The kids have left — or they're about to. And suddenly the question is: now what?

In this episode, Sylvia dives into the emotional and practical reality of the empty nest transition. She talks honestly about the grief many mothers feel when their children leave, why that grief deserves space and acknowledgement, and how to move through it without filling the void with unhealthy habits.

She also explores what it means to rediscover yourself — your interests, your passions, your partnership — and why this season of life, as challenging as it can be, holds real potential for joy and growth. What's covered in this episode:

* Why neglecting your relationship while raising children can create challenges later — and what to do about it now

* How to transition from parenting your child to relating to them as a fellow adult

* Navigating the emotional complexity when grown children still live at home

* Building a meaningful relationship with yourself after a major role change

* Practical ideas for exploring new interests: courses, travel, music, community groups and more

* Why allowing young people to make their own decisions benefits everyone.

Whether you're in the middle of this transition or just beginning to feel its edges, this episode will leave you feeling seen — and inspired to take the next step.

Do you shut down under pressure? Go into overdrive? Try to keep the peace at all costs? In this episode of 10 Minutes to Joy, holistic psychotherapist Sylvia Plester-Silk breaks down the four ways we typically respond to stress and fear — fight, flight, freeze, and appease — and what they're costing us when left unchecked.

Sylvia explains how these survival responses show up in your body and your everyday life, often in situations that aren't actually life-threatening. You'll learn how to recognize your own default patterns and pick up practical tools — including a calming breath work technique — to help you respond rather than just react.

In this episode:

• The four fear responses and how they manifest physically and emotionally
• What appeasement behaviour looks like (and when to take it seriously)
• How chronic stress can lead to adrenal burnout
• A simple deep breathing exercise to self-soothe in the moment
• Journaling prompts to help you identify your patterns and build healthier responses

10 Minutes to Joy is hosted by Sylvia Plester-Silk, holistic psychotherapist.

Why You Keep Almost Reaching Your Goals — And How to Finally Break Through

In this uplifting episode of 10 Minutes to Joy, host Sylvia Plester-Silk dives into the brain science and trauma awareness behind why so many people get close to their goals — but can't quite cross the finish line.

With warmth and compassion, Sylvia explains how your inner set points — subconscious patterns around what you believe you deserve — can quietly sabotage even your best efforts. She walks listeners through practical tools like deep breathing and visualization, while also pointing to deeper work using modalities like Compassion Key and intuitive practices for lasting transformation.

Whether you're stuck in your career, relationships, health, or personal growth, this episode will help you understand what's really going on beneath the surface — and give you a roadmap to finally break through.

Hosted by Sylvia Plester-Silk | 10 Minutes to Joy