In this powerful and deeply personal episode on The More Than Your Age Podcast, host Erica Pasvar chats with Ellen Buchanan who shares her remarkable transformation from a high-achieving corporate professional to a full-time traveler, wellness advocate, and creative entrepreneur. Born in the Philippines, Ellen’s global journey spans multiple countries and career shifts—including years in the hospitality industry with Hilton and launching her own real estate staging business.
Ellen opens up about her emotional experience navigating the reality that motherhood wasn’t an option, embracing cultural expectations, and the healing role of therapy. She talks candidly about experiencing burnout, feeling stuck in her 40s and 50s, and how relocating to the Philippines with her husband sparked a fresh start and renewed purpose.
Today, Ellen is building a wellness sanctuary for locals and travelers, channeling her passion for health, slow living, and community. This episode is a must-listen for women navigating midlife reinvention, searching for deeper meaning, and ready to embrace a life of intentional adventure and authentic joy.
Whether you’re feeling stuck in your career, reevaluating motherhood, or simply craving a more meaningful life, Ellen’s story will inspire you to take the leap—no matter your age or circumstances.
Takeaways:
🌏 Global Living & Cultural Adaptation: Ellen’s international journey shows how relocating abroad can lead to powerful personal transformation.
🚪 Career Reinvention at Midlife: From corporate burnout to entrepreneurship, Ellen proves it’s never too late to start over professionally.
💡 Rediscovering Purpose Through Passion Projects: Launching a real estate staging business helped Ellen reignite her creativity and confidence.
🧘 Wellness & Minimalist Living: Ellen now prioritizes holistic wellness, mindfulness, and building a healing space for others.
👩❤️👨 Marriage, Support & Shared Dreams: Her husband’s support played a pivotal role in making their dream life abroad a reality.
🧠 Therapy as a Tool for Clarity: Therapy helped Ellen process the emotional weight of choosing her marriage when motherhood no longer became a reality.
🌱 Embracing Uncertainty: Ellen encourages women to embrace the unknown, take risks, and not let age or fear hold them back.
🔄 The Power of Pausing & Reflecting: Life transitions often require intentional rest, reflection, and realignment.
💬 Mentorship & Community Impact: Ellen’s story underscores the importance of guidance, connection, and giving back.
🧳 Intentional Travel: Ellen and her husband’s minimalist travel lifestyle demonstrates the joy of living simply and fully.
👉 Connect with Ellen:
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***This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. ***
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Intro and Exit Music written and performed by Daniel Ging.
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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UZaYpEwrWeN-KermhBk7ucKQGnbTm0m-/view?usp=drive_link
