Beyond the Nest: Rediscovering Yourself as Your Kids Take Flight

Join Karen and Lisa in this heartwarming episode of "Drinks with the Girls" as they dive into the emotional rollercoaster of launching kids and embracing the empty nest. They share personal stories, practical advice, and actionable steps to help women over 40 navigate this significant life transition with grace and excitement.

Discover the art of balancing freedom and guardrails in parenting, and learn how to transform the void left by your children into a space for self-discovery and joy. Karen and Lisa discuss the importance of reconnecting with yourself and nurturing key relationships, whether with a partner, friends, or even your adult children, as they step into their own independence.

With insights on celebrating milestones, prioritizing self-care, and reigniting passions, this episode offers a supportive community and valuable resources for women looking to thrive in this new chapter. Whether you're a helicopter parent struggling to let go or someone excited about rediscovering life beyond motherhood, this episode provides encouragement and inspiration to create a fulfilling future.

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Show Notes:

Vino Disco wine

Care package ideas:
Home baked goods
Microwavable foods 
Mini-medicine kit
Electric diffuser with essential oils
Their favorite tea or coffee with an electric kettle and French press and a mug
Holiday decorations
Game day items - shirts, hats, scarves
Uber or DoorDash gift cards for a special treat
New set of sheets
Personal care items
Fun hallway games or card games
Bluetooth speaker
Chlorox wipes
Book light

Here’s a recommended cart from Lisa for some fun Arbonne nutrition, makeup and skincare items.

Join my Email A-Listers’ Club here and I’ll send you a coupon for 35-45% off if you email me and mention the podcast!

 

1. **"The Empty Nest: 31 Parents Tell the Truth About Relationships, Love, and Freedom After the Kids Fly the Coop"** by Karen Stabiner

2. **"The Empty Nest: A Mother's Hidden Grief"** by J. Louise Despert -

3. **"When the Kids Go to College: A Parent’s Guide to Changing Relationships"** by Barbara M. Newman

4. **"Midlife is Not a Crisis: Using Astrology to Thrive in the Second Half of Life"** by Virginia Bell

 **"<The Gift of an Empty Nest: Discovering the Blessings of All of Life’s Seasons>"** The title is actually "Empty Nest, Full Life: Discovering God's Best for Your Next" by Jill Savage

Bloggers 
1.  *Empty Nest Blessed* (Suzy Mighell)

2. *Midlife Rambler* (Katy Kozee)

3. *Next Phase Parenting* (Shelley and Kym)

Podsquad - 30 Day Friendship Challenge

Karen: Online Communities & Resources to check out: 
1. *Grown & Flown* - A large community with articles, guides, and a Facebook group where women can share experiences, advice, and support regarding the empty nest transition. I can vouch for this group!

2. *Empty Nest Moms (Facebook Group)* - A supportive Facebook group where women going through the empty nest phase share advice, encouragement, and tips for navigating this new stage of life. 

3. *Empty Nest Support Services* - Provides coaching and resources specifically for empty nesters, helping them find purpose and joy post-parenting. This is pretty robust and has blog articles Her blog is, Life In Transition. So much good information in an honest and upfront kind of way. 

Karen: This is just me but If I was looking for empty nest  support, that would speak to me. I don’t want recipes and fashion tips, I want to know the nitty gritty of what I can do to move forward.

Riding The Midlife Wave - Karen’s FB Group

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Email: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com

Karen Shatafian: Website www.karenshatafian.com
Lisa Corricello-McDowell: Website www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com