Mini Monument 2: Embracing Self-Care: Challenging Midlife Burnout & PTO Shame

Embracing Self-Care: A Midlife Moment 

In this mini episode of 'Top Down Heart Open,' host Kimberly Maturin shares a heartfelt story from a close friend experiencing perimenopause and the stigma of taking PTO for self-care. Kimberly challenges the notion that burnout is a badge of honor and stresses the importance of shifting cultural attitudes towards rest and self-compassion, particularly for women in leadership. This brief yet impactful segment encourages listeners to practice empathy and support those silently navigating life's transitions. Tune in for an empowering moment of real talk and connection. 

00:00 The Luncheon Short 

00:06 Embracing Self-Care: Challenging Midlife Burnout & PTO Shame 

Transcript

Welcome to a mini episode of Top Down, Heart Open. This isn't a full sit down. This is a mini segment, short, sweet, and straight from the heart. Sometimes I just need a few minutes to tell you a story, share a moment, or laugh about something real. 

These are the in-between moments, the ones that make up midlife, the awkward, the real, and the kind that stick with you. 

 They're perfect for listeners who want real talk in  bite-sized doses. 

Let's talk about this moment. A close friend recently shared an experience that really hit me and I think a lot of women will fill this one. She was at a work luncheon with her male leadership team, smart, successful men, and at one point the conversation turned into a bit of a humble brag. 

I've never missed a day of work. I've went in with fever. I don't take PTO unless I'm dying. And as they spoke, she sat there quietly. She's just recently stepped in the storm of perimenopause, dealing with the overwhelming symptoms, and for the first time in her life, actually taking her PTO time, not because she's lazy, not because she's not committed, but because her body is literally telling her to slow down. 

She told me suddenly she felt the eyes at the table, the silence, the awkward glances, and she thought. Did I just get silently judged for taking care of myself? Why do women, especially in leadership, feel guilt for using PTO? Why are we still treating burnout like a badge of honor? Why do we call it weak when women need rest, but strong when men push through? 

Here's what I wanna say to my friend and to any woman  you're not less committed because you take care of yourself. Rest is not weak. Perimenopause is real. It's not just hormones. We don't need to prove our worth by burning ourselves out. We need to talk about this out loud and without shame because this isn't just about PTO, it's about changing the culture. 

We're not asking for pity, we're asking for perspective. This new chapter, perimenopause, menopause midlife is part of that journey. And it deserves the same respect and space that any other phase of life does. So no, you're not less than for listening to your body. You're wise, you're aware, you're powerful. 

And that strength, it looks a whole lot more like rest when we've been taught, and to the men out there, we're not asking you to walk on eggshells. We're asking you to wake up to be aware that the world looks different through a woman's lens, especially during midlife. 

You don't need to over apologize or overthink. But you do need to watch your words, lead with humility, and practice compassion. What you might see as just shop talk or pushing through could be landing as pressure, dismissal or judgment for someone quietly carrying something you don't see. 

We're not fragile, we are evolving, and we're asking you to evolve with us  

This was a segment of Top Down Heart Open, a real unfiltered podcast for women in midlife, navigating big transitions, rediscovery, and everything in between. Again, I'm your host, Kimberly Maturin.  Thanks for hanging with me for this little moment. 

I hope it made you feel seen or just reminded that you're not alone in this messy, beautiful middle. If it spoke to you, do me a favor, share it with a friend, hit that follow button and leave a quick review. And if you wanna be part of the conversation,  shoot me an email topdownheartopen@gmail.com. 

I'd love to hear your story. Until next time, keep your top down heart open. And don't forget small steps still count. 

You've got this. This is our road and we don't have to drive it alone. Thank you so much for listening today. Until next time. 

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Soundstripe (tracks used in Broadcast) 

 
      Track Title: Sunshine Drive 
      Artist Name(s): LNDO 
      Writer Name: Landon Bailey 
      Writer IPI Number: 805181264 
      Publisher Name: Boss Soundstripe Productions 
      Publisher IPI Number: 886235500 
      |  
      Track Title: Magical oomerang 
      Artist Name(s): Wayfair 
      Writer Name: Aaron Sprinkle 
      Writer IPI Number: 179772610 
      Publisher Name: Boss Soundstripe Productions 
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