In this episode of the Know Thyself Podcast, I sit down with my friend Tom Harper from Dragonstone Bakes to talk honestly about midlife, self-worth, mental health and the cycles of change that life seems determined to walk us through.

We explore what happens when life as you know it falls apart, the initiations that come with turning 40, and the conflict between your big dreams and your deepest beliefs about what you deserve. We talk about people-pleasing, money patterns, nervous system chaos, emotional highs and lows, and the difference between accepting what is and tolerating the unacceptable.

From a blend of spiritual and psychological perspectives, we chat about:

• Self-worth, identity and “who are you when everything falls away?”

• Midlife cycles, initiations and the spirals of personal growth

• Emotional states as frequencies & bouncing between despair and passion

• People-pleasing, burnout and the fear of being “too different”

• Money stories, chaos comfort zones & subconscious self-sabotage

• The importance of real support, safe spaces & men’s mental health

• Why “doing the work” doesn’t have to feel like punishment

If you’re navigating a big life transition, questioning your purpose, or feeling like you “should be further along by now”, this conversation is for you. You’re not broken, you’re in a cycle – and you don’t have to do it alone. 💛

🧁 Find Tom / Dragonstone Bakes

Instagram / Facebook / YouTube: @dragonstonebakes

🌙 Connect with me & Know Thyself

Website: freedomrisibg.co.uk

Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @freedom_is_rising

Podcast: Know Thyself Podcast

⚠️ Content note: We talk about mental health, breakdowns, money stress and big life changes, always with care, compassion and a focus on support.

If anything in this episode resonated, activated or landed for you, I’d love to hear in the comments. And if you know someone going through their own midlife initiation, feel free to share this with them.

✨ Remember: if all you can manage today is one tiny moment of joy or one honest conversation, you’re doing brilliantly.

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