In today’s fast-paced and hyper-connected world, many women in midlife find themselves feeling strangely disconnected—from others, from purpose, and from themselves. Despite all the self-help advice and personal development tools available, there often remains a quiet knowing: something deeper is missing.
In this soul-nourishing conversation, executive and personal coach Jules Kuroda, author of The N8 Self, shares a transformative framework for reconnecting with our true nature. She introduces the concept of the “N8 self”—a spiritual dimension that lives beyond mind, body, and heart. This deeper self encompasses eight core qualities such as character, contribution, connection, creativity, meaning, and generosity.
While much of modern self-development focuses on mindset, emotions, and physical health, Jules invites us to explore the spiritual essence that’s often left untouched. For midlife women navigating transitions, burnout, or a longing for more authentic living, this is a powerful invitation to come home to oneself.
Guiding Values: The Inner Compass
Jules offers rich insight into how our personal values shape the way we move through the world. Whether consciously chosen or unconsciously inherited, our values act as inner compasses—especially during moments of tension, misalignment, or decision-making.
She shares her own journey of discovering “adventure” as a guiding value that helps her meet life’s challenges, as well as an unconscious value of “harmony” that shaped how she holds space for others. These reflections offer a practical reminder: we get to choose who we become, and our values can evolve as we do.
From Disconnection to Genuine Connection
One of the most resonant themes is Jules’ take on technology and disconnection. She likens social media to sugar—fun in moderation, but harmful in excess. For many women, especially during midlife transitions, this over-reliance on digital connection can leave us feeling isolated and unseen.
She encourages small, intentional acts—eye contact with a stranger, chatting with a cashier, or pausing to listen—as profound ways to rebuild authentic human connection in a distracted world. Jules also reflects on how our physical environment shapes our ability to connect, comparing the frenetic energy of cities with the nourishing pace of quiet coastal towns.
Creativity Without the Pressure
Another key theme is creativity—not in the traditional artistic sense, but as a way of being. Jules dismantles the myth that creativity belongs only to artists, reminding us that problem-solvers, engineers, caregivers, and dreamers all tap into this vital life force.
Her story of being encouraged to “use the biggest brush” in a painting class becomes a beautiful metaphor for living boldly, without fear of mistakes or judgment. In midlife, when many women are redefining their roles and rekindling forgotten passions, this kind of creative permission is a gift.
Contribution vs. Generosity: A Subtle Distinction
Jules also makes a valuable distinction between contribution and generosity. Contribution is what we offer the world through our unique gifts and actions. Generosity is the energy behind it—the willingness to give freely, without needing it to be “big” or perfect.
For women wondering if their everyday efforts matter, this perspective is deeply affirming. A kind word, a thoughtful question, or simply showing up with presence can shift someone’s world.
The N8 Self and the Midlife Awakening
As Jules reminds us, we are all beings in the making—constantly becoming. Her work offers a grounded, compassionate framework for women seeking to rediscover their spiritual nature, realign with personal values, and live with more authentic connection and purpose.
If you’ve ever felt like you’ve read all the books, done the mindset work, and still sensed something deeper calling… this conversation is for you.
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