What happens when you’ve spent so long trying to fit in that you’re no longer sure who you are underneath?

In episode 3 of Finally Figuring It Out, Midlife Chaos, I explore masking, the version of ourselves we present to the world to feel accepted, avoid criticism or keep ourselves safe.

From being told I was “too much” to becoming a social chameleon, I share the exhaustion of appearing to cope while constantly second guessing myself.

I talk about people pleasing, overthinking, social overload and learning to say no without guilt. I also reflect on menopause, coping strategies that stopped working and receiving an ADHD diagnosis at 49 and an autism diagnosis at 52.

There’s even a story about cream and butter, because discovering yourself can start with questioning the smallest things you’ve always believed.

This is an honest conversation about recognising the mask and finding people with whom you feel safe enough to loosen it.

Expect humour, a little swearing and plenty of questions.

Get in touch on Instagram: @finally_figuring_it_out

Next time: the nervous system, living on high alert, and where neurodivergence, trauma and hormones fit in.

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences, opinions and general information. It is not intended as medical or mental health advice and should not replace guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

Ever reached midlife and wondered how the hell you got here without an instruction manual?

Welcome to Midlife Chaos – Finally Figuring It Out!

In this opening episode, I'm Sharon, and I'm introducing you to the world of Midlife Chaos: a place where hormones, mental health, neurodivergence and the general madness of being human are all up for discussion.

After years of collecting diagnoses, battling brain fog and trying to make sense of experiences that never quite seemed to fit together, I've started connecting the dots.

And the more I discover, the more I realise just how much we're expected to navigate without the right information, understanding or support.

From menopause and hormonal changes to ADHD, autism, trauma and mental health, this podcast is about asking questions, challenging stigma and exploring the complicated relationship between our minds, bodies and lived experiences.

It's also about questioning why healthcare can feel so fragmented, why so many people spend years searching for answers and why understanding ourselves sometimes takes half a lifetime.

Midlife Chaos isn't about having all the answers. It's about finally asking the right questions.

Expect honest conversations, humour, the occasional swear word and a refreshingly unfiltered look at the things we really should be talking about.

Whether you're navigating your own midlife mayhem, supporting someone who is, or simply wondering why nobody warned you about any of this, you're very welcome here.

We're figuring it out together, one chaotic revelation at a time.

Welcome to Midlife Chaos. Let's get into it!

Got a story to share, a question to ask, or something you'd like me to explore in a future episode? Come and join the conversation!

You can find me on Instagram @finally_figuring_it_out. Drop me a message and say hello. I'd genuinely love to hear from you!

And if you've enjoyed listening, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who might be navigating their own midlife chaos.

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences, opinions and general information. It is not intended as medical or mental health advice and does not replace guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.