This is episode (6) of our special nine-part series entitled Friendship Matters. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Paige Nolan - life coach, writer and podcast host of I’ll Meet You There. This episode explores the importance of meaningful connection as we age, as well as the sometimes painful reality of needing to take inventory of our friendships and the mutual work that’s required. We’ll also delve into what happens when things get bumpy in a friendship, how to have uncomfortable conversations, and the idea of opening yourself up to new friendships in this new season of our lives. Here are some of the themes we discuss …How friendship evolves as we age. How our lives shift raising children, changing jobs, or with a move, or divorce, leaving some suddenly feeling more disconnected or lonely.Midlife as an opportunity to become more intentional about who + how we spend our time. The power of taking inventory of our relationships, nurturing those that are more meaningful to us while allowing more space for those less fulfilling.Friendship is like a garden: There are oak trees (deeply rooted friends), flowers (beautiful, meaningful connections with sometimes shorter seasons), and weeds (yes, weeds, those relationships that no longer serve us + need pruning).The importance of vulnerability + time: True intimacy in friendship requires showing up, being present and vulnerable as well as daring to have "hard conversations" that cultivate even stronger bonds. Ultimately, we have to take responsibility for the relationships and experiences we want.Lead with love: In difficult situations, remind yourself, it’s not you against them, it’s the two of you against the distance you both feel.It’s never too late to forge new relationships or deepen existing ones. Lean into common hobbies or community groups, be curious and interested (and don’t underestimate the power of Pickleball!)Added bonus - Paige shares her thoughts about life coaching vs therapy, her approach, what to look for, and who may benefit from this work.About Our Guest, Paige NolanPaige Nolan is a life coach, podcaster, speaker, and writer who guides people to discover and focus on what matters most – so they can experience deeply fulfilling lives.As a former guidance counselor and teacher, Paige’s coaching programs began as an offering to busy mothers who needed to pause and get more intentional about their lives. After sitting with thousands of women with her “Live What Matters Workshop,” Paige landed on the guiding principle of her work today: living what matters doesn’t take more time, it takes more courage.Paige supports individuals, couples and organizational teams to make the brave, and sometimes hard, conscious choices they need to make to change. Her podcast “I’ll Meet You There” celebrates the joys, challenges and extraordinary journey of building an everyday life aligned to one’s truest values. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three teenage-children and two beloved rescue dogs. Visit www.paigenolan.com to learn more.Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner!Paige NolanI'll Meet You There Podcast Private Coaching Live What Matters in Circle A Little Thought Free Monthly Message31 Days of Gratitude Website: https://paigenolan.com/ Instagram: @paigenolanwrite Julie Flakstadhttps://julieflakstad.com/ Instagram @julieflakstad Facebook @thejulieflakstad Dr. Taz BhatiaYouTube: @DrTazMDInstagram: @drtazmdWebsite: doctortaz.comOrder The Hormone Shift book HEREPractice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/ Tune in next Wednesday, 10/23, when we drop our next episode in this special (9) part series, called “Plan Ahead” with Journalist, Financial Editor of NBC’s Today Show, and CEO + Founder of HerMoney, Jean Chatzky. In this episode, our hosts, Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia, get into the conceptual + practical aspects of financial security as we age. Available on Audio and on YouTube!Thanks so much for tuning in! Before you leave, please make sure to subscribe to the show so you’ll receive updates on new episodes. Also, let us know how we’re doing by providing a rating and review!This series is presented by WomanessCreated by women for women, Womaness (https://womaness.com/) offers clinically and doctor tested supplements, sexual wellness, and skincare products that help you navigate hot flashes, changing skin, vaginal dryness, sleepless nights, and more—empowering you to live your life fully and age well.Just for you… Womaness is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop NowProduction: This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at https://www.rainbowcreative.co.