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:

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

Are you feeling drained, overwhelmed, or unappreciated in your family relationships?
You're not alone—and the answer isn't to give more, it's to set better boundaries.

In this episode, I'm sharing the 8 Core Values to Build Stronger Family Relationships—simple but powerful truths that can transform the way you connect with your loved ones.

You'll learn how to protect your peace, model emotional health for your children, and break old patterns of negative parenting.

Through the B.O.U.N.D.A.R.Y. Method, we’ll explore how to believe in your worth, own your feelings, communicate clearly, and create stronger, healthier connections at home.

Because the truth is, strong family relationships don't just happen. They’re built one healthy boundary at a time.

• Why healthy family relationships often break down without strong boundaries
  
• How boundaries protect your peace, your energy, and your self-worth
  
• Introduction to the B.O.U.N.D.A.R.Y. Method — 8 core values for healthier relationships
  
• How to believe you are worthy before setting a boundary
  
• Why owning your feelings is essential to emotional health
  
• How to recognize your limits and protect your energy
  
• The power of using clear "I" statements to name your needs
  
• How deciding what's okay (and what's not) builds stronger respect
  
• Act with quiet confidence to protect your boundaries.
  
• Respecting other people’s boundaries even when you disagree with them
  
• Saying "yes" to yourself, and why that's the key to stronger, happier relationships

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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.

Setting boundaries isn’t about pushing people away—it’s about protecting your inner peace, honouring your energy, and building stronger, more positive relationships. In this episode, I share how I used to say yes out of guilt, not love, and how learning to set boundaries changed everything.

You’ll hear how common myths around boundaries keep us stuck in people-pleasing cycles, and how to start building boundaries in everyday life. Whether it's guarding your time, managing family expectations, or creating emotional safety, you'll find simple ways to get started.

And most importantly, you’ll see how boundaries don’t stand alone. We build positive relationships by using boundaries alongside assertive expression and conflict resolution. Together, they help us speak up, stand strong, and show others how to treat us with care.

• Boundaries are not mean—they are an act of self-respect and love.
  
  
• Because no one taught us healthy boundaries, we often feel guilty when we start setting them.
  
  
• Common myths—like “boundaries are selfish” or “they hurt others”—can stop us from honouring our needs.
  
  
• There are many types of boundaries: time, emotional, energy, conversation, family, social media, and more.
  
  
• You can start setting boundaries with small, simple changes—like pausing before saying yes or limiting interruptions during personal time.
  
  
• Assertive communication and conflict resolution work together with boundaries to build positive relationships.
  
  
• You are teaching your children and grandchildren how to honour themselves by showing them what respectful love looks like.
  

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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.

Fear appears in many ways—sometimes loud, obvious, or quiet. Whether it’s a difficult conversation, posting something vulnerable, or just trying to make it through a stressful day, fear can leave us feeling scattered and stuck.

In this episode, I share a personal method I created to help overcome fear: the N.O.U.R.I.S.H. Method. These seven simple steps help you pause, reconnect with yourself, and move forward with clarity, self-compassion, and inner peace.

You’ll learn to interrupt the automatic patterns that keep you stuck and replace them with small, powerful choices supporting your emotional well-being.

• Why fear shows up even when nothing dangerous is happening

• How to recognize the signs of fear and what triggers it

• Simple steps to help you care for yourself with compassion, not control

• How the N.O.U.R.I.S.H. Method enables you to respond with intention instead of autopilot

• A practical path for overcoming fear and returning to your inner peace

Download your free printable version of the N.O.U.R.I.S.H. Method at lessonsforlifewithgrammakate.com and keep it nearby as a reminder that you can move through fear and find inner peace.

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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

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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.

5 Lessons I Deeply Regret About My Parenting Style

These aren't confessions of failure—they're moments of growth. Looking back, I can see that my parenting style was shaped by fear, habit, and love… but not always by awareness. From yelling instead of speaking kindly to holding on too tightly, these life lessons helped me become a better parent—and now, a more mindful grandparent.

If you've ever wondered, "Am I doing this right?" or "Is it too late to change?"—this episode is for you.

In this episode, I share five life lessons I learned from my parenting style—things I truly wish I had understood earlier.

If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to change or grow as a parent or grandparent, I promise you—it's not.

This episode is filled with gentle insights and practical reminders to help you build stronger relationships with your children or grandchildren—starting today.

• The difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication—and why modelling the right one matters.

• How giving children more autonomy builds trust and confidence.

• Why words stick—and how our words become part of our child's inner voice.

• How generational patterns influence our parenting style—and how to break the ones that no longer serve us.

• Why small, daily moments of connection matter more than any "big" parenting decision.

🔹 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/profile.php?id=61556999240864

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.

In this episode, Brian Seth Hurst discusses how we can live better lives by making small daily changes. We discuss the power of knowing your core values, building healthy habits, and learning to treat yourself with kindness and self-compassion. Brian shares stories and lessons that remind us we don’t have to be perfect—we need to show up with love for ourselves and others.

• Why it’s important to know what matters to you (your core values)
  
  
• How small daily habits can help you feel calm, strong, and clear
  
  
• What it means to feel proud of who you are—not just what you do
  
  
• How love and self-compassion can help you grow into your best self

🔹 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
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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/profile.php?id=61556999240864

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.