Identity Shift from Wife + SAHM to Single and In Mid Life

Identity Shift from Wife + SAHM to Single and In Mid Life

From Heal, Survive & Thrive! by Stephanie Lyn

April 30, 2026 · 59 min · Episode 360

About this episode

Joanna O’Brien shares her journey of transitioning from a stay-at-home mom to navigating life as a single woman in her 50s after experiencing emotional abuse and financial challenges.

In this episode, I’m joined by Joanna O’Brien, a mother of five who spent over 30 years building a life based on faith and sacrifice, only to discover a reality she never could have imagined. After navigating a marriage marked by gaslighting and emotional abuse, Joanna was hit with the ultimate series of "red flags": massive tax debt, financial ruin, and a betrayal that hit close to home. Joanna opens up about the brutal transition from being a stay-at-home mom to finding herself in her 50s, starting over from scratch with limited resources and a stolen sense of security. Thank you for listening! www.StephanieLynLifeCoaching.com Find us on YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/StephanieLynCoaching 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanielyncoach 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanielyncoaching 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephanielyncoaching

People in this episode

Host: Stephanie Lyn

Guest: Joanna O’Brien

Topics covered

  • identity shift
  • single motherhood
  • emotional abuse
  • financial challenges
  • starting over
  • midlife transition

Keywords

  • identity shift
  • single mom
  • emotional abuse
  • financial ruin
  • midlife
  • starting over
  • red flags

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Stephanie Lyn Life Coaching, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

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