For many women, saying yes became second nature long before we ever stopped to ask what we actually wanted. We were raised to be dependable, accommodating, and generous—often at the expense of ourselves.
Psychologist Wendy Oconnor joins me to explore why learning to say no isn’t about becoming selfish. It’s about making room for the people, passions, and purpose that truly belong in this next chapter of life.
In this episode:
- Why so many women mistake Burnout for simply “being busy”
- What “languishing” really feels like—and why it matters
- How decades of conditioning make saying no surprisingly difficult
- Practical ways to set boundaries without guilt or over-explaining
- Why every no creates space for a more meaningful yes
- How curiosity can become a guide for designing your next chapter
Perhaps the most important question isn’t “What should I do next?” but “What am I finally ready to stop saying yes to?”
Read more about Wendy and find all of her resources here:
The Boomer Woman’s Podcast
I’ve probably done most of the things you expect a woman my age to have done: married and divorced; three children; variety of jobs over the years including a couple of home-based businesses and, finally, a pretty good career; gave up that career (and home and life) to move and take care of a dementing mother; adult daughter moved back home with a baby; financial struggles; sucker-punched by the post-2007 economy. You tell a similar story.
My podcast is for Boomer Women. A variety of subjects, a variety of viewpoints... and open to suggestions if I'm not covering a topic you want to hear about.
For many women, saying yes became second nature long before we ever stopped to ask what we actually wanted. We were raised to be dependable, accommodating, and generous—often at the expense of ourselves.
Psychologist Wendy Oconnor joins me to explore why learning to say no isn’t about becoming selfish. It’s about making room for the people, passions, and purpose that truly belong in this next chapter of life.
In this episode:
- Why so many women mistake Burnout for simply “being busy”
- What “languishing” really feels like—and why it matters
- How decades of conditioning make saying no surprisingly difficult
- Practical ways to set boundaries without guilt or over-explaining
- Why every no creates space for a more meaningful yes
- How curiosity can become a guide for designing your next chapter
Perhaps the most important question isn’t “What should I do next?” but “What am I finally ready to stop saying yes to?”
Read more about Wendy and find all of her resources here:
The Boomer Woman’s Podcast
I’ve probably done most of the things you expect a woman my age to have done: married and divorced; three children; variety of jobs over the years including a couple of home-based businesses and, finally, a pretty good career; gave up that career (and home and life) to move and take care of a dementing mother; adult daughter moved back home with a baby; financial struggles; sucker-punched by the post-2007 economy. You tell a similar story.
My podcast is for Boomer Women. A variety of subjects, a variety of viewpoints... and open to suggestions if I'm not covering a topic you want to hear about.
