FLIPSIDE OF MIDLIFE®️: THE BENEFITS OF SOLO FUN

The past four episodes of FLIPSIDE OF MIDLIFE®️ have focused on fun, and this one is no different. However, this episode helps you spend one-on-one fun time with the most important person in your life (that’s YOU in case you don’t know)! 

There’s big benefits to having fun by yourself. Listen in to hear 7 reasons why you should engage in ‘solo’ fun and how it can help you experience great joy and freedom.

Note taking time starts at 02:25

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(you can join there, too!)

Learn more about me and what I do at flipsideofmidlife.com

Schedule your Wellness Hours Chat at THIS LINK

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Transcript

FLIPSIDE OF MIDLIFE®️: THE BENEFITS OF SOLO FUN

I hear it over and over again from women in midlife and beyond. Great joy and freedom come into our lives when we release the tendency to care what others think. It enables us to lean into the discovery of our core desires. It allows us to be our true and whole selves unapologetically.

Keep listening for a way to hone in on your 'I don't give a f*ck what others think' skills.

{MUSIC INTRO}

I'm Karli Newman and you're listening to FLIPSIDE OF MIDLIFE®️ - a podcast for women in midlife and beyond who want to feel connected, hopeful, confident, and more satisfied with life than ever before.

I'm a life coach focused on whole-life wellness, and I know from personal experience what a transformational time this is. I'm here to help you navigate challenges, uncover how to move forward, and continue on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.

Wherever you are on your journey in midlife and beyond, there's room here for you to honor who you've been, love who you are, and be excited about who you are becoming.

Have you looked into my ELEVATE Membership yet? For just $25 a month, you get simple, easy-to-use, and impactful tools and information that help you learn, stretch your comfort zone, and ignite change in midlife and beyond. I've made it easy for you to hone in on one topic each month to ELEVATE your well-being and love the life you're living.

I invite you to visit my website, flipsideofmidlife.com, to see what the monthly ELEVATE membership includes. The link is there for you in the show notes and transcript

While you're visiting, check out all the ways I help you tap into positivity to explore the endless possibilities on the FLIPSIDE OF MIDLIFE®️.

The past four episodes of FLIPSIDE OF MIDLIFE®️ have focused on fun, and this one is no different. However, this episode helps you spend one-on-one fun time with the most important person in your life. That's you, in case you don't know.

That's right. It's time to get out and do fun things by yourself.

If hearing that makes you squirm a bit, then that's a sign to take it slowly. There is much ground to be gained through tiny steps forward.

If you like to take notes or jot down lightbulb moments during an episode, this is the time to have your notebook, journal, or favorite app ready to go.

You know it. I'll have the time marker in the show notes and transcript, so you can come right back here if now isn't a good time.

TIME MARKER 02:25

I'm guessing you're curious to know how having fun by yourself leads to caring less about what others think. 

First, it removes the layer of coordinating with someone else. You're the only one to consider. 

Second, it doesn't mean there won't be others around sometimes. You may be amidst a group of people, but your care and concern remain focused on yourself.

Third, enjoyable activities are the perfect training ground for letting your true and whole self emerge. 

Let's get into some specifics. Here are seven damn good reasons to add solo fun to your calendar.

• Number one, solo fun is a chance for self-exploration and self-discovery. It can help you uncover new interests and passions. It's a way to gain self-knowledge and grow. 
• Number two, solo fun allows you to explore new ideas and express your creative side without external influences. It boosts your creativity and innovation. 
• Number three, solo fun means you have complete flexibility and freedom around your schedule and activities. You are free to be spontaneous or plan until your heart is content. Since you don't have to consider anyone else's preferences, your wishes are your command. 
• Number four, solo fun falls into the category of self-care. You demonstrate a commitment to your happiness and well-being, which fosters confidence and contentment.
• Number five, solo fun allows you to be mindful and present. The opportunity to focus on nothing but your experience, thoughts, and feelings is an opportunity to gain self-understanding. 
• Number six, solo fun means you can pursue hobbies and interests when it works for you. There's no need to find someone else with the same hobbies and interests. There's no need to wait to coordinate schedules. Consequently, you're able to engage in your hobbies and interests more often, which leads you to greater personal fulfillment. 
• And number seven, solo fun breeds enhanced focus. You can focus entirely on what you are doing without distractions.

If you feel unsure about where to start, think of something you've always wanted to do, but haven't because you didn't have someone to do it with. If that feels too big to start with, well, then dip your toe into the waters with a visit to a museum, or take a class. 

Start to stretch your comfort zone as you get accustomed to solo fun. When you do, It helps you further lean into self-discovery and understanding. 

Here are three ways that happens.

• Step outside your comfortable fun zone to cultivate personal growth. It helps you learn more about your capabilities, interests, and passions. You gain self-confidence and boost your resilience. You witness how capable and strong and multifaceted you are! 
• Stretch your comfortable fun zone for greater intellectual wellness. New activities and skills keep your mind active and stimulated. You gain knowledge that adds to your wisdom and life experience. 
• Get out of your comfortable fun zone to feel greater satisfaction with life. New experiences can help you feel expanded and fulfilled. Your life becomes more vibrant and enjoyable, and you haven't relied on anyone but yourself to feel that way. 

As you build the habit of having fun by yourself, notice what you learn, witness your confidence grow, and feel the shift away from caring what others think. Simmer in the joy and freedom that comes from being unapologetically you.

Want to talk about where you're feeling stuck or unsatisfied? My Wellness Hours are one-hour time slots on Wednesdays and Thursdays where you and I chat via Google Meet. It's your opportunity to get one-on-one coaching, ask my advice, and walk away with action steps that feel good and move you forward.

Head to my website, flipsideofmidlife.com, to learn more and to schedule a time that works for you. 

Let's wrap this episode with a gentle nudge. In the next two weeks, what is one way you will engage in solo fun? Write it down, my friend. Make it happen. 

Whether it's a movie, a meal out at your favorite restaurant, or a glorious afternoon doing whatever the heck you want to, big benefits are ahead.

I'd love for you to share how you're engaging in solo fun. Tell me via email at karli@flipsideofmidlife.com. I look forward to hearing from you! 

Thanks for listening to FLIPSIDE OF MIDLIFE®️. Will you help other women in midlife and beyond find this podcast? Please tell your friends and take a moment to follow, subscribe, rate, or write a review.

I appreciate it so much!

{MUSIC OUTRO}