192: The Push & Pull of the Year of the Fire Horse: Forge ahead without Burning Out - Self Care Practices

How do you decide what your next bold move is?On today's episode of the Habit Thrive Podcast, I'm inviting you to rise to the occasion of yourself.As women in our Me-Now Years, we are not starting from scratch. We are building on decades of experience, wisdom, resilience, and accomplishment.Before we ask, “What’s next?” I want us to pause and celebrate how far we’ve already come.I’m honoring my word of the year—bold—and encouraging you to reflect on your own guiding word for 2026.From that place of awareness and celebration, we are going to start exploring my evolving “Me-Now Women’s Wellness Wheel,” a simple life-design tool to help you identify what you’re already doing well and where you might want to make one small (or bold) move forward.This week, we focus on the first 3 of 8 areas: Connection, Health, and Brain Time. I'll walk you through a powerful exercise—write down one thing you’re already doing in each area, then choose one bold next step.That’s it. No overwhelm. Just intentional momentum.You are not behind. You are not beginning from zero. You are rising—from everything you’ve already built.Let’s move forward—boldly.On this episode:The Me Now Women's Wellness WheelPower & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

The Year of the Fire Horse began on February 17, 2026 — bringing bold, dynamic, transformative energy with it.For many of us in our Me Now Years (especially those turning 60 and completing a full 60-year zodiac cycle), this feels like a powerful moment of renewal and return to our original destiny.Today, on Episode #192 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we're exploring what this fiery, forward-moving year means for your energy, relationships, habits, and daily routines — and how to harness it without burning out.We'll talk about:Why Fire Horse energy creates restlessness and a desire for changeThe “push–pull” dynamic of growth vs. reflectionHow self-acceptance, self-compassion, self-love, and self-care keep you groundedAn inspiring insight from Gabby Bernstein and Mary Ann DiMarco about summoning your inner teenagerBold doesn’t mean harsh.It means aligned. Courageous. Intentional.Maybe bold this year is:• Saying no without guilt• Trying something new• Prioritizing your health• Allowing joy• Resting before you’re exhaustedThis is your year to ride forward — with fire and with self-trust. 🐎🔥On this episode:The Gabrielle Bernstein PodcastPower & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

Self-acceptance. Self-compassion. Self-love. Self-care.Today, on Episode #191 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we explore how research shows that these four practices are deeply connected, but they are not interchangeable.Self-acceptance reduces internal conflict and builds emotional stability.Self-compassion lowers stress and increases resilience after setbacks — and contrary to popular belief, it actually strengthens motivation.Self-love shapes identity and self-worth, influencing the boundaries we set and the long-term choices we make.Self-care, the behavioural piece, reinforces well-being through consistent, supportive action that improves sleep, mood, stress levels, and overall health.Sometimes we don’t need another routine. Sometimes we need to accept where we are; to soften the inner critic; to remember that we are worthy of care, joy, and respect.And, sometimes, we simply need one small action that supports our body and spirit today.I'll also offer four grounded affirmations you can carry with you as you move through your week.If you’ve been feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure where to begin, this conversation will gently guide you back to yourself.On this episode:Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

Welcome to February and the month of love here on the Habit Thrive Podcast!On Episode #190 today, we're exploring the language of self-care that’s everywhere right now—and we're asking an important question:Are self-acceptance, self-compassion, self-love, and self-care really the same thing… or do they each invite us into something different?Together, we break down these four concepts and why understanding the distinction can help us experience them more intentionally and more fully.What self-acceptance really means, and how it allows us to be fully humanHow self-compassion supports us when we struggle or make mistakesWhy self-love is about worthiness, not behaviorHow self-care becomes more meaningful when it’s rooted in awarenessWhy noticing our habits is the first step toward changeRather than separate ideas, these practices form a living ecosystem—shaping how we speak to ourselves, treat ourselves, and show up in our lives.✨ This week’s invitation: notice, journal, question, and stay curious. Next week, we’ll explore why these distinctions matter and how they play out in our everyday habits.On this episode:Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

Have you ever had one of those nights where your body is ready for sleep—but your mind has other plans?Today, on Episode #189 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we explore a gentler approach to nighttime rest: Not forcing the mind to quiet down, but allowing the heart to calm the mind.Drawing from mindfulness, heart coherence research, and inspiration from the monks currently walking for peace, we look at how the heart can become a safe landing place for worries, replayed conversations, and uncertainty about the future.You’ll learn why the heart doesn’t argue with thoughts—it holds them—and how practices like gratitude, appreciation, and heart-focused awareness can help soothe the nervous system and guide you back toward rest.As we close January and open ourselves to what February may bring, this episode is an invitation to soften, settle, and remember that peace begins within.✨ You’re not broken. You’re human. And your heart already knows the way.On this episode:Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

Today, on Episode #188 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we’re continuing our January conversation about steadiness — especially when the world right now feels uncertain, loud, or overwhelming.Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve talked about:Using the habits you already have to steady yourselfNoticing what quietly unsteadies youToday, we go one step further.In this episode, we'll discuss three simple, grounding practices that help regulate your nervous system and bring you back into your body — without adding more to your to-do list.We’ll talk about:Why intentionally connecting with the outdoors (even for seconds) really matters, and how morning light supports your circadian rhythm, sleep, and moodThe Ayurvedic practice of Abhyanga (warm oil self-massage) — and why mini versions absolutely countRethinking movement as something that serves you, not something that punishes youThis episode isn’t about doing things perfectly: It’s about noticing, choosing presence, and creating small rhythms that support steadiness — especially in your Me Now Years.Take what resonates ... Leave what doesn’t.On this episode:Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

Have you ever noticed that it’s not always the big things that throw you off balance, but the small, familiar habits that quietly pull you away from your center?In this week’s episode of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we're having a gentle, reflective conversation about the habits, patterns, routines, and even conversations that may be subtly unsteadying us — often without even realizing it.Building on last week’s episode about the habits that steady us, we're exploring the other side of the coin: The everyday habits that feel normal and comfortable, yet leave us feeling tense, depleted, or off-kilter.This is not about judgment or fixing yourself.It’s about awareness, curiosity, and choice:Why are unsteadying habits often subtle, familiar, and easy to miss?How is constant news consumption and unbounded screen time keeping our nervous system on high alert?Are you noticing how you feel after scrolling, watching, or listening?How do social conversations rooted in fear, worry, or drama affect your emotional balance?When you utilize your awareness and decide when to engage, listen, shift the topic, or step back, you take control back from those detrimental habits!Remember: Having these habits does not make you wrong!It simply makes you human.The invitation this week is not to change everything, but to notice:What steadies youWhat subtly unsteadies youAnd what small, compassionate shifts might help you feel more groundedOn this episode:Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

What if this January isn’t about changing anything — but about noticing what’s already holding you steady?Today, on Episode #186 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we slow things down.January isn’t about adding new habits or pushing for big goals. It’s about awareness, connection, and gratitude for the habits, routines, and rituals that are already supporting you.In an unsteady world, our habits become anchors. This may be a time for steadiness, predictability, and repetition — not more doing.We reflect on simple, familiar habits that help calm our nervous systems and bring us back to ourselves:Morning rhythms that feel comforting and familiarPredictable movement and gentle care for the bodyEvening routines that help us unwind and feel safeChoosing the familiar over the newProtecting our energy and allowing ourselves to stopThis is a quiet invitation to notice what already steadies you — and to do a little more of that.These aren’t small things. They are the habits that remind us: you’re okay, you’re supported, you’re safe.On this episode:Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

Welcome to 2026, Habit Thrivers!Today, in this very first Habit Thrive Podcast episode of 2026, I hope to set the tone for a new year that’s not about rigid resolutions, but about intention, alignment, and self-trust.You may have noticed that traditional New Year goals or resolutions have fallen out of favor over the years (especially for those of us in our “Me Now” years).That harsh “fix yourself and push harder” energy may no longer feel aligned with who you are in this stage of your life.If this is you, I want to instead issue a bold invitation — a phrase that really landed for me as I wrapped up 2025, and one that feels like a much more supportive way to move forward.To me, an invitation is never about pressure or persuasion; it’s a soft opening, a gentle doorway, and a reminder that real change happens when we choose it for ourselves.In 2026, give yourself permission to pause, to breathe, to listen inward, and to trust yourself and the science that supports sustainable change.Join me in moving forward in a way that feels right for you, with curiosity instead of expectation and compassion instead of critique.Today's episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t require force—just trust, kindness, and the confidence to choose what aligns with who you truly are.On this episode:Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

Welcome to the closing week of 2025, Habit Thrivers!As we wrap up 2025, several themes from our year together stood out:Meditation and mindfulness as coming home to ourselves;Movement as nourishment and joy;Nutrition as care and empowerment;Ayurveda as a reminder that rhythm and seasons matter;Decluttering as a way to lighten not just our homes but our minds;And overall wellness as self-honouring rather than self-improvement.Woven through it all was our Habit Thrive lens — habits, routines, and rituals — because that’s where wisdom becomes lived experience.Today, on Episode #184, I'm sharing some more of my favourite podcasts (including one specific episode I have listened to throughout 2025).Listen through the Habit Thrive lens by asking how what you hear could become a supportive habit, grounding routine, or meaningful ritual in your Me Now Years.The insight I received from my podcast listening has inspired something bold for 2026!Starting January 1st, I’ll be sharing short, soulful 2–5 minute daily audio messages as a private podcast — not as a challenge, but as an invitation to gentle, consistent grounding and connection.You can join for a month, a year, or whenever it feels right for you. Just click the link below to see the details.Thank you for an incredible 2025 and for being part of this beautiful Me Now community. I can’t wait to see what 2026 holds as we continue to thrive together!On this episode:Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it hereClutterbug PodcastWellness by DesignThe Flipping 50 ShowLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond