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.

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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 yourself

Here’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 Dingemans

This 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

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💬 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

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You 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