There’s a specific kind of heartbreak that shows up during the holiday season — and it doesn’t always announce itself loudly.It shows up when people ask, “So what are you doing for the holidays?” and you don’t know how to answer. It shows up when the traditions you once held together suddenly feel meaningless or impossible. It’s the moment you realize that the holidays don’t feel like home anymore.If this season feels heavier than it used to... if joy feels forced... if you’re quietly bracing yourself instead of celebrating — you’re not imagining it. You’re not failing. You’re meeting the truth of midlife.Thanks for reading The Radiant Reset! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.In this episode, I talk about: ✨ Why midlife is when old family stories start to collapse ✨ Navigating divorce, shared custody, and power dynamics during the holidays ✨ What it’s really like to be the scapegoat child who finally tells the truth ✨ Estrangement and the grief no one talks about ✨ My own story — spending this season without my dad, without my family of origin ✨ How to survive the holidays without abandoning yourselfHere’s what I know after 56 years: Some of the most self-respecting decisions you will ever make will still break your heart. Pain doesn’t mean you’re wrong. Sometimes it means you’re finally being honest.If you’re navigating this season with a tender heart, I want you to know: You are not broken. You are not behind. And you are certainly not alone.📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED:MY BOOK (MUST-READ for midlife women healing from family dysfunction): “Breaking Free From The Mother Wound: Navigating Narcissists, Gaslighting & Toxic Relationships in Midlife” by Beryl DingemansThis book will help you understand the patterns that kept you stuck, validate your experiences, and give you practical tools to heal and reclaim your life. If this episode resonated with you, this book goes even deeper.ALSO “Recovery from Narcissists, Gaslighters and All Toxic People” by Olivia Harris-Stevenson → [Amazon link - please provide]MY FREE GUIDE: “7 Toxic Patterns That Keep Midlife Women Stuck” 🔗 CONNECT WITH ME:📸 Instagram: @theradiantreset ✍️ Newsletter & Blog: Substack 🛍️ Shop All Resources 🎧 LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM:🎵 Substack Podcast → https://beryldingemans.substack.com/podcast🎵 Apple Podcasts → 🎵 Spotify → 💬 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction: When the holidays don’t feel like home 03:45 - Why midlife changes everything about family traditions 08:12 - Navigating divorce and custody during the holidays 12:30 - My story: Being the scapegoat who told the truth 18:20 - Understanding estrangement and invisible grief 23:40 - What actually helps: 5 honest strategies 29:15 - Choosing truth over tradition#midlifehealing #holidaygrief #estrangement #divorcedmom #motherwoound #narcissisticfamily #scapegoatchild #toxicfamily #midlifewomen #healingjourney #familyestrangement #holidaysurvival #midlifeawakening #emotionalhealing #settingboundaries #midlifecrisis #womenover50 #midlifepodcast #traumarecovery #healingfromabuse💖 If this episode resonated with you, please: 👍 Give it a thumbs up 💬 Leave a comment sharing your story 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 📤 Share with a woman who needs to hear thisYou are not alone. We’re building a community of women who are choosing truth, healing, and authenticity — even when it’s hard.Thank you for being here. I’ll see you next time on The Radiant Reset.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed professional or emergency services. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
Why Female Friendships Get So Complicated in Midlife (And What To Do About It)What happens when your growth threatens stagnant friendships—and why confident women get called narcissists by wounded friendsIf you've lost close friendships in midlife and you're left wondering "what happened?"—this conversation is for you.Female friendships can feel more complicated after 40 than they ever did in high school. The drama, the jealousy, the sudden coldness from friends who once felt like family. Maybe you've been called "too much," "selfish," or even a "narcissist" by someone who was supposed to support you.In this episode, I'm sharing what I learned after losing two significant friendships—including a 35-year friendship that ended explosively during a holiday gathering, and a social friend who publicly accused me of being a narcissist over a lighthearted joke.Both experiences devastated me. Both left me questioning everything. But they also taught me something crucial about how female friendships work in midlife—and why some women absolutely cannot handle your growth.WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:Why friendship drama isn't just a teenage thing—and why midlife friendship shifts hit differentlyThe two foundations of female friendship: emotional support and sameness (and what happens when they shift)Why identity transitions change friendship dynamics—and why the friendships that worked when you were small don't work when you're thrivingThe "confident woman problem": How your growth can threaten stagnant friendsNarcissist vs confident woman: The critical differences (and how to tell if YOU'RE actually the problem)How covert jealousy shows up in female friendships—the subtle digs, backhanded compliments, and passive-aggressive attacksSigns a friendship has become toxic—and when it's time to let goHow to choose differently: Finding women who celebrate your wins instead of needing you woundedKEY INSIGHT:"To a wounded person, confidence looks like narcissism. Because in their world, anyone who doesn't shrink is selfish."If you've been called "too confident," accused of having an ego, or made to feel like your growth is a problem—this episode will help you understand what's actually happening.EPISODE QUOTE:"You're not too much. You're finally, beautifully, unapologetically enough. And the women who can't handle your confidence? They're showing you exactly who doesn't belong in your next chapter."FREE RESOURCES:Get Your FREE Midlife Reset Starter Kit Discover the 7 hidden patterns keeping midlife women stuck—and how to shift them. → Download hereREADY TO GO DEEPER?The Midlife Reinvention Roadmap ($33) The complete 90-day system to move from uncertainty to clarity, set boundaries, and build the confidence to create what's next. → Enroll nowRESOURCES MENTIONED:By Beryl Dingemans:Breaking Free From The Mother Wound: Navigating Narcissists, Gaslighting & Toxic Relationships in Midlife → Available on AmazonRecommended Reading (Affiliate Links):"Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents" by Lindsay C. Gibson → https://amzn.to/4plPylR Essential reading for understanding why you attract certain friendship dynamics."Set Boundaries, Find Peace" by Nedra Glover Tawwab → https://amzn.to/3KtoQbX Practical guide to setting boundaries in all relationships, including friendships."The Narcissist in Your Life" by Julie L. Hall → https://amzn.to/3KuEns3 Recognizing and recovering from narcissistic relationships."Toxic Friends" by Susan Shapiro Barash → https://amzn.to/48HlvOy The warning signs of bad relationships and how to recover."Frientimacy" by Shasta Nelson → https://amzn.to/48BuBfx How to deepen friendships for lifelong health and happiness."Women Who Run with the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés → https://amzn.to/4oIwjSC Myths and stories of the wild woman archetype—reclaiming your instincts."Nice Girl Syndrome" by Beverly Engel → https://amzn.to/44dsA8b Stop being manipulated and abused—and start standing up for yourself."The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown → https://amzn.to/48En141 Let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are.CONNECT:🎧 LISTEN TO THE RADIANT RESET PODCAST:🎵 Substack Podcast → https://beryldingemans.substack.com/p...🎵 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎵 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3rllLqD...LET'S TALK:Have you experienced this in your midlife friendships?Leave a comment below:Have you lost friendships that blindsided you?Have you been called "too much" or a narcissist?Are you navigating complicated female friendships right now?I read and respond to every comment. Your story might be exactly what another woman needs to hear.SHARE THIS EPISODE: If this resonated with you, please share it with another woman navigating midlife friendship complications. That's how we find our people.📸 Instagram: @theradiantreset → https://www.instagram.com/theradiantreset/🌐 Website: beryldingemans.com → https://beryldingemans.com/✍️ Newsletter & Blog: Substack → https://beryldingemans.substack.com/🛍️ Shop All Resources → https://payhip.com/TheRadiantReset#MidlifeFriendships #FemaleFriendships #ToxicFriendships #WomenOver40 #MidlifeConfidence #NarcissisticFriends #SettingBoundaries #ConfidentWomen #FriendshipBreakup #MidlifeWomen #TheRadiantReset #CovertJealousy #HealingFromToxicRelationships This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
For years, I believed confidence would come after success. That once I had proof—once I’d achieved something significant—then I’d finally feel confident enough to do the thing I really wanted to do.But here’s what I’ve learned through my own journey of building businesses, losing everything twice, and working with hundreds of midlife women: it actually works in reverse.Confidence doesn’t come after success. It creates it.In this episode, I’m sharing the raw, unfiltered story of how I rebuilt my jewellery business from nothing after losing my entire collection to fraud, moved countries multiple times, and discovered that confidence becomes currency when you realise you are the investment.If you’ve been waiting to feel “ready enough” to start something new—a business, a creative project, a complete life reinvention—this episode will show you exactly why waiting for confidence actually keeps it away.WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:* The confidence myth we’ve all been taught (and why it keeps you stuck in waiting mode)* Why confidence is permission, not perfection—and how this shift changes everything* My story of starting from nothing twice—losing my entire jewellery collection to fraud and rebuilding without loans or investors* What “confidence as currency” actually means—and how it shows up in real life* Why abundance responds to authenticity faster than effort—the energy shift that changes how life responds to you* How to start building confidence through action—even when you’re terrified* Three powerful questions to shift your relationship with readiness—and move from stuck to startingKEY TAKEAWAY:“Confidence doesn’t mean knowing how things will turn out. It means believing that whatever happens, you’ll handle it.”Every risk you take, every time you choose yourself, every heartbreak you survive and rebuild from—they all build the kind of self-trust no bank can give you, no external validation can create, and no one can ever take away from you.That’s the currency I’m talking about. And it’s worth more than any amount of money.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[00:00] Introduction: Confidence Becomes Currency [02:15] The Confidence Myth We’ve All Been Taught [05:30] Why Waiting for Confidence Keeps It Away [08:45] My Story: Enrolling in Goldsmithing Classes in Dutch [12:20] The Fraud That Took Everything—And What Happened Next [16:40] Starting From Nothing (Again)—Moving Countries and Rebuilding [20:15] What Confidence as Currency Actually Looks Like [24:30] How Opportunities Recognize You Faster When You Show Up [27:10] Why Abundance Responds to Authenticity Over Effort [30:45] If You’re Waiting to Feel Ready—The Midlife Reinvention Roadmap [34:20] Three Questions That Change Everything [38:15] Where Are You Still Hiding Your Light? [40:30] You’re Not Starting Over—You’re Starting Truer [42:00] Closing & How to ConnectFREE RESOURCES MENTIONED:📥 Download The Midlife Confidence Code (FREE) A powerful tool to help you start recognizing the patterns that keep you playing small—and how to shift them. → Get it hereREADY TO GO DEEPER?The Midlife Reinvention Roadmap — The complete 7-step system to move from uncertainty to clarity This self-paced program helps you:* Identify what actually lights you up (not what you think should)* Clear the blocks that keep you stuck in waiting mode* Create a practical plan that works with your energy, not against it* Build momentum through aligned action, even when you don’t feel ready→ START TODAY!RESOURCES & BOOKS MENTIONED:By Beryl Dingemans:* Breaking Free From The Mother Wound — Available on AmazonRecommended Reading:* The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks* Daring Greatly by Brené Brown* Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes* Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers* The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire ShipmanThe Radiant Reset is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts → Listen hereSpotify → Listen hereSubstack → You’re already here! Subscribe to get every episode + exclusive written content delivered to your inbox.CONNECT WITH ME:I’d love to continue this conversation with you:📸 Instagram: @theradiantreset 🌐 Website: beryldingemans.com ✍️ Newsletter: Right here on Substack—subscribe for weekly insights, tools, and conversationsLET’S TALK:What resonated with you most in this episode?Leave a comment below and let me know:* Where are you still waiting to feel “ready”?* What’s one small action you could take today to start building confidence?* Have you experienced this confidence paradox in your own life?I read and respond to every comment. Your insights might be exactly what another woman needs to hear.SHARE THIS EPISODE:If this episode landed with you, please share it with another woman who needs to hear it. You never know whose life you’ll touch just by passing it on.And if you love The Radiant Reset, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts helps other women find this community of radiant rebels who refuse to fade away.ABOUT THE RADIANT RESET PODCAST:The Radiant Reset is for midlife women who are ready to stop waiting and start creating. We have real conversations about confidence, reinvention, and what it actually takes to build a life that feels true to who you are now—not who you used to be.If you’re navigating a career transition, empty nest, divorce, or simply feeling like the life you built no longer fits—you’re in the right place.Hosted by Beryl Dingemans — Author, jewelry designer, and guide for midlife women reclaiming their confidence and reinventing with purpose.🔔 SUBSCRIBE & NEVER MISS AN EPISODE:New episodes drop every week. Subscribe now to get them delivered straight to your inbox, along with exclusive tools, insights, and resources you won’t find anywhere else.The Radiant Reset is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.⚠️ DISCLAIMER:The information shared in this podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health support, medical advice, or financial/legal counsel. If you’re experiencing mental health challenges, please reach out to a qualified professional. The Radiant Reset Podcast and Beryl Dingemans are not liable for any actions taken based on the content of this podcast.Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. I only recommend books and resources I genuinely love and believe will support your journey.#MidlifeConfidence #BuildingConfidence #ConfidenceMindset #MidlifeReinvention #WomenOver40 #WomenOver50 #SecondAct #ConfidenceCoach #StartBeforeYoureReady #MidlifeAwakening #WomenEmpowerment #PersonalGrowth #SelfDevelopment #LifeAfter40 #CareerTransition #Reinvention #TheRadiantReset #MidlifeWomen #ConfidenceIsPermission #EmptyNest #MidlifeCrisis #PodcastForWomen #WomensPodcast #InspirationForWomen #ConfidenceBuilding This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
Financial Freedom Starts with Frequency ✨How I Stopped Forcing Money — and Started Attracting ItIf you've been working harder than ever and money still feels stuck, this episode will change how you see abundance.I'm Beryl — host of The Radiant Reset & creator of resources for women navigating midlife reinvention with confidence and clarity.In this deeply personal conversation, I share the energetic shifts that helped me move from scarcity to flow — and how you can attract aligned income in midlife (or anytime). This isn't about hustle culture or forcing outcomes. It's about recognizing that your value hasn't disappeared; it's simply waiting to be expressed in new ways.What You'll LearnWhy money is a mirror of your energy, not your effort — and how shifting your frequency changes what flows to youHow to recognize and release scarcity patterns that keep you stuck in over-giving and under-earningWays to turn your natural gifts into effortless income streams by honouring what people already seek you out forThree simple ideas for creating side income that actually feels good — starting small, starting now, starting aligned"Abundance responds to authenticity faster than it responds to effort."My Story: When Everything Crumbled (And Then Aligned)In this episode, I take you back to a pivotal moment: moving to Amsterdam with my younger husband, watching my savings deplete, and feeling like all my skills — makeup artist, spa co-owner, property flipper — suddenly had no place. The breakthrough came not from pushing harder, but from softening into curiosity and asking: "Where does my energy feel alive?"That question led me to an unexpected role at Greenpeace that embraced my unconventional background, supported me through pregnancy, and taught me the most important lesson: aligned opportunities appear when we stop trying to fit into boxes that were never made for us.Reflective Questions to Shift Your Money Energy:Where am I holding resentment around money?Where am I giving too much because I don't feel "enough"?Where am I shrinking because I'm afraid to want more?What do people already come to me for?What advice or guidance do I give naturally?What problems do I solve without even thinking?FREE Resource:Download The Midlife Confidence CodeYour guide to rebuilding trust in yourself and stepping into this next chapter with clarity.→ https://beryl-dingemans.kit.com/6c3bd7f779Next Steps:Watch Episode 12: Confidence & Visibility — Owning Your Radiance in Your 50's→ https://youtu.be/FzR_hUV3Hjs?si=dayLxteb-1KaiI8tEnroll in The Midlife Reinvention RoadmapA step-by-step program to help you turn your experiences and passions into aligned, sustainable income — without burning out or pretending to be someone you're not.→ https://payhip.com/b/qPr2IConnect With Me:Website: https://beryldingemans.com/Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listenInstagram: @TheRadiantResetNewsletter: https://beryldingemans.substack.com/#RadiantReset #MoneyMindset #MidlifeReinvention #AlignedIncome #AbundanceMindset #WomenAndMoney #FinancialFreedom #EnergyAndMoney #MidlifeWomen #SecondActSuccess #WomenOver40 #WomenOver50 #CareerTransition #MoneyFrequency #AuthenticAbundance #SideHustleIdeas #PassiveIncome #MoneyBlocks #ScarcityMindset #WealthConsciousness #FemaleEntrepreneurs #PurposeDrivenIncomeJoin the Conversation"What energetic shift are YOU making with money this week? Drop a comment and let's support each other in this journey.DisclaimerA Note About This Podcast:The content shared in The Radiant Reset is intended for educational and inspirational purposes only. I'm sharing my personal experiences, insights, and what has worked for me on my journey — but I'm not a licensed therapist, psychologist, or medical professional.This podcast does not provide professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared here should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance from qualified practitioners including physicians, therapists, coaches, or other healthcare providers.If you're experiencing mental health challenges, trauma, or medical concerns, please seek support from appropriate licensed professionals. What I share here is one woman's story and perspective — use what resonates, leave what doesn't, and always prioritise your wellbeing by consulting with qualified experts when needed.Think of me as a friend sharing her journey — not as your therapist or doctor. You are responsible for your own choices and wellbeing.Share the LoveIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with another midlife woman who needs this reminder: Your most radiant chapter is just beginning.And if you loved this episode, leave a quick review — it helps other women find The Radiant Reset and join our community of radiant rebels who refuse to fade away.Subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode where we dive into how confidence becomes currency.Until then — stay radiant, stay true, and keep shining your light. ✨ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
At 50, I Thought My Best Years Were Behind Me | The Art of Beginning AgainI felt invisible. At 56, I'm more alive than ever. Here's what changed.If you're in midlife wondering "Is this all there is?" - this episode is for you. I'm sharing my journey from feeling lost and invisible to reclaiming my confidence and building a life that finally feels like mine.In this episode, we explore: ✨ Why midlife isn't the end - it's your radiant new beginning ✨ How to trust life's timing (even when you feel "behind") ✨ The confidence myth no one talks about ✨ What "beginning again" actually looks like ✨ Why your wisdom is your greatest superpowerYou're not too late. You're not too old. You're right on time.🎁 FREE RESOURCES:→ Get The Midlife Confidence Code (Free Guide) Sign up here: https://beryl-dingemans.kit.com/6c3bd7f779→ Subscribe to My Newsletter (Weekly inspiration & practical tools) https://beryldingemans.substack.com/📚 READY TO TAKE ACTION?→ The Midlife Reinvention Roadmap (Complete step-by-step course) Your blueprint for reclaiming confidence & creating your next chapter: https://payhip.com/b/qPr2I→ Breaking Free From the Mother Wound (My Book) If you've struggled with narcissistic family dynamics: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FY73HWB8💫 CONNECT WITH ME:Instagram: @TheRadiantReset Website: BerylDingemans.com Podcast: The Radiant Reset (available on all platforms)👇 LEAVE A COMMENT: What whisper have you been ignoring? What would beginning again look like for you? Share below - I read every comment and I'm here to support you. 💛⏰ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction: The whisper I almost ignored 3:45 - The midlife betrayal no one talks about 8:20 - Why you cannot bloom before your season 14:30 - What beginning again actually looks like 19:45 - My brutal honesty about rebuilding confidence 25:10 - Your radiant beginning starts now 28:30 - Resources to support your journeyIf this resonated with you, please subscribe and share this with a midlife woman who needs to hear it. Your share might be exactly what changes someone's life today.Remember: Your most radiant chapter is waiting. All you have to do is give yourself permission to begin.💫 See you next week on The Radiant Reset!#MidlifeReinvention #WomenOver50 #MidlifeConfidence #BeginningAgain #TheRadiantReset #WomenEmpowerment #MidlifeWomen #Reinvention #ConfidenceBuilding #PersonalGrowth This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
Amazon KDP account terminated? Permanently banned? Think you can never come back? Think again.In this episode, I share the complete story of how I got my terminated Amazon KDP account reinstated after being permanently banned. If you’re an author facing KDP account termination, suspension, or removal, this is the episode you need to hear.What You’ll Learn:* How to appeal a terminated Amazon KDP account (and why regular appeals don’t work)* The truth about “permanently banned” KDP accounts* Why Amazon’s legal department won’t communicate with individual authors* The legal route that actually works for KDP account reinstatement* How I navigated 4 legal submission rejections before success* Tools for analyzing book covers and metadata to prevent termination* The real cost of hiring attorneys for KDP account recovery* How to negotiate legal fees when fighting account terminationMy Amazon KDP Termination Timeline:* Day 1: Account terminated, all books removed, royalties frozen* Week 2: Crying in Amsterdam while first legal rejection came through* Months 1-2: Multiple legal submissions, cover redesigns, countless rejections* Day 60+: Account REINSTATEDFor Authors Facing KDP Termination: This episode covers Amazon KDP account suspension, Amazon seller account termination, KDP publishing violations, metadata violations, cover similarity issues, and the appeal process that most authors don’t know exists.For Midlife Reinvention Audience: Beyond the Amazon story, this is about resilience after 50, self-advocacy in midlife, fighting back against dismissive systems, and proving it’s never too late to stand up for yourself.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:⚖️ Amazon Sellers Attorneys (the legal team that got my account reinstated): https://www.amazonsellers.attorney/ I negotiated their rates - don’t be afraid to ask about payment options🔧 Publisher Rocket (book research and metadata tool): https://publisherrocket.com📚 My Book: Coming soon to Amazon KDP - subscribe for launch updatesPrevious Episodes in This Series:* Part 1: AMAZON KDP Terminated Me (Here’s What Really Happened) * Part 2: AMAZON KDP TERMINATION (What They Don’t Want You to Know)* Part 3: AMAZON said “NO” - 9The Universe said “WATCH THIS”)* Part 4: REINSTATED (You’re listening to it!)Connect With Me: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theradiantreset/?hl=en Amazon KDP termination, KDP account banned, permanently banned from KDP, KDP account suspended, Amazon seller account terminated, KDP appeal process, get KDP account back, reinstate KDP account, Amazon KDP lawyers, KDP legal help, self publishing problems, Amazon author termination, KDP metadata violation, book cover violation, midlife reinvention, women over 40, resilience, self advocacy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
SHOW NOTESThree fertility doctors told me I’d never have a child — that I was in early menopause, with high FSH and low ovarian reserve. But I refused to accept that story.I applied the same principles I’d used to manifest my husband at 38 — powerful visualisation, emotional alignment, and taking real-world inspired action. At 40, I naturally conceived my son… and he’s now almost 16.This episode isn’t just about babies — it’s about believing in possibility again. It’s about how mindset, energy, and aligned action can transform any area of your life — love, health, or purpose.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✨ The exact visualisation method I use daily to manifest what I desire✨ How I balance spiritual practice with practical, inspired action✨ Why surrender is the final (and most crucial) step to manifestation✨ The story of how I manifested my husband first — and what that taught me✨ What three fertility specialists got wrong about my body and my future✨ How to hold unwavering belief even when the “experts” say it’s impossible✨ The role of emotional alignment in creating your desired realityKey Takeaways:Manifestation isn’t magic — it’s a combination of:* Crystal-clear intention* Daily visualisation that feels real* Emotional alignment with your desire* Massive, inspired action in the physical world* Complete surrender and trust in divine timingWhether you’re manifesting:* A relationship* A career change* Health and healing* Financial abundance* Your life’s purpose...the principles are exactly the same.Connect With Me:📺 YouTube:Watch the full video version with visuals and behind-the-scenes moments→:https://www.youtube.com/@BerylDingemans🎧 Spotify:Listen to the audio version on-the-go→ Listen on Spotify🎙️ Apple Podcasts:Subscribe and never miss an episode→ Listen on Apple Podcasts✍️ Substack:Read deeper insights and join the community→ beryldingemans.substack.com🌐 My Website:Explore courses, resources, and more→ beryldingemans.com📲 Instagram:Daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes content→ @theradiantreset🔗 All My Links:Find everything in one place→ linktr.ee/beryldingemansReady to Transform Your Life?💌 Join My Community:Get weekly insights, exclusive content, and connect with like-minded souls→ Join on SubstackLet’s Connect:I’d love to hear how this episode resonated with you! Share your thoughts:💬 Comment on this post or message me on Instagram📸 Tag me @TheRadiantReset in your stories📧 Email me your breakthrough moments — I read every messageYour story matters, and you’re not alone on this journey.Subscribe & Share:If this episode moved you, please:* ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify* 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode* 💌 Share with a friend who needs to hear this messageEvery review and share helps more midlife women discover that transformation is possible at any age.#MidlifeReset #Manifestation #MindsetShift #TheRadiantReset #MidlifeWomen #HealingJourney #Visualisation #MiracleMindset #ManifestationStory #MidlifeTransformation #FertilityJourney #MiraclePregnancy #SpiritualAwakening #WomenOver40 #MidlifeMagicYou know what the lawyers write and what I need to read to you. This material is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.The Radiant Reset Podcast shares personal experiences and insights about healing, relationships, and midlife transformation. Content is for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Views expressed are based on personal experience and research. Always consult qualified professionals for specific guidance on your individual situation.This material may be protected by copyright.About The Radiant Reset Podcast:Welcome to The Radiant Reset — your companion for navigating midlife with confidence, clarity, and courage. Hosted by Beryl Dingemans, reinvention coach and author, this podcast explores healing the mother wound, breaking free from toxic patterns, manifestation, and building the life you’ve always dreamed of — no matter your age.If you’re a woman in midlife ready to stop asking for permission and start living authentically, you’re in the right place.New episodes drop every week.The Radiant Reset is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Beryl Dingemans is a midlife reinvention coach, author of No More Permission Required, and living proof that your most powerful chapter can begin after 50.After healing her own mother wound, manifesting her dream husband at 38, and naturally conceiving her “miracle baby” at 40 despite being told it was impossible, Beryl now 56, guides midlife women through their own midlife transformations.She’s reinvented herself multiple times — from Emirates flight attendant to NGO professional to jewellery designer to coach and author — and believes that midlife isn’t a crisis, it’s your awakening.Based in South Africa, Beryl brings warmth, brutal honesty, and spiritual wisdom to every conversation. She’s the friend who tells you the truth you need to hear, wrapped in kindness and belief in your potential.Connect with Beryl: beryldingemans.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
If you’re tired of fake positivity and “just be grateful” advice, this episode is for you. Learn practical mindset tools for real resilience — especially for women in midlife navigating burnout, overwhelm, and emotional triggers. 💫 Discover how to shift from survival mode to grounded strength using neuroscience-backed strategies and self-soothing tools that actually work.What I Actually Do When Life Keeps Knocking Me Down (No Toxic Positivity Here) Yesterday I hit the wall and went SPLAT. Completely overwhelmed with everything. And you know what? That’s perfectly normal. If you’re tired of being told to “stay positive” and “be grateful” when life feels relentless, this episode is for you. I’m sharing my real, messy, actually-works toolkit for handling those days when the hurdles just keep coming. In this episode, you’ll discover: ✨ Why trying to be happy every day is setting you up for failure ✨ The two ways to see challenges (and why one changes everything) ✨ My immediate survival toolkit when you’re in crisis mode ✨ The “Reframe Game” that gives you back your power ✨ Daily practices that build genuine resilience (not fake positivity) ✨ Why getting dressed and putting on lipstick matters more than you think This isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending everything is wonderful. This is about practical tools that actually work when you’re in the thick of it. Because resilience isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about learning to bend without breaking and using challenges as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. 🕐 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction: When I Hit the Wall 02:00 - The Reality of the Modern Hurdle Race 06:00 - What’s Really Happening in Your Brain Under Pressure 09:00 - My Immediate Survival Toolkit (5 Practical Tools) 13:00 - The Reframe Game: Changing Your Story 16:00 - Building Long-Term Resilience Muscles 19:00 - What I Want You to Remember 💬 Let’s Connect: I’d love to hear how this episode resonated with you! Comment below with your biggest takeaway 💡 Tag me @TheRadiantReset in your Instagram stories Or email me your breakthrough moments — I read every message. Your story matters, and you’re not alone on this journey. ✨ 🎧 Listen or Watch Everywhere: 📺 YouTube – full video version 🎵 or on Spotify 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ✨ Resources for Your Midlife Reset: 📚 Read my eBook – No More Permission Required → https://stan.store/BerylDingemans/p/g... 💌 Join my Substack community → 🛍️ Explore The Radiant Reset Shop → https://linktr.ee/beryldingemans 🌐 More at www.beryldingemans.com #MidlifeWomen #ResilienceReset #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #MidlifeReinvention #MindsetShift #OvercomingChallenges #SelfGrowth #TheRadiantReset This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
Do toxic people seem to track you down like a GPS signal? It’s not random bad luck—it’s an invisible frequency you don’t even know you’re broadcasting. In this episode, I break down why narcissists, energy vampires, and emotional manipulators keep showing up in your life and how to finally turn off those signals for good.This isn’t about blame—it’s about empowerment. Once you see the patterns clearly, you’ll never get stuck in the same toxic cycles again.Here’s what we explore in today’s episode:✨ The Approval Seeking Frequency – how needing validation makes you visible to manipulators.✨ The Boundary Vacuum – why unclear boundaries create space toxic people can’t resist filling.✨ The Rescue Complex – how over-helping and over-giving turns you into a magnet for dysfunction.✨ Breaking Free – practical steps to shut off these signals, reclaim your energy, and start attracting healthy, reciprocal relationships.✨ Why Midlife is Your Power Moment – how this stage of life is the perfect time to reset, reinvent, and finally step into your authentic self.I also share personal stories from my own journey of repeatedly attracting toxic people, what finally shifted, and how midlife gave me the clarity and courage to break the cycle for good.If you’ve ever felt drained, manipulated, or trapped in patterns you couldn’t explain, this conversation is going to give you a roadmap out.Resources & Links Mentioned:📖 My book – No More Permission Required🎓 The Midlife Reinvention Roadmap mini-course: The Midlife Reinvention Roadmap 💌 Subscribe to The Radiant Reset newsletter for tools, stories, and strategies to help you design your second half with clarity and confidence. My SUBSTACKLet’s Connect:Instagram: @theradiantresetSubstack: Beryl DingemansYouTube: Beryl Dingemans - The Radiant ResetIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a reset moment.#ToxicPeople #NarcissistAbuseRecovery #HealingJourney #MidlifeReset #BoundariesMatter #TheRadiantResetPodcastThe Radiant Reset Podcast shares personal experiences and insights about healing, relationships, and midlife transformation. Content is for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Views expressed are based on personal experience and research. Always consult qualified professionals for specific guidance on your individual situation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
At 56, I've made some big mistakes - from walking away from promising opportunities to once moving house 5 times in one year because I didn’t know where I belonged. But 2024, one of my hardest years, taught me everything I needed to know about happiness. In today's episode, I'm sharing four hard-won lessons that transformed my life: ⚡ STOP FIGHTING YOUR OWN HAPPINESS - You're blocking joy from reaching you 🛡️ BOUNDARIES ARE FOR YOU - Not for other people 💫 FRUSTRATION = GROWTH - You're not broken, just evolving ⏰ REAL CHANGE TAKES TIME - Slow down to speed up Whether you're dealing with setbacks, feeling stuck, or ready for your next chapter, these lessons will help you move forward with wisdom instead of regret. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro: The year that nearly broke me 02:00 - Lesson 1: Stop Fighting Your Own Happiness 07:00 - Lesson 2: Boundaries Are an Active Choice 11:00 - Lesson 3: Frustration Is a Sign of Growth 15:00 - Lesson 4: Real Change Takes Time 19:00 - Wrap-up & Your Next Steps RESOURCES MENTIONED: 📖 The Sedona Method (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3KqCNGY As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. What would you do if you knew it wasn't "too late"? Tell me in the comments! Ready to dive deeper into your midlife transformation? 📖 Get my Book "No More Permission Required": https://stan.store/BerylDingemans/p/g... 📧 Join my Substack community: 🎧 Listen to The Radiant Reset Podcast: Substack: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify 📱 Follow on Instagram: / theradiantreset 🛒 Shop all resources: https://stan.store/BerylDingemans 🔗 All links: https://linktr.ee/beryldingemans Don't forget to subscribe for weekly midlife reinvention content! The Radiant Reset Podcast shares personal experiences and insights about healing, relationships, and midlife transformation. Content is for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Views expressed are based on personal experience and research. Always consult qualified professionals for specific guidance on your individual situation. #MidlifeReinvention #PersonalGrowth #TheRadiantReset #LifeLessons #MidlifeConfidence This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
The book cover is DONE! "No More Permission Required: Healing the Mother Wound" launches THIS WEEKEND through Draft2Digital! This is what living without permission looks like - taking your message directly to the people who need it, bypassing systems that don't value your worth.In this celebration episode, I share the incredible journey from Amazon rejection to independent publishing success. Plus an unexpected update from my Amazon attorney - they've negotiated the legal fees down quite substantially and they seem really helpful. I'm curious what you would do in this situation, and I love hearing different perspectives from this amazing community.In this episode:The finished book cover reveal and launch detailsHow Draft2Digital became my publishing partner of choiceWhy independence feels better than seeking permissionAmazon attorney update: reduced fees and tough decisionsWhat "living without permission" actually looks like in practiceHow this journey proved we don't need gatekeepers to share our giftsCommunity celebration and what's next for The Radiant ResetKey Insight: Sometimes the best doors are the ones we open ourselves. When traditional paths close, we discover we had the power to create new ones all along.Major Announcement: Book officially launches this weekend across multiple platforms! This isn't just a book launch - it's a declaration that midlife women don't need anyone's permission to be brilliant.Resources Mentioned:Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/Amazon Sellers Attorney: https://www.amazonsellers.attorney/Connect & Dive Deeper:Join my Substack Community: https://beryldingemans.substack.com/Get my Midlife Reinvention Roadmap mini course: https://stan.store/BerylDingemansShop All Resources: https://stan.store/BerylDingemansAll My Links: https://linktr.ee/beryldingemansFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theradiantreset/Your Turn: What would you do - pay to fight Amazon or invest that money in building your own platform? Share your thoughts - I genuinely love hearing different perspectives from this incredible community.Next Episode: Post-launch celebration and the numbers that prove we don't need permission to succeed!Disclaimers: This podcast shares personal experiences and opinions about Amazon KDP and the publishing industry. Views expressed are my own based on personal experience. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional publishing advice. Always do your own research when making business decisions.The Radiant Reset Podcast shares personal experiences and insights about healing, relationships, and midlife transformation. Content is for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Views expressed are based on personal experience and research. Always consult qualified professionals for specific guidance on your individual situation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
After incredible community support following my Amazon termination (we went from 40 to nearly 400 subscribers in a day!), I discovered something that changed everything. My reaction to Amazon's rejection wasn't just about business - it was my mother wound healing in real time.In this breakthrough episode from Amsterdam, I share the profound realization that Amazon had triggered every single mother wound pattern I thought I'd healed, and how your support became the healing I never received.Episode Highlights:The café conversation that reframed everything about Amazon's rejectionHow Amazon triggered deep mother wound patterns from my narcissistic parentingWhy seeking approval from authority figures keeps us stuck in old patternsThe healing power of community support vs. seeking validation from systemsPersonal story: Going no-contact with my narcissistic mother after father's memorialWhy midlife gives us the power to say "no" to unworthy treatmentBook launch update: Pre-orders already exceeding Amazon sales on other platformsKey Quote: "At 56, I've finally learned I don't need anyone's permission to be brilliant."Resources Mentioned:Book: "No More Permission Required: Healing the Mother Wound and Breaking Free from Narcissists in Midlife"Alternative publishing platforms: Direct sales, Substack, independent communitiesConnect & Dive Deeper:Get the eBook: https://stan.store/BerylDingemans/p/get-my-ebook-now-msc4xbz2Join Substack Community: https://beryldingemans.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theradiantreset/All Links: https://linktr.ee/beryldingemansYour Turn: What rejection in your life is actually calling you to step into your power? What authority figure are you still trying to please instead of trusting your own worth?Next Episode: Part 4 - Book launch celebration coming up soon!Disclaimers: This podcast shares personal experiences and opinions about Amazon KDP and the publishing industry. Views expressed are my own based on personal experience. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional publishing advice. Always do your own research when making business decisions.The Radiant Reset Podcast shares personal experiences and insights about healing, relationships, and midlife transformation. Content is for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Views expressed are based on personal experience and research. Always consult qualified professionals for specific guidance on your individual situation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
So remember that email I got last week that terminated my Amazon KDP account? Well, plot twist - it gets worse. But here's what Amazon doesn't want you to know about fighting back... and why I might not even want my account back anymore.After over 9,000 views and incredible community support on Part 1, I discovered something that changed everything. When I crafted the "perfect" appeal with professional help, Amazon's response was even more brutal than the original termination - but your comments led me down a research rabbit hole that uncovered hidden resources and shocking truths.In this episode, I share:Amazon's brutal response to my professional appealWhy their "final decision" language reveals everythingHidden resources I discovered through community supportA specialized law firm that exists solely for Amazon KDP disputesThe shocking truth about how common these terminations really areLegal options that could cost $2,000+ (but might be worth it)Alternative platforms with better royalty rates and actual human customer serviceWhy I might not even want my Amazon account back anymoreMy decision to launch my book on multiple platforms - just not AmazonKey Takeaway: We don't need Amazon's permission to succeed. Sometimes when one door slams shut, you realize you didn't want to go through it anyway.Resources mentioned:Alliance of Independent Authors: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/Amazon Sellers Attorney: https://www.amazonsellers.attorney/Alternative publishing platforms: Draft2Digital, Kobo, Apple Books, Google PlayConnect with me:Get my eBook: https://stan.store/BerylDingemans/p/get-my-ebook-now-msc4xbz2Join my Substack community: https://beryldingemans.substack.com/Shop resources: https://stan.store/BerylDingemansAll links: https://linktr.ee/beryldingemansFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theradiantreset/Your Turn: If you've been terminated by Amazon KDP, share your story. If you've successfully published on other platforms, drop your experience in the comments. Let's build a resource for authors fighting back against unfair terminations. Connect with me through my Substack - link above or send me a DM through Instagram.Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and opinions about Amazon KDP and the publishing industry. Views expressed are my own based on personal experience. Content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional publishing advice. Always do your own research when making business decisions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
Tuesday morning, 7 AM. One email. Everything I'd been building for the past few years... gone.If you're in midlife and you've ever felt like the universe just pulled the rug out from under you, this story is for you.After investing thousands of pounds in learning how to publish properly on Amazon KDP, following all their rules, and building books with 4.7 to 5-star reviews, I received the email that changed everything: "We have terminated your KDP account because we found that the cover and/or book details imitate a previously published book."Not suspended. TERMINATED. Permanently.They removed ALL my books from Amazon, froze my outstanding royalty payments, and banned me from ever creating a new KDP account again. When I tried to appeal with three detailed messages, their response was essentially: "We won't tell you what you did wrong, we won't tell you how to fix it, just deal with it."But here's what happened next that surprised even me...In this episode, you'll discover:The exact email that destroyed my publishing business overnightAmazon's shocking response when I tried to appealWhy everyone in the author community is terrified to speak upThe moment I realised this might be happening FOR me, not TO meHow being rejected by Amazon opened doors I never knew existedWhy your work might be better off without their approvalThis isn't just about Amazon or publishing. This is about what happens when systems dismiss us, when algorithms decide our worth, and when we have to choose between shrinking to fit or building our own path.If you've ever been told "that's final" when you knew there was more to your story, this episode is for you.MY NEW BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE:"No More Permission Required: Healing the Mother Wound and Breaking Free from Narcissists in Midlife"📚 Get it here: https://stan.store/BerylDingemans/p/get-my-ebook-now-msc4xbz2Also available on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, Everand, Tolino, VivlioCONNECT WITH ME:📧 Subscribe to my Substack newsletter: https://beryldingemans.substack.com/🌐 All my links: https://linktr.ee/beryldingemans📱 Instagram: @TheRadiantReset🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GN0AZUWeUg8?si=-Iqbb4QtUXla3SxtPart 2 is coming next week - and trust me, you won't want to miss what happened next.Remember: You are not too old, it is not too late, and you are definitely not alone on this journey.Episode Highlights:[00:00] The email that changed everything[02:30] Amazon's termination notice breakdown[05:45] My appeal attempts and their responses[08:20] The author community's fear of speaking up[11:15] The mindset shift that saved me[14:30] Discovering alternative publishing platforms[17:45] Why rejection can be redirectionDisclaimer:This podcast shares personal experiences and opinions about Amazon KDP and the publishing industry. Views expressed are my own based on my personal experience. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional publishing advice. Always do your own research when making business decisions.The Radiant Reset Podcast shares personal experiences and insights about healing, relationships, and midlife transformation. Content is for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Views expressed are based on personal experience and research. Always consult qualified professionals for specific guidance on your individual situation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
There I was, walking the same familiar streets I'd wandered decades ago, and honestly? I was a mess of emotions. Amsterdam does that to me - it always has.You see, when I lived here in my late thirties and forties, I was a completely different woman. I'd moved countries for love - left Cape Town behind to build a life with my husband in this beautiful, bewildering city. I was drowning in Dutch lessons twice a week, goldsmith classes on the other evenings, trying to forge an identity in a place where I could barely order coffee without stumbling over the language.But the real battle wasn't with Dutch grammar or learning to navigate a bicycle in the chaotic traffic. It was with my own body, my own dreams of motherhood. Three fertility doctors - in South Africa and the Netherlands - had delivered their verdict with clinical certainty: I couldn't have children. “Use a donor egg or adopt” they said.Well, for those of you who know me, know that I was going not going to accept that lying down. In my typical determined fashion, I raged ahead anyway. And at 40, against all medical odds, I held my miracle baby in my arms. Sometimes the universe rewards audacity with grace.Walking these streets again now, in my mid-fifties, I'm struck by the parallels. Then, like now, I was in the midst of monumental change. Then, like now, I was having to summon courage I wasn't sure I possessed. The difference is that now I know what I'm capable of.Amsterdam gave me more than just my child and a second language. It gave me soul sisters - women who walked into my life like gifts from the universe and who remain some of my dearest friends today. The bonds we forged over shared struggles and small victories have weathered decades and continents.And that's what makes leaving so bittersweet. Again.Because here's what I've learnt about reinvention in midlife: it's never just about the place you're going to - it's about honouring all the places that shaped you along the way. The geography of our becoming isn't linear. Sometimes we need to circle back to collect the pieces of ourselves we left behind, not to remain stuck in nostalgia, but to integrate our hard-won wisdom with that original spark of possibility.I have incredible friends in Johannesburg and Cape Town too, and therein lies both the blessing and the burden of a life well-lived across borders. You accumulate these precious connections everywhere you plant roots, and leaving always feels like tearing a piece of your heart away.But perhaps that's the point. Perhaps having your heart scattered across continents is proof that you've lived boldly, loved deeply, and refused to play it safe.Amsterdam in those earlier years taught me that I was stronger than I knew. Amsterdam in my fifties is teaching me something even more valuable: that strength without softness is just armour, and I no longer need to protect myself from my own tenderness. I am soft and tender and vulnerable underneath all the coping capabilities that I’ve developed my entire life. Now, uncovering my most vulnerable part of myself which I will share with you in the coming weeks - my mother wound, has brought all of everything from the depths of my soul to the surface and here I am, at 56, becoming the woman I was always meant to be. Deliberately searching for and uncovering the root of all my pain and anger has been the most radical thing I’ve done to grow and develop both emotionally and spiritually.Sometimes the most radical act of reinvention isn't about becoming someone new - it's about returning to the places that first cracked you open, and discovering you're brave enough to stay open.Where might you need to return to move forward?#MidlifeWisdom #Reinvention #Amsterdam #PersonalGrowth #WomenOver40 #AuthenticLiving #SelfDiscovery #Travel #Reflection #SecondChapter #NoMorePermissionRequired #WomenOver50 #PregnancyOver40 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com
Another Day When I Stopped Asking Permission (And Started Living)“Should we really be doing this - are we ridiculous. Do we look like Grannies?”The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them. There I was, sitting in one of my best friend’s Biro - which is a tiny little car, smaller than a golf cart that you use if the weather in Amsterdam is really dreadful, which it isn’t at the moment, but it usually is… so she suggested we take a spontaneous drive along Amsterdam’s canals. Two women in our 50s, looking at each other with that familiar mixture of excitement and self-doubt that somehow creeps in when we’re about to do something purely for joy.Should we do this or just rather walk?When did we start asking that question? When did spontaneity require permission? When did the simple act of saying “yes” to an adventure become something we had to justify?I caught myself mid-thought and laughed. Here we were—two women who had navigated decades of life, raised children, built careers, survived heartbreak, celebrated triumphs, and figured out who we actually are beneath all the roles we’ve played. And we were asking permission to drive around beautiful canals on a sunny afternoon.The Permission TrapSomewhere along the way, many of us internalized the message that midlife means settling. That our adventurous days are behind us. That spontaneity is for the young, and we should be content with predictable, safe choices. Not myself and Annemarie for sure, but so many think like this. But here’s what I’ve learned: Your 50s aren’t your settling years. They’re your soaring years.Think about it—when in your life have you been more equipped for adventure than right now? You have wisdom that your younger self lacked. You have resources you’ve worked decades to build. You know yourself in ways that took half a lifetime to discover. You’ve survived enough to know what truly matters.So why are we still asking for permission?The Moment Everything ShiftedAs Annemarie started the engine and we began our impromptu canal tour, something clicked. The sun was streaming through the sunroof, we were laughing like teenagers, and I realized this was exactly where I was supposed to be again. Not because anyone gave me permission, but because I had given it to myself.This moment—captured in a silly video that made us both giggle—became a symbol of something much bigger. It was another moment when I stopped asking “Should I?” and started declaring “I will.”What Are You Still Asking Permission For?As I write this, my book “No More Permission Required” launches this week. The timing of this canal adventure feels like the universe winking at me, reminding me to practice what I preach.But this isn’t just about me. This is about all of us who have spent decades being the responsible ones, the caregivers, the ones who put everyone else’s needs first. This is about recognizing that midlife isn’t the end of our story—it’s the beginning of our most authentic chapter.What spontaneous adventure are you talking yourself out of right now? What dream are you still waiting for someone else to validate? What part of you is still asking, “Should I really be doing this?”The Radical Act of Self-PermissionHere’s what I want you to know: You don’t need anyone’s permission to:• Take that trip you’ve been dreaming about• Start that creative project gathering dust in your mind• Change your hair, your style, your entire aesthetic if it makes you happy• Say no to obligations that drain you• Say yes to experiences that light you up• Reinvent yourself at 50, 55, 60, 70 or beyondThe most radical thing a midlife woman can do is give herself permission to live fully, love boldly, and laugh often—without apology, without explanation, without asking if it’s okay.Your TurnSo here’s my challenge to you: What’s one thing you’re going to stop asking permission for this week? What spontaneous yes is waiting for your courage?Share it in the comments below. Let’s create a community of women who are done asking and ready to start living.Because life is too short to spend it waiting for permission that’s never coming.And sometimes the best moments happen when you’re just two friends in a tiny Biro car, choosing joy over caution, adventure over approval.What are you waiting for?If this resonates with you, my book “No More Permission Required” launches this week. It’s filled with more stories, healing, recovery strategies, and permission slips for living your most radiant life after 50. Because the world needs what you have to offer—no permission required.What spontaneous adventure called to you this week? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to say yes more often. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beryldingemans.substack.com