Reflections: Breaking Old Patterns to Find Yourself

Author: Stephanie McLaughlin
Published: Sat 26 Apr 2025
Episode Link: https://fortydrinks.com/episodes/reflections-breaking-old-patterns-to-find-yourself

In this short bonus episode, Steph unpacks the deeper themes from her conversation with Elizabeth Makepeace—no listening homework required. Through Elizabeth’s story, Steph explores how unconscious patterns from childhood shape our adult relationships, often without us realizing it. She dives into what it means to break the caretaker cycle, how to recognize when care turns into codependency, and why midlife is the perfect time to stop over-functioning and start listening to your own needs. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does this keep happening?”—this episode is for you. It's a thoughtful, eye-opening reflection on moving from survival mode to self-honoring in the season of Second Adulthood.

Do you have the Midlife Ick?

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick