In this inspiring episode of Penny for Your Shots, I sat down with Isabelle Stephenson, a life coach with a heart for helping women in midlife rediscover themselves, find joy, and navigate life's transitions. Isabelle’s journey spans continents, challenges, and transformations—from growing up in Germany’s Black Forest to becoming a compassionate and insightful coach in Florida.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like you’ve lost a part of yourself along the way, Isabelle’s story and wisdom will inspire you to take the next step toward a life of joy, abundance, and authenticity.

From Germany to the U.S.: Isabelle's Story

Isabelle grew up in the quaint and beautiful Black Forest region of Germany, close to the French border. With vineyards, charming architecture, and rich traditions, her childhood home shaped her love for culture and connection.

At 21, Isabelle made the courageous leap to the United States and has lived here ever since. While much of her family has passed on, she maintains deep connections to her roots, especially with childhood friends who now live nearby in Florida—a beautiful twist of fate that highlights the power of lifelong friendships.

What Led Isabelle to Coaching

Isabelle’s path to life coaching began with a personal transformation. After years of homeschooling her six children, she found herself in a new phase of life. With time to reflect and explore, Isabelle discovered the power of coaching during a parenting summit. She connected with a mentor who helped her transform her own life.

"She taught me love in ways nobody else had before… whatever magic she did, I wanted to learn how to do that for others."

Through this experience, Isabelle realized her passion: helping women navigate midlife transitions with grace, clarity, and self-compassion. She now guides women to reclaim their confidence, overcome overwhelm, and rediscover their own dreams.

Coaching Women in Midlife: Finding the Next Step

Isabelle’s coaching focuses on women who feel lost, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their next chapter. Whether they’re adjusting to empty nests, recovering from divorce, or navigating major life changes, Isabelle helps them find clarity and take realistic, achievable steps forward.

She shared examples of clients who transformed their lives:

• A divorced mom learning to embrace her value and build a new future.

• A woman breaking free from unhealthy dating patterns by realizing her worth.

• An empty-nester rediscovering her passions and purpose after years of focusing on her family.

"I don’t promise perfection or an overnight transformation. I focus on helping women take the next step… and then the next."

The Power of Feeling Your Emotions

A key part of Isabelle’s coaching is helping women face and process their emotions—not avoid them. She uses powerful techniques, like identifying where emotions show up in the body, naming them, and visualizing them to help release tension and overwhelm.

"We don’t push emotions away—we feel them, honor them, and let them pass. It’s about getting from the head to the body, so we can release the weight we’re carrying."

Transforming Negative Thoughts and Old Beliefs

Isabelle also helps clients overcome negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs—those little voices that tell us we’re not good enough, not worthy, or not capable. Through playful visualization techniques, she teaches women how to acknowledge these voices, quiet them, and move forward with confidence.

"Those voices don’t disappear, but we can turn their volume down. I teach my clients to say, 'I see you, but I’m moving forward anyway.'"

A Tradition of Joy: Sharing Jokes in Honor of Her Brother

In one of the most touching parts of our conversation, Isabelle shared how she honors the memory of her late brother, who battled mental illness. Inspired by his tradition of sharing weekly jokes at work, Isabelle continues to spread joy by sharing lighthearted jokes with her community—a beautiful tribute to his spirit.

"My brother always wanted to spread cheer and make others smile. Sharing these jokes keeps his legacy alive."

Isabelle's Free Gifts for Listeners

Isabelle is offering two generous gifts to listeners:

1. An Advent Calendar of Affirmations: Starting December 1st, Isabelle will share daily positive affirmations to inspire and uplift you during the holiday season. You can follow along on her Facebook page, Life Coaching with Isabelle.

2. Free Affirmation Downloads: Isabelle has beautifully designed affirmations you can download for free to use as phone wallpapers, print out, or keep close as daily reminders of your worth and strength.

She is also offering a free discovery call for anyone interested in learning more about her coaching. It’s a no-pressure, no-strings-attached opportunity to see how Isabelle can help you take the next step in your life.

Favorite Memory: Friendship and Cocktails

Isabelle’s face lit up as she shared one of her favorite memories—sipping cocktails by the pool with her best friend from fifth grade, who now happens to live nearby in Naples, Florida. Their decades-long friendship is a testament to the power of connection and the joy of showing up for the people who matter most.

Final Thoughts: Living in Abundance

Isabelle’s message is clear: you are worthy, you are whole, and you deserve a life filled with abundance, joy, and love. Whether you’re navigating uncertainty, rediscovering yourself, or facing life’s challenges, you don’t have to do it alone.

"Abundance is my favorite word. My life is abundant and full of joy, and I want the same for you."

Connect with Isabelle:
isabellestephenson.com

Like Isabelle's Facebook Page for her Daily Affirmations Advent Calendar (beginning December 1, 2023):
https://www.facebook.com/lifecoachingwithisabelle

Follow her on Instagram (check out her weekly jokes, inspired by her brother):
https://www.instagram.com/isabelle_midlifecoach/

Emotions List, Resource from The Work of Byron Katie:
https://thework.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Emotions_List_Ltr.pdf

Positive Affirmations Downloadable wallpapers:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m2scRiA1Y8Hw0HolAhDk-SQwxrcmz6jw/view?usp=sharing

How to Process Feelings, Isabelle Stephenson, Life Coach:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12qvDT_-LiE0DvWpjLB7Y7Ido-E8Pgk0vj7cmgGAlwWI/edit

Bonus: Recipe for Glühwein: https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-german-gluhwein-238371