Sometimes life takes a turn you never would have chosen, and you find yourself trying to figure out how to move forward when nothing feels the same. For Cheryl Colleluori, that moment came when her 19-year-old son, Nick, was diagnosed with cancer. During his 14 months of treatment, Nick saw how much families were struggling with the emotional and financial toll of cancer, and he created the HEADstrong Foundation to help them. Before he passed away at just 21, he asked his mom to keep the foundation going, giving Cheryl a promise to carry forward and a purpose she never expected. In this conversation, we talk about the realities of caregiving, learning to live with what you can't control, and how small acts of kindness can make a difference when someone is going through the unthinkable. Cheryl also reflects on how losing Nick changed her perspective on life, reminding us that even when we can't choose our circumstances, we can still find meaning in how we show up for ourselves and others.

You'll Learn:

• How to show up for someone facing cancer without waiting for them to tell you what they need
• Why caregivers need to give themselves grace and make space for their own well-being, even when someone they love needs so much from them
• What it means to let go of control when you can't fix what's happening, no matter how much you wish you could
• How one promise became a lasting purpose and helped Cheryl find a way forward after losing Nick
• Ways small acts of kindness can make a real difference for families navigating the emotional and financial strain of cancer
• How the HEADstrong Foundation supports families through Nick's House, providing free accommodations near specialized cancer care
• How life's hardest experiences can change your perspective and help you focus on what matters most

Links:

For more information about the HEADstrong Foundation and how you can contribute, visit their website: https://www.headstrong.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HEADstrongFND

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headstrongfnd/

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Karen Sandone joins me today to share the deeply personal story of caring for her husband Anthony after his younger onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and what it has meant for their marriage, their family, and her own identity. This conversation is for anyone navigating dementia caregiving, grieving a partner who is still physically present, or trying to understand how to support someone living this reality.We discuss Anthony’s early symptoms, the long road to diagnosis, the emotional and practical weight of caregiving, and the community Karen has built through Surviving the Now. Karen also offers concrete advice for caregivers and for friends who want to show up in meaningful ways.

You’ll Learn:

• Karen introduces Anthony as the funny, athletic, talkative person she has known since grade school and later reunited with in adulthood.
• The first warning signs appeared during COVID in 2020, including word-finding issues, unfinished sentences, memory lapses, getting lost, and trouble interpreting GPS.
• Karen explains how the diagnosis changed their marriage from husband and wife into a caregiver-patient relationship, with many daily “lasts” along the way.
• She describes the emotional toll of caregiving as a form of grief, including selling their home to help cover care costs and watching Anthony’s abilities decline.
• Karen talks about shifting from “why me” to “watch me,” and using her voice to advocate for caregivers and for Anthony.
• Their six children and grandchildren have become part of the support system, with Anthony’s children helping with care, logistics, and emotional support.

Connect with Karen:

Follow Karen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksandone/

Follow Surviving the Now on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575290213823

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ksandone

Surviving the Now: https://survivingthenow.com/

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Parenting adult kids asks us to trade control for connection and learn how to love in a way that fits who they are now. I share the mindset shifts that help me move from managing my kids’ lives to being invited into the lives they are building.
• noticing when the parenting “job description” changes
• shifting from manager to mentor with trust and restraint
• asking questions that connect rather than create pressure
• avoiding comparison and becoming a safe place without measurement
• treating boundaries as growth rather than rejection
• entering our adult kids’ worlds as guests with curiosity
• supporting without fixing and letting struggle build capability
• reflecting on being needed versus being chosen
If this conversation resonated with you, I'd love for you to listen to my recent episode that we'll be dropping with Olivia Burnett, host of 20 Something. I'd love to hear from you too. What's been the biggest adjustment for you in parenting adult children? Or if you're a 20-something, what's one thing you wish your parents understood?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

What if moving forward after loss doesn’t mean moving on? When you’re grieving, it can be hard to know how to take the next step, especially when the world seems to expect you to eventually return to “normal.” In this conversation, Kate Doerge shares how losing her daughter, Penny, along with the earlier losses of her parents, changed the way she thinks about grief, healing, and what it means to carry someone’s legacy forward. Her experience navigating grief led her to write her book, Reimagining Grief and launch Penny’s Flight Foundation, creating ways to honor Penny’s life while helping others navigate loss. Throughout this conversation, she shares five actions that have helped her move through grief while still making room for connection, joy, purpose, and the signs she feels from loved ones who have passed.

You'll Learn:

• How to reimagine grief: Shift from the idea of “moving on” to choosing how you carry grief forward.
• Ways to stay connected: Use stories, shared memories, and simple conversations to keep loved ones present and help others feel less alone.
• How to celebrate a loved one: Find meaningful, personal ways to honor who they were instead of feeling limited by traditional expectations around grief.
• How to turn pain into purpose: Channel grief into helping others, sharing your story, or creating something meaningful in your loved one's honor.
• How grief and joy can coexist: Give yourself permission to experience moments of joy without feeling like they diminish your loss.
• Practical ways to take the next step: Create a simple daily routine, move your body, and name three things you're grateful for when getting through the day feels difficult.

Links:

Connect with Kate:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doergek

Website: https://www.katedoerge.com/

Penny’s Flight Foundation: https://pennysflight.org/

Join a Penny’s Flight chapter near you: https://pennysflight.org/pages/student-chapters

Get a copy of Kate’s book: Reimagining Grief: A New Path to Finding Healing, Strength, and Joy after Loss: https://www.amazon.com/Reimagining-Grief-Finding-Healing-Strength/dp/B0G3KN3SKN/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

This weeks Right-Sized Reflection solocast is going deep. We discuss how to stop treating wellness like a race back to our younger selves, and start building the strength, energy, and resilience to live the life ahead. I share a simple question that right-sizes everything, from beauty and skincare to relationships, home, and the space we give our future selves.

• asking “Does this still fit?” as a midlife wellness filter
• shifting from appearance goals to capacity goals like strength, balance, sleep, and resilience
• redefining beauty as care rather than criticism
• reflecting on skincare rituals, collagen curiosity, and an inside-out approach
• naming relationships as a core wellness factor that affects energy and health
• right-sizing relationships with nuance instead of quick labels
• using the two-room rule to care for who you are and who you’re becoming
• doing one small thing today that your future self will be glad you did

If this episode made you think about wellness differently, send it to a friend you want beside you in this next chapter. And then ask her the question I'm leaving you with today. Who are you becoming? And are you making enough room for her?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly getting new rules about what to eat, how much to eat, and what your body should look like, especially as you move through midlife and your body begins to change. But what if the answer isn’t another diet or set of restrictions, but learning to listen to and nourish your body instead? That’s exactly what I wanted to explore with registered dietitian and women’s wellness expert Lee Cotton as we talk about how our relationship with food evolves, how our nutritional needs change in midlife, and what it looks like to nourish ourselves without all the rules and restrictions.Together, we unpack the noise around protein, carbohydrates, gut health, and supplements while exploring what a non-diet approach can actually look like in everyday life. You’ll walk away with practical ways to advocate for your health, bring more variety and enjoyment to your plate, and let go of some of the food rules you may have been carrying for years.

You’ll Learn:

• How to recognize the food stories you may have carried from childhood and begin creating a different relationship with food
• Why your nutritional needs change with age and how to approach those changes without automatically turning to restriction
• Ways to move beyond the “protein is everything” mindset and make room for carbohydrates, fiber, fruits, vegetables, and variety
• What gut health and the microbiome have to do with overall well-being and why variety matters
• How to stop using exercise as permission to eat and reconnect movement with enjoyment and self-care
• Practical strategies for becoming your own health advocate, including asking questions, understanding your labs, and seeking qualified nutrition advice
• What a non-diet approach really means and how allowing all foods can create more freedom, awareness, and enjoyment around eating

Links & Resources:

Email me at amy@fearlesslyfacingfifty.com with the subject line LIST to get on the list so you’ll be the first to know when my newest book Creating the Right-Sized Life comes out in the world

Connect with Lee:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leecottonnutrition/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leecottonnutrition/

Website: https://www.leecottonnutrition.com/

Get Lee’s new book, Nourishing Perspective: Reconnect with Your Inner Voice and Harmonize Your Relationship with Food: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTTTBDTK/

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

We share the story of a turquoise necklace and the moment a mother hands her daughter more than jewelry. We use that moment to walk through a legacy filter that helps us choose what to keep, what to release, and what love asks us to pass on.
• Telling the backstory of the turquoise necklace and why it matters
• Naming legacy as patterns, stories, and unspoken rules
• Facing the overwhelm of sorting possessions without prior conversations
• Shifting from legacy as “after” to legacy as what we hand over daily
• Using three legacy filter questions to cut through guilt and obligation
• Choosing love over pressure when deciding what ends with us
• Creating an annual Christmas gathering tradition to honour connection
• Using inherited items as tools for belonging rather than burdens

This week I want you to pick one thing, an object, a tradition, a phrase you find yourself repeating to your own kids or the people you love, and run it through the filter. Is this mind to keep? Does it tell the truth? What does love actually require here?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

What if the same approach you use to declutter your home could help you create more space in the rest of your life, too? Shira Gill, a globally recognized organizing expert and bestselling author, has built her career around helping people clear the clutter, but her newest book, LifeStyled, expands that idea far beyond closets and kitchen drawers. We talk about how to take a more intentional look at your relationships, commitments, routines, work, and the ways you spend your time, and how to recognize when you’ve simply taken on too much. Shira offers practical strategies for choosing your priorities, setting boundaries, and letting go of the “just in case” thinking that can keep us holding onto things and commitments we no longer need. It’s a conversation about editing your life with intention rather than trying to fit more into it.

You’ll Learn:

• How to identify your one true priority for this season and create a baseline of “enough” in the other areas of your life
• Ways to practice saying no without guilt or over-explaining, while still being gracious and honoring your own capacity
• What to do when sentimental items feel tied to your identity and how to hold onto the memory without holding onto the stuff
• How to get clearer about boundaries in your relationships by identifying your personal deal breakers before they’re tested
• What “enough” can look like in different seasons of life and how to shift from constantly achieving toward appreciating what you already have

Links:

Listen to EP7: The One Night a Week That Changes Everything–Introducing No Plan Night:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-right-sized-life-with-amy-schmidt/id1484425679?i=1000770811753

And make sure to send me an email with your pictures and stories about your NPNs and some of the rate sizing strategies you're doing: amy@fearlesslyfacingfifty.com

Connect with Shira

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiragill

Website: https://www.shiragill.com/

You can find more about Shira’s books, programs, workshops, and retreats on her website

Join Shira’s newsletter, The Life Edit: https://shiragill.substack.com/

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/