Embracing happiness without feeling guilty

Hello Beautiful Midlife Mavens,

At this stage of our lives, we’ve seen it all - the ups, the downs, and everything in between. We’ve celebrated triumphs, mourned losses, and weathered countless storms. And through it all, we’ve built resilience, wisdom, and a depth of character that is uniquely ours.

As a midlife Reinvention coach, I am continuously inspired by your strength, passion, and the infinite potential you all carry within. Yet, there’s one challenge I’ve noticed that many of us face, one that’s perhaps surprising but deeply human - feeling guilty about being truly happy.

You might wonder, why would anyone feel guilty about happiness? Especially when it’s a sensation we all chase, dream of, and rightfully deserve.

But sometimes, life’s scars and old beliefs make us doubt our right to bask in our joy.

We’ve all had those thoughts, haven’t we? The little voice that says, “Do I really deserve this happiness?” or “Is this joy short-lived, will it soon be taken away?”

I certainly can relate to that feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Most of my adult life I equated hustle and struggle with a life well lived. If my life felt too peaceful and there was some space to breathe, I got uncomfortable. I soon would be filling up my calendar to "fill my life up" Call it a trauma response, a way of being I developed in my childhood. This is what I have unraveled on my transformation journey.

But, happiness is not just a fleeting moment or a luxury for the chosen few. It’s a reflection of our soul’s essence, our connection to life, and the universe. And you deserve every drop of it.

If past mistakes or external voices make you feel undeserving, remember this: Our past does not define our worthiness for future joy. Every sunrise offers a new chance to begin again. If you’ve grown accustomed to shadows, let me assure you; it's possible to "unlearn" this behavior, I did. And this is why I am so passionate about sharing shadow work with my clients.

So starting today, let’s make a pact. When joy knocks on our door, instead of questioning it, we’ll invite it in, give it a seat at our table, and cherish its company.

Let it serve as a reminder of our strength, our journey, and the many beautiful chapters still waiting to be written. It’s time to let go of the guilt, to embrace our happiness fully, and to celebrate the richness of our lives. We’ve earned it.

And remember, no matter where you are on your journey, you have an entire sisterhood cheering you on. Together, we can and will embrace the full spectrum of life’s emotions.

Keep shining, keep thriving, and always remember that your happiness is a testament to your incredible journey.

With love and light,

Laura, Your Midlife Reinvention Coach

If feeling happy brings forth feelings of guilt, let's connect. I get it, I really do and the good news if it was a learned behavior, it can be unlearned!!