196: From Snowstorms to Spring: A Spring Equinox Shift into the Habit of Cultivating Optimism

What sparks a sense of optimism for you?Is it something you see, something you do, or simply a way you choose to think in certain moments?Have you ever thought that you could cultivate your own optimism?On today's episode of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we explore the simple—but not always easy—habit of cultivating optimism.Inspired by The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky, we look at how nearly 40% of our happiness is shaped by intentional activities, meaning optimism is something we can actively practice—not just something we either have or don’t.Rooted in Positive Psychology, this episode reminds us that optimism isn’t about ignoring reality or forcing positivity, but about shifting perspective and asking, “Yes, this is happening… and what else is also true?”You’ll learn how to integrate optimism into your day in a realistic, habit-based way by “bookending” your day with simple practices: starting your morning with gratitude and something to look forward to, reflecting in the evening on what went well (even the small things), and using the “AND” practice in the moment to move from frustration to flexibility. These small, intentional shifts help train your brain toward possibility and resilience.As you move through your week, notice where you’re already practicing optimism—every reset, every deep breath, every “what’s next?” is evidence that it’s already within you. This week, experiment with adding a more structured optimism practice and see how it supports your mindset, energy, and overall well-being.On this episode:The How of Happiness by Sonja LyubomirskyThe 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

Have you ever travelled alone — navigating the airport, checking into a hotel, and realizing the adventure is completely up to you?In Episode #195 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, I'm reflecting on travelling solo through different stages of life — from backpacking in my 20s, to business trips in my 40s, to visiting my incredible 81-year-old mom in Mexico this week.After losing her husband last year, my mom continues to travel independently with a powerful mantra:“I can do this.”Solo travel — even something as simple as sitting in a café alone — can remind us of our independence, courage, and curiosity in our Me Now Years.Today, we're talking about why travelling alone can be empowering at any age and exploring 3 ways to travel boldly that tie directly into our Women's Wellness Wheel.1. Plan Your Routines: A little preparation creates confidence — from airport routines to cozy comforts on the plane.2. Create Connection: Travelling solo opens the door to unexpected conversations and meaningful connections with strangers.3. Choose Adventure: Take advantage of being somewhere new — sit in cafés, explore on your own, journal, or try something you wouldn’t normally do.Boldness doesn’t always mean big adventures.Sometimes it simply means trusting yourself and saying:“I can do this.”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

In Episode 194 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, I continue our journey through the Me-Now Women’s Wellness Wheel as we explore how connection, health, and our brains work together to help us thrive.Last week, we covered the first three quadrants, and today we move into the remaining five:Me TimeSupporting OthersSpirituality and ReligionAdventure and ChallengeLearning and CreativityThis episode is also part two of our theme of following the bold energy of the Fire Horse.I'll share a couple of my own recent bold moves—including setting a boundary by saying "no" during a very busy week. It's a reminder of how powerful it can be to protect our peace and intentionally choose where we put our energy.As we explore these five areas of the wellness wheel, I invite you to simply listen and notice what resonates.You don’t need to do anything right away. But if something sparks an idea and you find yourself making a choice during the week that connects back to one of these quadrants, that intentional awareness is powerful—and even gives your brain a little dopamine boost.Join me as we celebrate what we’re already doing well and stay open to the next small, bold step in our Me-Now years.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

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