In this episode April starts getting into some of the issues she began dealing with after losing her job. Here are some of her own go to quotes;"You are worth caring about!  It may be a new message but it is surely the truth. That voice that easily says "fool". It's familiar. But it's not the truth. It sounds right because what else did you know? Revel in this new message!""Some of us were taught that others come first. That we do not matter. And we end up being caregivers for those you choose not to live fully. The truth is we don’t owe anyone else our life. Do not feel guilty for choosing you.""When you spend time trying to please others you lose who you are and lose sight of your own needs." "There's nothing to lose and everything to gain when you put it all out there."In a world where women of a certain age are often overlooked, April Pruitt is on a mission to flip the narrative and redefine what it means to be middle-aged. Are you wanting a life you’re not living? Do you want to connect with like minded women who are curious about what the future holds? With humor and compassion join April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, as she dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Don't we all want to be loved? To be seen? To be heard? Join April as she tackles various issues to help us live our best emotional life. Get ready to bloom!

This is a sound bite from the next solo episode scheduled to air Wednesday, April 5, 2023.  April starts to get to the heart of some of the issues she has been dealing with for the past few years.  "There's nothing to lose and everything to gain when you put it all out there."In a world where women of a certain age are often overlooked, April Pruitt is on a mission to flip the narrative and redefine what it means to be middle-aged. Are you wanting a life you’re not living? Do you want to connect with like minded women who are curious about what the future holds? With humor and compassion join April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, as she dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Don't we all want to be loved? To be seen? To be heard? Join April as she tackles various issues to help us live our best emotional life. Get ready to bloom!

This is part two of my interview with Beth Tomas. We start the conversation with her breast cancer diagnosis as Beth owns her feelings of anger, fear, and frustration. Despite recently losing her husband and her brother, Beth kept her annual breast exam appointment. Beth; you could not have provided a better example of self-care! What a reminder for all of us to understand the importance of regular exams. Take yourself and take a friend with you to an appointment. No; it's not a party but it's giving you some self-care loving!For more information please contact the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. at their website;https://www.nationalbreastcancer.orgWe check in to see how her daughters are doing, and, discuss her non-profit of which she is the Founding Executive Director, This Girls Story (TGS). TGS, a non-profit organization, is a quarterly girl-led magazine that showcases contributions from all who identify as girls, ages 13-19. For more information and to connect with Beth please check out the TGS website at https://www.thisgirlsstory.org/In a world where women of a certain age are often overlooked, April Pruitt is on a mission to flip the narrative and redefine what it means to be middle-aged. Are you wanting a life you’re not living? Do you want to connect with like minded women who are curious about what the future holds? With humor and compassion join April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, as she dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Don't we all want to be loved? To be seen? To be heard? Join April as she tackles various issues to help us live our best emotional life. Get ready to bloom!

I had the privilege of speaking with Beth Tomas, my guest for the next two episodes to share her journey through unexpected loss. In September of 2021 Beth lost her husband, Antero Tomas, of 21 years. He died of complications from a massive stroke.  Within a few weeks of Antero’s passing, her brother Skip died of cancer. A few months later, Beth was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She was brave enough to share her journey through grief and how she is learning to navigate these life changing events.Beth and her loved ones have been helping each other;her first born, Vashti Selix, her baby girl Valleri Tomas, and her sister, Karen Pearl.  Beth's biggest baby right now is her non-profit organization. She is the Founding Executive Director of This Girls Story (TGS). TGS, a non-profit organization, is a quarterly girl-led magazine that showcases contributions from all who identify as girls, ages 13-19. Beth is passionate about nurturing young women to live up to their full potential. She believes helping girls develop their voice and writing about it or expressing it in another art form will build the skills they need to become strong, articulate, and compassionate leaders.For more information and to connect with Beth please check out the TGS website at https://www.thisgirlsstory.org/ In a world where women of a certain age are often overlooked, April Pruitt is on a mission to flip the narrative and redefine what it means to be middle-aged. Are you wanting a life you’re not living? Do you want to connect with like minded women who are curious about what the future holds? With humor and compassion join April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, as she dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Don't we all want to be loved? To be seen? To be heard? Join April as she tackles various issues to help us live our best emotional life. Get ready to bloom!

March 1st is the third full episode and the second solo episode of the Living In Mid-Bloom podcast. April has said all along she would be sharing her personal journey. In this episode she starts at the beginning of the journey she's  been on for the past three years.  Summary of episode;Self-Care for the Mind, Body, & SoulTrauma Responses - Do we still need the tools we used as children to protect ourselves?Flipping The Narrative In a world where women of a certain age are often overlooked, April Pruitt is on a mission to flip the narrative and redefine what it means to be middle-aged. Are you wanting a life you’re not living? Do you want to connect with like minded women who are curious about what the future holds? With humor and compassion join April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, as she dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Don't we all want to be loved? To be seen? To be heard? Join April as she tackles various issues to help us live our best emotional life. Get ready to bloom!

Stacey Montgomery began her education studying medicine due to an early inspiration as a child.  However; she realized fairly soon it was not  her cup of tea and shifted to the law, starting her professional career in the corporate world.  Stacey has always loved drawing and writing but never believed it was something that could blossom into a successful living.  But when she was laid off, she took the opportunity to follow her passion and speed down that creative track. Stacey M. Design celebrates children and has been on a mission to build their self-confidence. She believes there is something special in each child and is determined to help them tap into their own uniqueness and greatness.  She calls it their "Super Power."Stacey's son, Isaiah has been one of her biggest inspirations. She witnessed his personal struggles in school. Feeling helpless, sad and frustrated, Stacey realized that he and many other children needed guidance in a way that would make them feel more confident and that they matter.  As a writer and illustrator Stacey developed guided journals for social emotional learning (SEL) programs for use in elementary schools and youth groups. Using her guided journals in school settings, a group, or at home, encourages productive conversations and develop their self-esteem.For more information and to connect with Stacey please check out her websites at www.staceymdesign.com and her non-profit foundation at www.mysuperpowersfoundation.org In a world where women of a certain age are often overlooked, April Pruitt is on a mission to flip the narrative and redefine what it means to be middle-aged. Are you wanting a life you’re not living? Do you want to connect with like minded women who are curious about what the future holds? With humor and compassion join April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, as she dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Don't we all want to be loved? To be seen? To be heard? Join April as she tackles various issues to help us live our best emotional life. Get ready to bloom!

This is the first full episode of the Living In Mid-Bloom podcast! In this episode, Host,  April Pruitt describes the podcast that begins with her sharing a piece of her personal journey toward joy and emotional health. She will be interviewing women who are in different points in their lives who may be struggling to figure out who they are, and how to navigate the world. This episode falls on National Self-Renewal Day to focus on the self-care needed to stay vibrant and healthy. Following episodes will air every other Wednesday. The next episode airs February 15, 2023. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Don't we all want to be loved? To be seen? To be heard?  Join April as she tackles various issues to help us live our best emotional life.In a world where women of a certain age are often overlooked, April Pruitt is on a mission to flip the narrative and redefine what it means to be middle-aged. Are you wanting a life you’re not living? Do you want to connect with like minded women who are curious about what the future holds? With humor and compassion join April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, as she dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Don't we all want to be loved? To be seen? To be heard? Join April as she tackles various issues to help us live our best emotional life. Get ready to bloom!

How do we survive the holiday season?  Lots of wine, lots of food, ooh, and lots of wine. Don't get stressed out and forget what the season is all about....Drinking and eating! Seriously folks; consider these top five ways to brighten your holidays.                                    WISHING EVERYONE A JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON                                                            AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!In a world where women of a certain age are often overlooked, April Pruitt is on a mission to flip the narrative and redefine what it means to be middle-aged. Are you wanting a life you’re not living? Do you want to connect with like minded women who are curious about what the future holds? With humor and compassion join April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, as she dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Don't we all want to be loved? To be seen? To be heard? Join April as she tackles various issues to help us live our best emotional life. Get ready to bloom!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! And it's  one of the most stressful times of the year!We all have our family traditions and, family members we see only on these special occasions. They may not be your favorites but hey, it's only once or twice a year right??  Even I have displayed bad behavior every now and again.  I know. Shocking.May you laugh hard as you listen to the Top Five Ways to Avoid Killing a Family Member and going to jail.                                                    HAPPY HOLIDAYS!In a world where women of a certain age are often overlooked, April Pruitt is on a mission to flip the narrative and redefine what it means to be middle-aged. Are you wanting a life you’re not living? Do you want to connect with like minded women who are curious about what the future holds? With humor and compassion join April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, as she dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Don't we all want to be loved? To be seen? To be heard? Join April as she tackles various issues to help us live our best emotional life. Get ready to bloom!

Real Talk; Unexpected Hardships and LossI had the privilege of speaking with Beth Tomas, my guest for the next two episodes to share her journey through unexpected loss. In September of 2021 Beth lost her husband, Antero Tomas, of 21 years. He died of complications from a massive stroke.  Within a few weeks of Antero’s passing, her brother Skip died of cancer. A few months later, Beth was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She was brave enough to share her journey through grief and how she is learning to navigate these life changing events.Beth and her loved ones have been helping each other;her first born, Vashti Selix, her baby girl Valleri Tomas, and her sister, Karen Pearl.  Beth's biggest baby right now is her non-profit organization. She is the Founding Executive Director of This Girls Story (TGS). TGS, a non-profit organization, is a quarterly girl-led magazine that showcases contributions from all who identify as girls, ages 13-19. Beth is passionate about nurturing young women to live up to their full potential. She believes helping girls develop their voice and writing about it or expressing it in another art form will build the skills they need to become strong, articulate, and compassionate leaders.For more information and to connect with Beth please check out the TGS website at https://www.thisgirlsstory.org/ In a world where women of a certain age are often overlooked, April Pruitt is on a mission to flip the narrative and redefine what it means to be middle-aged. Are you wanting a life you’re not living? Do you want to connect with like minded women who are curious about what the future holds? With humor and compassion join April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, as she dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Don't we all want to be loved? To be seen? To be heard? Join April as she tackles various issues to help us live our best emotional life. Get ready to bloom!