In this deeply reflective episode, Leslie sits down with Amy DiGrosa, transpersonal life coach, clinical hypnotherapist, and university professor, to explore menopause as a spiritual initiation, identity shifts in midlife, subconscious healing, and the powerful call of the Camino pilgrimage.

This conversation goes far beyond hormones and symptoms. Together, Leslie and Amy unpack how menopause, empty nesting, weight struggles, and emotional overwhelm are often invitations to reconnect with purpose, intuition, and inner truth. They also explore how hypnosis, community, and embodied practices help women heal at the root rather than constantly trying to "fix" themselves.

What you will learn from this episode:

00:00 – Why menopause often coincides with weight gain, confusion, and identity shifts
01:30 – Menopause as a spiritual transition, not just a biological one
03:00 – Moving from caregiver identity to asking "What about me?"
04:55 – Why managing symptoms alone is not enough during menopause
06:45 – Asking for help and releasing shame during life transitions

08:15 – Introduction to guest Amy DiGrosa and how she and Leslie met
10:30 – Amy's work as a university professor and leading international programs
11:45 – Walking the Camino and why pilgrimage is transformational
13:10 – Growing up between countries and learning adaptability early in life
15:00 – How constant change builds resilience and flexibility

17:10 – Learning languages, making mistakes, and releasing perfectionism
19:05 – Parallels between language learning and healing relationships with food
21:00 – Why adults struggle more with change than children
22:30 – Adaptability, resilience, and responding instead of reacting

24:10 – Amy's introduction to hypnosis through her own healing journey
26:00 – How subconscious beliefs form in childhood
28:00 – Trauma, belonging, and the body remembering everything
29:45 – Dieting as a mask for deeper emotional wounds

31:10 – Leslie's personal breakthrough: realizing food struggles were emotional, not behavioral
33:15 – Internal self-conflict and how self-criticism fuels food issues
35:00 – Emotional release as the turning point in healing
36:40 – Why conditional self-love keeps women stuck

38:10 – Healing through hypnosis, therapy, and embodied practices
40:00 – Why no single tool works for everyone
41:45 – Following curiosity and inner nudges instead of rigid plans

43:20 – Empty nesting, menopause, and spiritual awakening happening together
45:10 – Identity loss after motherhood and discovering "Who am I now?"
46:55 – Shifting from religious conditioning to spiritual self-connection

48:30 – Asking bigger life questions: purpose, meaning, and contribution
50:10 – Responding to life instead of reacting from old programming
51:50 – Seeing problems as invitations instead of obstacles

53:30 – Why women often carry too much without support
55:10 – Asking for help as strength, not weakness
56:40 – Menopause as a collective, shared experience for women

58:10 – Introduction to the Camino pilgrimage
59:45 – History and spiritual meaning of the Camino de Santiago
1:01:30 – Why people walk the Camino during major life crossroads
1:03:20 – Walking as a form of healing and embodiment
1:05:00 – Community, generosity, and connection on the Camino

1:07:10 – "Buen Camino" as a life philosophy
1:08:45 – Using future desires (like walking the Camino) as motivation for healing
1:10:20 – Invitation to explore a future Camino retreat
1:11:40 – How to connect with Amy and access her free resources

1:13:00 – Final reflections on listening to inner guidance and trusting your path

This episode is especially powerful for women in perimenopause, menopause, or major life transitions who feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in cycles with food, weight, or self-doubt.

Valuable Resources:

• Join my next LIVE masterclass
• Join the 8-week Fastrack to Food Freedom Program -Guaranteed mental and emotional freedom from food 

Connect With Leslie Thornton:

• Book A Clarity Call
• Website
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Email: Leslie@hpwl.co

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