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40. Thriving In an Empty Nest

40. Thriving In an Empty Nest

by Maryann LoRusso | Oct 13, 2022 | Podcast, Podcast-Family & Relationships

We’ve all heard of Empty Nest Syndrome and the sadness that can overcome parents once their children leave home. Some women are more affected than others by this rite of passage, which can also be a time of great opportunity for both you and your kids. On this...

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What do you do when you find yourself in a dark pl What do you do when you find yourself in a dark place? Or overwhelmed when the sh— hits the fan, as it often does in midlife? I wouldn’t be surprised if your first instinct is to try to snap out of it and present a rosy picture to the world, so you can get on with your life and the people in it. Well, on the latest episode of the More Beautiful Podcast, I’m making a case for lingering in the darkness when the going gets rough. At least for a little bit. And for allowing yourself to experience those negative emotions as a way to work yourself back to a brighter place. I’m sharing some of my favorite strategies for getting through those tough times. The first step is giving yourself permission to experience the pain and heartache. After that, there’s so much you can do to feel better—and be on your way to living the midlife you deserve. Among the topics we address: ⛈Why burying negative feelings may only make you feel worse ⛈How to listen to your body to figure out what you truly need ⛈Proven ways to generate more self-compassion and joy during difficult periods ⛈Tips for getting yourself out of a funk, bit by bit Midlife can be fantastic, but it can also be hard. It can be two things at once. If you’re going through a rough patch, you’re not alone. So many women are going through it right now. And we can help one another weather the storm. “The best way out is always through.” —Robert Frost The More Beautiful Podcast is for women who want to rewrite the midlife playbook and know that life can be more joyous, more fulfilling and more beautiful in the second half of life. Listen and follow at Morebeautifulproject.com or wherever you get your podcasts! 💙
Why do we writers and podcasters out here in the m Why do we writers and podcasters out here in the midlife space—or in any space, for that matter—do what we do? “To find out what we think about things we don’t understand.” This scene from a recent Nicole Kidman romcom reminded me of something a friend, a writer who focuses on women’s health and menopause, told me about why she started her newsletter: to help her process what was going on with her own body and mind. And I guess that’s been true for me too. This desire to make sense of change motivates us to ask questions, dig deep, and hopefully come up with some answers that help us all. A side perk? Realizing we’re not alone on this bumpy journey. So to all you writers and non-writers out there with the courage to break taboos, change the narrative and ask the important questions, keep going. It’s the only way.
Nostalgia. Merriam-Webster defines it as “a sentim Nostalgia. Merriam-Webster defines it as “a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.” The Pixar film "Inside Out 2" introduces a character called Nostalgia, which takes the shape of a sweet, gray-haired old lady. When she shows up in the brain of the film’s 13-year-old protagonist, the other characters—personifications of feelings such as anxiety and joy—push her out the door, explaining that she’s too early to the party (“You still have about 10 years, two graduations and a best friend’s wedding before you’re invited”). First of all. I wish movies would stop depicting older women this way. White hair, frail, sipping a cup of tea, and easily dismissed. It’s an outdated, ageist stereotype that needs to go away. Second, does nostalgia truly have no place in the hearts and minds of young people? I remember being in college and thinking about how much I missed the moments I had spent with my grandmother. I recall being in high school and reflecting on great times I’d had as a younger child on a particular summer vacation. I don’t think nostalgia is limited to older folks. And certainly not to the type who wears their hair in a bun. What’s your take on Nostalgia—both the character and the feeling? Do you remember experiencing it when you were younger? And is it an emotion you welcome?
If you’ve got a kid over 18, your relationship wit If you’ve got a kid over 18, your relationship with them is evolving. It can be hard knowing your child doesn’t need you as much as they once did, or perhaps needs you too much. It can be challenging to communicate or offer guidance without pushing them away. Or maybe you’re wondering how to stay close and support them as their life goes in a new direction. On this episode, I chat with author and family coach Cynthia Wand about the inevitable changes that come with parenting at this stage. You’ll learn how to navigate conflict and communicate better, balance your role as a mother with your child’s need for agency and, most important, establish a bond with your child that’s different but stronger than ever before. Among the topics Cynthia and I discuss: 💙The most common ways the parent/child relationship changes as your child gains independence 💙Issues that can crop up after your child leaves home—and how to handle them 💙Why you might want to negotiate how often to talk or text with your child who’s left home—and what to do if they need more space than you do 💙How to shift your parenting style as your child gets older, both to manage your own expectations and to connect with your kid 💙How to strike a balance between guiding your child and allowing them to take ownership of their lives 💙The new and surprising ways your kid may need you as they venture into adulthood 💙The questions to ask your child before they leave for college or embark on the next stage of their life 💙How to support child who’s having trouble launching 💙Why establishing new rituals with your young-adult child is a great idea 💙Plus, we reveal the one question you should ask yourself before offering your child financial support, and Cynthia helps you reframe this parenting phase as a time of renewed freedom, personal fulfillment, and a beautiful new relationship with your child. You got this, Mama! 😘 The More Beautiful Podcast is for women who want to rewrite the midlife playbook and know that life can be more joyous, more fulfilling and more beautiful in the second half of life. Listen and follow at https://morebeautifulproject.com or wherever you get your podcasts! 🎙️🎧
Saw this quote the other day and it resonated with Saw this quote the other day and it resonated with me. Women often put everyone and everything else ahead of their own passions. But in midlife, we are ready to go. To run down the block, chase that bus and jump on, breathless but exhilarated—even if we don't know exactly where it's headed. And that's OK too, because we need to be surprised now and then. Ladies, it's time to pursue whatever it is you want. The world is yours. So grab your MetroCard, Clipper Card, TAP card, or whatever it is your city calls it...and GO!
We all want to retire happily, with good health an We all want to retire happily, with good health and enough money in the bank to carry us through our golden years. But it can be easier said than done. On episode 95 of the More Beautiful Podcast, I chat with Iris Krause, a financial advisor who helps women navigate their finances so they can retire on their own terms. Iris and I dive into the topic of personal finance and tell you how you can empower yourself so you can make the most of your money—even if you’ve fallen behind in the savings game—and plan for the retirement of your dreams. Among the topics we discuss: 💰The difference between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset—and why having the latter can boost your overall happiness 💰Why you need to know where you stand with your personal finances—even if you’ve got a money-savvy partner 💰Why it’s never too late to start saving for your retirement, and how to catch up if you got a late start (including tips for budgeting, saving and investing) 💰How much money you really need for retirement 💰How much money you should have on hand for an emergency, and where to park it 💰Strategies for coping with any money-related anxieties you have 💰How to get on the same page with a partner who may not share your views on money 💰How to know whether or not to offer your young-adult children financial help Plus, Iris addresses the spiritual side of money, and reveals the one thing you must do first if you need to get out of debt. 💵🧘 The More Beautiful Podcast is for women who want to rewrite the midlife playbook and know that life can be more joyous, more fulfilling and more beautiful in the second half of life. Listen and follow at Morebeautifulproject.com or wherever you get your podcasts! 💙

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