🌿 Rediscovering Yourself in Midlife: A Season of Purpose, Growth & Connection 🌿

Empty nesting often feels like the calm after the storm. The house is quieter, the routines shifted, and we’re left standing in a space that once flowed with purpose, now wondering: Who am I without them? What’s waiting for me?"

When my first child left home, I cried in secret. I had raised him to soar, and yet when he did, my heart ached with a silence I hadn’t expected. I had poured so much into being “mom” that I didn’t realize how much of myself I had quietly tucked away.

But nothing prepared me for when my youngest left for college. That goodbye felt even harder. We had become incredibly close, taking Taekwondo classes together, going on hikes, sharing deep talks and yet, I could feel that window of everyday connection closing. I knew his time of independence was near, but that knowing didn’t soften the ache.

And then, as if life was testing me, it all came crashing in at once. My husband suffered a stroke that shook our world, and I was hit with the emotional rollercoaster of perimenopause all in the same year. The weight of caregiving, hormonal changes, and emotional transition collided, and I found myself at a breaking point.

The truth is, I didn’t even know I was at a breaking point. I kept reading stories from other parents celebrating their newfound independence, talking about travel plans and freedom, and I remember wondering… “How are they not missing being a parent?” “Why do I feel so broken?” I wasn’t ready to celebrate.

I was grieving. I missed the everyday moments, the noise, the constant “what’s for dinner, the messy, beautiful chaos of motherhood. I felt out of sync with the world and with myself.

But somewhere in that stillness, I realized I had a choice.

I knew I had the tools to refocus and anchor myself in my goals. So, I decided I would start intentionally living each day with purpose and passion. I would ignite the parts of myself I had lovingly set aside for others. I returned to writing, spending time outdoors, hiking, and leaning into the places I knew that I could find joy and experience peace.

And for the first time in a long while, I began taking on new challenges without the safety net of my husband or my children. I recommitted to taekwondo classes, published my first book, and wrote a list, a bold, heartfelt list, of all the ways I could impact others. I wanted to help women embrace the uniqueness within themselves, put their gifts into the world, and make a positive difference by simply being who they are. I returned to my “dreamer” list, as I call it, the collection of projects and visions I had set aside. Each one had been patiently waiting for me.

Now, with fresh clarity and deeper purpose, they called to me louder than ever. What once felt like a pause now felt like a pull, a nudge to step forward and share the lessons I had gathered along the way, and to guide others toward embracing their unique path.

Empty nesting isn’t the end of what we fear, it’s stepping into fear, embracing it fully, and allowing it to become the turning point for stepping into a new version of ourselves. It’s not about closing one chapter, it’s about opening to what’s next with courage and intention. It’s an invitation. A pause. A space to gently rediscover the parts of us that have waited patiently to return.

This season asks us to:

• Reconnect with passions we once set aside
• Redefine our daily rhythms with intention
• Reimagine who we are outside of our roles

And most of all, midlife invites us to return to ourselves, not in a passive way, but as an active reclaiming. In a world that constantly celebrates doing, this season of life teaches us the sacred art of being. And while independence is often praised, the deepest transformations happen in community, those purposeful spaces where we’re seen, heard, and supported.

Out of all my ‘dreamer’ ideas, one stood out more than the rest and it kept tugging at me. The Wise Words Book Club kept resurfacing in my thoughts almost daily, like a gentle nudge I couldn’t ignore."

It had started on a whim, born on a Monday, launched by Wednesday, and by Saturday, people from around the world had shown up. What began as a creative spark became something so much more.

Co-created with my incredible friend and fellow coach, Deb Burger of Arch Designs Inc ( Services | Arch Designs) it evolved into a true community, a safe, uplifting space to read, grow, and coach one another forward toward our wildest dreams. I didn’t realize how deeply I missed it until it was gone. And now, with more life lived and more wisdom earned, I knew it was time to bring it back with fresh energy and bold intention.

As I continued leaning into the version of myself, I realized how much I craved connection not just through words and goals, but through shared experiences and fresh air. So, I joined the Michigan Girl Bike and Hike Club (Michigan Girl), and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

This group is pure joy: fun, lighthearted, and wildly supportive. There’s something truly magical about hitting the trails or riding beside women who are choosing to embrace life fully. And as a bonus, Kandace’s beautifully written posts about unfiltered adventures and honest moments keep the inspiration flowing even when we’re not out exploring.

If you’ve been feeling the nudge to move your body, meet new friends, or just breathe in a little more life this is your sign to say yes.

As I continue to embrace this season of life, I’ve found that seeking out local events, community gatherings, and holistic wellness experiences has been a key part of my growth. Some of the most healing moments have come from right in my own backyard. Events like grounding and guided meditations hosted by Z&N Farms (Z&N Farm | Manistee County Local Farm) or peaceful yoga sessions at Kindred Waters Collective (Kindred Waters Collective) have helped me reconnect with myself, others, and nature. These are reminders that healing and joy are often much closer than we think.

While those moments of stillness have grounded me, they’ve also sparked a deeper fire, one that’s focused on purpose and impact. I’m also focused on building a business that can last, a legacy I can be proud of. Whether it’s through coaching, workshops, or the projects I’m passionate about, I know that this is my time to build something that not only impacts my life but also the lives of others. I want to leave a legacy of growth, connection, and empowerment.

Finally, midlife is the perfect time to explore the things you’ve always wanted to try. Whether it’s Taekwondo, a sip-and-paint class, or dance, now is the time to take that leap and say yes to new experiences. I rejoined Ticconi’s Martial Arts (Home - Ticconi's ATA Martial Arts), and it’s been an empowering journey both physically and mentally. And yes, I leaped into the world of painting with a friend, and it was surprisingly fun! The truth is, stepping out of your comfort zone opens new parts of yourself that you may have forgotten existed. So, whatever it is that’s been on your heart, now is the time to go for it.