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 Regulate Your Emotions and Find Peace using Somatic Practices with Annmarie Chereso
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Have you ever found yourself reacting in a way that feels bigger than the situation in front of you… and then thought, “Why did I respond like that?”
You’re not alone — and it’s not random.
That disconnect — between what your mind wants to do and what your body actually does — is often where deeper emotional patterns, trauma responses, and nervous system reactions live.
In this episode, I sit down with Annmarie Chereso, conscious relationship coach, to unpack what’s really happening beneath emotional triggers, relationship conflict patterns, and those moments when you feel like you “lose control” emotionally.
We explore how awareness — not force — becomes the first step toward emotional regulation and lasting change. And Annmarie shares a fresh perspective on somatic healing practices and emotional regulation
In this episode, we dive into:
- Why emotional triggers are often linked to deeper trauma responses and nervous system activation
- A new approach to relationship healing that doesn’t rely on forcing yourself to “be different”
- What somatic healing and emotional regulation actually look like in real life
- How to begin building self-regulation skills when emotions feel overwhelming or intense
- Why noticing your patterns is more powerful than trying to fix them
This conversation reframes healing entirely — not as something you “achieve,” but as something you become aware of over time. Through that awareness, your relationship with yourself and others begins to shift.
This isn’t about becoming someone new.
It’s about finally understanding what’s been happening beneath the surface all along.
You don’t need to have it all figured out — you just need to start noticing.
With love and freedom,
Laurie
Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit”
Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go
Free Resources
Click here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.
Click here for my FREE “Beginner’s Guide to Somatic Healing”
Click here for my FREE Core Values Exercise
Connect with Annmarie Chereso
Website
Instagram
Facebook
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
The Perfectly Imperfect Family: A book co-authored by Annmarie Chereso that shares personal stories and insights on navigating family dynamics and shifting internal states.
Martha Beck Wayfinder Coaching Program: The professional coaching training program where both the host and the guest completed their training.
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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.