Embracing the Beauty of Aging and the Power of Redefining Womanhood
A heartful conversation on The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast with Ashleigh Tobin on navigating midlife, hormonal transitions, and rediscovering our dreams
There are moments in life when a conversation doesn’t just inspire you - it stirs something deep in your soul. My recent chat with Ashleigh Tobin was one of those moments. Ashleigh, a TEDx and international award-winning speaker, health and mind coach, and fierce advocate for women’s wellbeing, brings together decades of experience and a fresh, unapologetic voice that encourages women to step into their power, especially during life’s hormonal transitions.
With over thirty-five years in nursing, coaching, and holistic health, Ashleigh is a rare blend of science, soul, and storytelling. She has a gift for making complex health issues easy to understand and deeply human - things like perimenopause, menopause, brain fog, stress, and burnout - topics often spoken about in hushed tones or not at all. But Ashleigh brings them to the forefront with humour, clarity, and heartfelt wisdom.
Rediscovering Ourselves Through Life’s Transitions
One of the most resonant parts of our conversation was about the journey of aging - a path often fraught with fear and societal pressure to “stay young.” But what if we’ve been sold the wrong story?
As Ashleigh so beautifully puts it in her TEDx talk, we’ve long heard of the three stages of womanhood: Maiden, Mother, and Crone. But what about the space in between? The vibrant, transformative years where we’re no longer the maiden and not yet ready to wear the crown of crone? She redefines this space with terms that truly resonate: Creative, Enchantress, Sage. These words light something within - they speak of wisdom, passion, and purpose. They invite us to become cycle breakers, women who rewrite the narrative and reclaim their voice.
Listening to the Body, Honouring the Self
We spoke deeply about the importance of reconnecting with our bodies, especially during perimenopause and menopause. This time can feel isolating and confusing if we don’t understand what’s happening within us. But awareness is power - and self-knowledge is liberation.
Ashleigh’s work supports both individuals and organisations, helping people tune in to their inner wisdom and embrace practical tools for wellness. Whether she’s speaking in workplaces or offering personal coaching, her message is always clear: Your wellbeing matters. Your story matters. And now is the time to start listening - not just to the world, but to yourself.
Aging as a Sacred Rite, Not a Shame
Perhaps one of the most powerful truths Ashleigh shared was this: growing older is a privilege. It is not something to be feared or hidden, but something to be honoured and celebrated. As women, we have the opportunity to redefine what it means to age - not as a slow fading away, but as a deepening, a ripening, a blossoming of everything we are meant to be.
We are not just getting older; we are becoming more ourselves.
In a world that often tries to dim women’s light as they age, Ashleigh Tobin’s work is a luminous reminder that we are entering our most powerful chapters. These are the years where we reclaim our dreams, reset our values, and reignite our desires. The Enchantress within us is not a myth - she is real, wise, and waiting for us to notice her.
I’m so grateful for the insightful, soul-nourishing conversation we had. I invite you to explore more of Ashleigh’s work — watch her inspiring TEDx talk here. Let it be a spark that awakens the Enchantress in you.
Sharon Fitzmaurice
Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Host of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast