep, stress, and everyday life during menopause
[21:53] Why treating physical symptoms alone isn't enough when you're chronically overextended
[23:10] How midlife invites us to rethink old patterns and create healthier boundaries
[24:28] Finding balance between adventure, personal growth, and loving your everyday life
[27:15] Why creating a fulfilling life doesn't require a retreat or a major life change
Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:
Website: https://risingwomanproject.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae
If this episode resonated with you, I'd love for you to share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don't forget to follow, rate, and leave a review—it helps more women find this space so we can all rise and thrive together.
Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!
153. Ten Things I Tell Every Woman in Her First Visit