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In today’s episode, you’ll meet Bernadette Catalana, a New York attorney, devoted mother and author of “Daughter Lessons.”
What began as a personal writing project to share wisdom with her daughters blossomed into a heartfelt book that is touching the lives of parents, daughters and mentors.
Bernadette’s story is especially meaningful for women navigating the transition from hands-on parenting to the empty nest.
In our conversation, she offers timeless advice for moms raising daughters, as well as encouragement for women seeking to redefine their identity after 50.
Here are my three key takeaways from our interview:
1. Your job as a parent doesn’t end when your children grow up — it simply changes. Bernadette believes that once kids become adults, parents should shift from directing to supporting, offering guidance only when asked and always with unconditional belief in their children’s potential.
2. Enjoy your children, even in the hard moments. She emphasizes that joy doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from being fully present and appreciating each stage of the parenting journey, including the teenage years and beyond.
3. After turning 50, it’s your time to grow, too. Bernadette encourages people to embrace this season as a chance to “raise themselves” by pursuing personal goals, building new relationships, and using their life experiences to mentor others.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent or someone mentoring the next generation, Bernadette’s wisdom will remind you that it’s never too late to build deeper connections, heal old wounds and create something meaningful.
As Bernadette shared in our conversation, life after 50 is a unique opportunity to rediscover who we are and how we want to show up in the world.
With her two now-grown daughters, she has found fulfillment in mentoring young attorneys and supporting the people around her through encouragement, wisdom and presence.
What gives Bernadette’s life meaning and purpose today is her ability to help others grow. Whether it is through mentoring younger professionals, spending time with her grandchildren, or sharing the lessons she learned through parenting, she continues to invest her time and energy in the next generation.
She has also embraced the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of staying active. From traveling and hiking to practicing yoga and enjoying family time, Bernadette makes it a priority to care for herself so she can continue living with vitality and purpose.
Rather than dwelling on regrets from the past, Bernadette encourages others to give themselves grace and to focus on what they can do today.
She recommends writing exercises to help release shame or guilt, and she reminds us that generational healing often begins by understanding the struggles of the parents who came before us.
Her advice to anyone over 50 who may feel stuck or uncertain is to avoid putting themselves in a box. Age should never define what is possible. By choosing to stay curious, keep learning, and surrounding ourselves with people of all ages, we remain open to growth, connection and new adventures.
People can connect with Bernadette through her website at www.daughterlessons.com. Her journey is a beautiful reminder that our influence does not end when our children grow up. In many ways, that is when our relationships deepen and our legacy begins to take shape.
Bernadette’s book, “Daughter Lessons,” is available on Amazon and in other bookstores.
That’s all for this week’s show. If you’d like to start living a more meaningful life, I encourage you to download our free guide to finding purpose, which is available at www.forwardfrom50.com.
I’ll have another inspirational interview on the next episode of the Forward From 50 podcast. Thanks for listening. If you like this show, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
