Summary
Overview
In this Monday episode of Dig It, Zoe Ball and Joe Wiley tackle listener questions about moving in midlife, exiting WhatsApp groups gracefully, and retirement adventures. They share personal stories about Christmas stress, accidentally texting the wrong people, and the challenges of parenting through different life stages. The hosts also offer gardening tips and celebrate listener Mia's message about feeling less alone through their conversations about autism and early menopause.
December and Christmas Preparations
Zoe and Joe kick off December discussing the overwhelming nature of Christmas preparations while sharing their different approaches to holiday shopping. Zoe reveals her love of gift shopping and offers to become a personal Christmas elf, while both hosts acknowledge the stress many feel this time of year. They encourage listeners to share Christmas tips and stress-reduction strategies to help the community get through the season together.
- Zoe loves shopping and considers offering personal shopping services as a Christmas elf
- Joe plans to earmark a morning for online shopping with coffee and pastry
- Both hosts struggle with remembering what gifts they've bought and wrapped
- Zoe recommends buying labeled sacks from Rockets and George for organizing children's presents
" You know, life is short and we don't know how long we're going to get on this crazy spinning planet. And you have to do what makes you happy. "
Moving in Midlife: Jane's Dilemma
Jane, a 54-year-old empty nester, asks for advice about moving away from her current location despite her parents calling it irresponsible. While her adult children seem supportive, she's experiencing menopausal anxiety about the decision. Zoe and Joe validate her concerns while encouraging her to prioritize her own happiness and needs at this life stage, acknowledging that parental approval remains important but shouldn't dictate major life choices.
- Jane's parents say moving away is irresponsible, causing her menopausal anxiety
- Her children (ages 27, 25, and 20) seem happy with the move
- Making new friends in midlife can be challenging without young children as social connectors
- Consider renting first to test out the new location before fully committing
- Parents' opinions always carry weight, but you need to do what's right for your own happiness
" We will always live in fear of my mum and my dad and their disapproval. And I think that goes for absolutely everybody. "
" If you try something and it doesn't work, it's OK that you can say, do you know what? We tried that and actually that didn't work for us and we'll come back. "
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