Confessions of a Freebird - Midlife, Divorce, Heal, and Date Differently with Somatic Experiencing, Empty Nest, Well-Being, Happiness
Hi, I’m Laurie James—author of Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go, somatic relationship coach, mother of four adult daughters, divorcée, and recovering caregiver.
I created Confessions of a Freebird as a heartfelt space for women navigating midlife transitions—divorce, empty nesting, loss, dating again, or simply wondering:
“Is this all there is?”
If you're longing for more authenticity, joy, freedom, and purpose, especially after years of putting everyone else first, you're in the right place.
Each episode, I’ll share:
- Practical tools and somatic coaching strategies
- Raw reflections and confessions from my own journey
- Expert conversations on everything from sex, grief, trauma healing, and finances to dating, caregiving, and reinvention
We'll explore what it means to come home to yourself through somatic practices—and how to design a life that feels aligned with who you are now, not who you were 20 years ago or who someone or society has told you to be.
Whether you’re in the sandwich generation, starting over after loss, or dreaming of your next chapter—Confessions of a Freebird is your midlife best friend. Think of it as a permission slip to evolve, heal, and fall in love with your life all over again.
Because the most important relationship you’ll ever have… is the one you have with yourself.
XO,
Laurie
Connect with me:
Purchase my book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go, https://www.laurieejames.com/book
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurie.james/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.james.79219754
Confessions of a Freebird - Midlife, Divorce, Heal, and Date Differently with Somatic Experiencing, Empty Nest, Well-Being, Happiness
How to Develop Meaningful Relationships with Women in Midlife
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Female relationships are the lifeline for most women, yet sometimes they can be hard to cultivate. Between raising kids, working, and caring for family members it can leave little time for our female friends.
When we are raising our kids, it can be easier to develop friendships, but as we age it can be more difficult to find like-minded women.
Yet, imagine having a circle of women who are more than just friends, they're your cheering squad, your rock. They lift you up, understand the real you, and are there through thick and thin.
That’s the beauty of true friendships among women.
In today’s heartwarming episode, I’ll explore the power of female friendships. I share my story of feeling like an outsider to building a tribe of incredible women who've become my lifeline. I'll talk about why female relationships are crucial to our health. In fact, one study showed that having strong social relationships decreases your chances of dying prematurely by 50%, which is a reason in it’s self to start working on your female tribe!
In this episode I’ll share:
- How my main tribe of friends was formed.
- The essential role female friendships. (Hint: we need them for our emotional support and personal growth.)
- Simple steps to find and nurture your own circle of friends.
- How being more vulnerable led to some of my closest relationships.
- Real conversations with some of my closest friends on what makes our connection so special.
- Actionable advice on how to put yourself out there and attract you tribe with intention.
- The importance of self-reflection in building and maintaining strong friendships.
- 5 ways to cultivate, create, and maintain strong, meaningful connections with other women.
This episode is for anyone who's ever felt a bit lost in the crowd or is yearning for deeper connections.
Tune in and discover how to build the supportive, joy-filled friendships you deserve.
Much Love,
Laurie
Click here for my Core Values Exercise
Click here for my “Somatic Healing for Beginners Guide”
Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go
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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.