[BONUS]: I’m Not Waiting Anymore: A Quiet Reflection for 2026

About this episode

In this bonus episode, Erin Vandeven reflects on the past year and explores themes of clarity, self-trust, and moving forward without urgency.

What if you didn’t end the year with a big goal — but with clarity? In this quiet bonus episode closing out Season 5 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin shares a personal year-in-review reflection inspired by Laura Tremaine’s 10 Questions for the End of the Year. Rather than offering resolutions or strategies, this episode explores what happens when we stop waiting for permission, external validation, or the “right time” to move forward. Erin reflects on her word for 2026 and what it means to live from inner authority instead of urgency. She unpacks three gentle but powerful realizations from the past year: why rescuing isn’t leadership, why depth matters more than speed, and why self-trust can be more radical than having a plan. This episode is for anyone ending the year without a bold intention — and feeling oddly okay about it. If you’re craving permission to slow down, listen inward, and trust yourself before chasing the next strategy, this conversation is for you. What You’ll Hear in This Episode What Erin chose as her word for 2026 — and what it actually means for her year ahead. The hidden cost of being the rescuer at work, in family life, and in relationships Choosing depth and…

People in this episode

Host: Erin Vandeven

Topics covered

• burnout recovery
• self-reflection
• personal growth
• inner authority
• self-trust
• goal setting

Keywords

• burnout
• reflection
• 2026
• self-trust
• personal growth
• depth over speed
• permission
• ambition

More episodes of Medium Lady Talks: Burnout Recovery for Millennials and Mothers

• Episode 178 What Would You Do with the Gift of Time? with guest Emily Gibson · June 8, 2026 · 53 min
• Episode 177: Escaping the Motherhood Matrix with Amber Pecoraro · June 1, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Episode 176: There's a Reason "Easy" Mental Health Advice is so Hard to Follow · May 26, 2026 · 41 min
• MLT 175 Changing My Mind: What months of AI research actually changed for me · May 18, 2026 · 37 min
• Episode 174: My 70/30 Rule: How I Decide When AI Is Worth It · May 4, 2026 · 47 min
• Episode 173 Is Guilt Driving the AI Gender Gap? · April 27, 2026 · 56 min