At 65, I sat at my dining room table with tears in my eyes, whispering, “I don’t want to die with regrets.” I had two quiet dreams: write children’s books and start a podcast. I didn’t know how, but I said yes to myself anyway.

Now, on my 68th birthday, I’m sharing the 7 life lessons I’ve learned since that day. Some brought tears, others unexpected joy. They all reshaped how I see myself and what’s still possible.

• Letting go of panic and perfectionism
  
• Rewriting the beliefs that kept me stuck
  
• Setting boundaries with peace
  
• Making peace with imposter syndrome
  
• Starting over, even when it’s scary
  
  

Whether you're 25, 65, or somewhere in between, this is your reminder:
✨ It’s not too late.
💛 You’re not too old.
🕊 You’re not behind—you’re becoming.

Lyrics quoted in this episode are from “This Is the Time” by Superchick. Used with appreciation for creative inspiration.

Resources & Links:

🔹 Click for From Overwhelmed to Empowered - How to Set Boundaries – Learn how to set and enforce boundaries confidently!
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• Finding Lily’s Inner Magic: A Tale of Building Confidence
• Lily’s Journey to Forgiveness: Letting Go of Hurt and Anger
• Finding Jack’s Magic Within: A Lesson About Kindness
• Consistency is Key: Self-Care Tips with Lily & Zach
• I Believe You: Self-Care When Your Parent Struggles Emotionally

Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsforlifewithgrammakate/

Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/lessonsforlifewithgrammakate

DISCLAIMER

The Lessons For Life With Gramma Kate Podcast and content posted by Cathy Barker are presented solely for general information, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have. They should seek the assistance of their healthcare professional for any such conditions.

If your child came home crying because someone made them feel small, you'd do everything possible to help them feel safe again. But what about you?

In this episode, I uncover how the red flags we ignore at work don’t just impact our peace of mind—they quietly model silence and self-abandonment to our children. From sarcastic coworkers to dismissive bosses, subtle workplace disrespect can slowly chip away at your self-worth and go unnoticed until it's deeply ingrained.

You’ll learn how to spot these sneaky signs, why many of us stay quiet (even when something feels wrong), and how to respond with clarity, courage, and compassion. This isn’t about blame—it’s about breaking cycles. For you. For your kids. For your inner peace.

• ✅ How seemingly minor workplace behaviours can signal more profound disrespect
  
• ✅ 7 subtle red flags that sabotage your confidence and clarity
  
• ✅ Why we stay silent—and why that silence teaches our children to do the same
  
• ✅ Simple, assertive scripts to help you speak up with grace
  
• ✅ How to handle sarcasm, vague criticism, boundary-pushing clients, and exclusion
  
• ✅ The mindset shift that starts with awareness, not blame
  
• ✅ The ripple effect of healthy boundaries on your work, home, and parenting life
  
  

Whether you’ve struggled to speak up or never had the tools to name what’s wrong, this episode will help you reclaim your voice—and model what it means to honour your worth.

🔹 Click for From Overwhelmed to Empowered - How to Set Boundaries – Learn how to set and enforce boundaries confidently!
🔹 Follow me on YouTube for More Episodes
🔹 Subscribe & Leave a Review! Your support helps more people find this content.

• Finding Lily’s Inner Magic: A Tale of Building Confidence
• Lily’s Journey to Forgiveness: Letting Go of Hurt and Anger
• Finding Jack’s Magic Within: A Lesson About Kindness
• Consistency is Key: Self-Care Tips with Lily & Zach
• I Believe You: Self-Care When Your Parent Struggles Emotionally

Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsforlifewithgrammakate/

Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/lessonsforlifewithgrammakate

DISCLAIMER

The Lessons For Life With Gramma Kate Podcast and content posted by Cathy Barker are presented solely for general information, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have. They should seek the assistance of their healthcare professional for any such conditions.

Are screen time apps quietly taking over your role as a parent?
In this episode, I’m exploring a harsh truth: our kids are watching us more than we think, and screen time is stealing the moments that matter most.

• A real-life story that made me rethink how children learn by watching adults
  
• What Dr. Jean Clinton and Jonathan Haidt say about how screens are rewiring childhood
  
• How screen time affects your child’s self-esteem, mental health, and ability to connect
  
• Why one minute of intentional connection can make all the difference
  
• This isn’t about guilt. It’s about growing stronger together—one small shift at a time.

✅ Kids mirror adult behaviour—what they see is what they learn
✅ Screen time is linked to anxiety, loneliness, and depression in children
✅ Connection in the early years shapes brain development and emotional strength
✅ Screens aren’t just distracting—they’re replacing vital moments of bonding
✅ You don’t need to be perfect, just present
✅ Small daily shifts, like a one-minute check-in or screen-free dinner, rebuild trust
✅ Assertive, calm responses (not power struggles) teach kids emotional regulation
✅ Boundaries around screens must be modelled, not just taught
✅ Research shows chores boost kids' self-esteem, because they feel valued
✅ Presence is a gift—one your kids will remember more than any app or device

🔹 Click for From Overwhelmed to Empowered - How to Set Boundaries – Learn how to set and enforce boundaries confidently!
🔹 Follow me on YouTube for More Episodes
🔹 Subscribe & Leave a Review! Your support helps more people find this content.

• Finding Lily’s Inner Magic: A Tale of Building Confidence
• Lily’s Journey to Forgiveness: Letting Go of Hurt and Anger
• Finding Jack’s Magic Within: A Lesson About Kindness
• Consistency is Key: Self-Care Tips with Lily & Zach
• I Believe You: Self-Care When Your Parent Struggles Emotionally

Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsforlifewithgrammakate/

Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/lessonsforlifewithgrammakate

DISCLAIMER

The Lessons For Life With Gramma Kate Podcast and content posted by Cathy Barker are presented solely for general information, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have. They should seek the assistance of their healthcare professional for any such conditions.