Episode 24 - Turning Struggle Into Strength: Mental Resilience and Neuroplasticity

In this episode of Midlife Mud, Chris and Morgan dive headfirst into the messy, meaningful world of struggle—what it looks like, why we resist it, and how it can actually be a powerful catalyst for growth.

From personal stories of addiction recovery and returning to college later in life, to parenting strategies that embrace discomfort, this conversation is a deep (but approachable) look at how life’s hardest moments can shape us—for the better.

They break down the difference between passive and active struggle, explore the role of neuroplasticity in adult learning, and discuss why a little bit of stress might actually be good for us. Whether you're navigating career pivots, parenting challenges, or just feeling stuck in the mud, this episode offers tools and perspective to help you move forward—mud and all.

🔑 In This Episode:

• The surprising value of struggle in adulthood

• Chris’s story of addiction recovery and going back to college at 25

• Why letting your kids struggle is a gift

• The brain science behind learning new things in midlife

• How to reframe challenges with the mantra “Be where your feet are”

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