Ep. 20 | Sarah's Random Thoughts
The Rollercoaster of Hormones
Hormonal changes are an inevitable part of life, especially for women approaching middle age. At 50, I share my deeply personal experiences with perimenopause (at least that’s what I think it is). I have felt irrational frustration during an event with my husband, a bizarre yet brutally honest recount of how hormonal changes can hijack one’s emotions. For me, communicating these changes to my husband has been crucial, allowing him to understand and manage his expectations and interactions. This openness creates a supportive partnership, essential for mutual well-being.
The Impact on Family Dynamics
I also ponder the effects of hormonal changes on family relationships, particularly reflecting on my past conflicts with my mother and stepmother during their respective menopausal years. These unresolved tensions carried emotional issues into my adulthood, raising questions about how much these hormonal shifts might have contributed to those difficult interactions. These reflections serve as a reminder that understanding and compassion are vital in navigating familial relationships affected by such changes.
Caregiving and Letting Go
Transitioning from the daughter who often felt misunderstood, I now navigate a new role as the caregiver for my mom, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. This shift has required me to let go of past grievances and focus on ensuring that my mom feels safe and loved. This aspect of my journey shows the importance of embracing change, letting go of unresolved issues, and focusing on the present to nurture healthier relationships.
Organizational Change: Lessons in Grace and Resilience
Just as individuals go through significant transitions, organizations face their own battles with constant change. I have had conversations with corporate leaders who are grappling with reorganization, acquisitions, and various upheavals. The exhaustion and uncertainty that come with these changes can be overwhelming. Still, I suggest that the key to navigating such transitions lies in practicing grace—not only towards themselves but also towards their teams. I encourage leaders to embrace the unknown, admit their limitations, and leverage the collective brilliance within their organizations.
The Power of Iteration and Vision
I want to emphasize that an unwavering commitment to vision over tactics can make a considerable difference during change. Leaders should focus on iterating and continuously improving strategies rather than presenting an inflexible front. This approach not only aligns with organizational values but also fosters an environment where innovation and collaboration can thrive. By tapping into the collective intelligence of their teams, leaders can navigate changes more effectively and create a culture of trust and resilience.
Rekindling a Love for Water
After recently moving to the coast of California, I rekindled my love for the ocean, a passion I had neglected for years. My journey into ocean play, equipped with a new wetsuit and boogie board, became a metaphor for rediscovering joy and embracing new challenges. Although initially daunting—especially when tackling the modern, front-zip wetsuit—my persistence paid off. I share some humorous anecdotes about my struggle to get into and out of the wetsuit, underscoring the importance of patience and determination when trying something new.
The Therapeutic Power of Play
Playing in the water has become more than just a hobby for me; it represents a return to a simpler, more carefree state of being. This reconnection with an old love serves as a reminder that joy and fulfillment often come from activities that allow us to be fully present and engaged in the moment. For me, the act of playing in the ocean has become an essential part of my journey towards authenticity, providing a mental and emotional reset amidst life’s many challenges.
The Interplay of Personal and Professional Growth
I hope that my reflections on hormonal changes, organizational dynamics, and the joy of play reveal a profound interconnectedness between our personal and professional lives. By embracing authenticity, communicating openly, and remaining adaptable, we can navigate the complexities of life with grace. Whether it’s managing the emotional turmoil of perimenopause, leading an organization through a sea of change, or rediscovering the simple pleasures of playing in the water, my journey offers valuable insights into living a life of choice and agency.
In the end, embracing these transformations allows us to live and lead with authenticity, creating a life that is not only true to ourselves but also rich with purpose and joy. So, let us all find our own ways to live stoked, lead stoked, and rediscover the magic in the everyday moments of our lives.
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram - @livestoked_leadstoked (business) & @sea2mountains (personal)
LinkedIn - sarahbettman
Website - www.sarahbettman.com & www.livestoked.com
Follow on Facebook - CoachBettman
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More About Live Stoked | Lead Stoked
Have you ever wondered if there is something more? Are you ready for something to change, but aren’t sure how to get started…or even what to change? Do you dream of living life on your own terms, full of purpose and the ability to choose what’s best for you? Are you ready to live stoked?
You’ve come to the right place! In this podcast, we will explore what it means to live stoked. To live a life on your terms, one where we’ve tossed away the pressures of roles, expectations, and identities that have been put on you and that you did not choose, is a bold choice. Frankly, it’s a series of small choices in micro-moments that lead to a bold life.
I am Sarah Bettman, coach, consultant, and speaker, but more importantly, I’m a person who found myself waking up in the wrong life and needed to find a way to me.
I am on a mission to unravel the things we tell ourselves, the roles and/or identities we’ve taken on, and the expectations that drive our decision making, so that we can begin to live our most authentic and stoked lives. My guests and I will share our stories, solutions, and multitude of ideas…since one size definitely doesn’t not fit all.
My hope is that you will find something meaningful for you, in the moment, that will move you forward on your path.