How much of your mental energy is wasted on unnecessary guilt every single day? 
 
Karen Stones confronts six everyday guilt-triggers - from declining invitations without elaborate excuses to ignoring text messages without apology, Karen challenges midlife's unnecessary guilt trips. "Age should bring wisdom," she reminds listeners while sharing her own struggles with saying no. Her practical advice? Simply say, "Thank you for thinking of me, I'm not able to make it" – no excuses needed. Karen's candid confession about skipping a five-year-old's birthday party gives listeners permission to prioritize their precious time without the guilt baggage. 

Ever feel guilty about forgotten birthdays, not tipping at counter service, or - gasp - actually relaxing? You're not alone. Karen dives into these midlife guilt traps with humor and practical solutions. "I hope it was a great birthday," she suggests as the perfect response when you've forgotten someone's special day. Karen even admits her own struggle with Netflix guilt, sharing the story of a woman who jumps off the couch when her husband comes home. The episode concludes with permission to say no to volunteering when your schedule is already packed. The message? It's time to drop the guilt and reclaim your midlife sanity. 
 
In this episode: 

• (00:00 ) Are Guilt Triggers Ruining Your Midlife Happiness? 

• (00:37 ) Declining Invitations: The No-Excuse Method That Actually Works 

• (03:03 ) The Text Message Guilt Spiral (And How to Break It) 

• (05:18 ) Forgotten Birthdays: The Perfect Response When You've Messed Up 

• (07:38 ) The Tipping Dilemma: When Obligation Replaces Appreciation 

• (09:57 ) Netflix Guilt: Why Relaxation Feels So Uncomfortable in Midlife 

• (12:04 ) The Volunteering Pressure: Setting Boundaries with School, Sports & Community 

• (15:21 ) What Do You Feel Guilty About? Drop me a message!  

• Follow, subscribe, share, and rate….Send me your comments and feedback on the show! 
   
  

ThirtyFiveSixtyFour is a podcast for listeners between the ages of 35 and 64. Available on all major podcast platforms, the show offers an engaging journey through the various challenges and experiences of midlife. ThirtyFiveSixtyFour presents a distinct departure from the traditional midlife crisis storyline. Instead, it champions the perspective that midlife should be viewed as a period marked by play, discovery, transformation and possibility. With new episodes released weekly, ThirtyFiveSixtyFour is positioned to become one of the fastest-growing podcasts of the year, providing both valuable insights and entertainment for those in the middle. 
 
So, subscribe and get ready to join show host Karen and the ThirtyFiveSixtyFour regulars for both serious and fun conversations around living middle age to the fullest. After all, it’s not too late. You’re not too old. And you’re definitely NOT dead. 

Resources: 
http://thirtyfivesixtyfour.com