In this candid solo episode of Message In the Middle, host Marianne reflects on a deeply personal moment of self-realization. After years of striving for perfection and external validation, and driving from a place of control, Marianne shares a transformative experience that happened during her nightly routine—a moment when she looked in the mirror and, for the first time, truly saw her middle-aged self with softness and acceptance.She opens up about how her evolving hairstyle mirrored her internal journey, from tightly controlling every aspect of her life to learning to let go, live in the present, and embrace imperfection. Marianne encourages listeners to take a moment to really look at themselves, both inside and out, and celebrate the progress they've made, even if it doesn’t look like they expected.Key Takeaways:The importance of truly seeing yourself, beyond the surface.Letting go of the need for perfection and embracing the natural, authentic self.How external changes, like a hairstyle, can reflect deeper emotional and personal growth.Encouragement for listeners to celebrate their own journeys and the distance they've traveled, regardless of where they are now. Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...