Have you ever caught yourself adding an already-completed task to your to-do list just for the satisfaction of checking it off? That desire for validation through accomplishment speaks to a deeper struggle many of us face, especially as we navigate midlife transitions.

This episode dives into day eight of Tommy Newberry's "40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life," exploring the powerful concept of spiritual identity theft. As our roles shift—children growing up, careers evolving, bodies changing—many of us find ourselves asking: Who am I now? What's my purpose? Do I still matter?

The transformative message here is that your identity isn't rooted in your roles, performance, or past. It's founded in being a child of God—chosen, loved, and enough exactly as you are. When we forget this truth, we experience a form of identity theft, allowing the world to define our worth through achievements, appearance, or approval from others.

For those in the empty nest phase, this perspective offers tremendous freedom. You don't have to hustle for love or constantly compete. Your fundamental worth never diminishes, regardless of changing circumstances. The episode provides practical ways to reinforce this truth, including creating personalized "I am" statements grounded in spiritual reality to combat negative self-talk.

Ready to reclaim your true identity? Listen now, and remember—you are a masterpiece created for a joyful purpose. Your identity is safe with the One who made you. Share this message with someone who needs to hear it today, and subscribe so you don't miss our next episode continuing this transformative journey.

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at emptynestquestpod@gmail.com to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer

The transition through midlife presents an opportunity. We often look at this season as a "hot mess" or the old midlife Crisis label, but what if it is a chance for personal rebirth rather than crisis, inviting us to unravel everything that no longer aligns with our soul's purpose?

Our internal dialogue and the language we use to describe our lives profoundly shape our experiences, creating either limitations or possibilities for growth and transformation.

• Our self-talk influences our perception more than anything else, filtering what we notice and experience
• Women waste enormous energy obsessing about appearance when we could redirect that energy toward passion and joy
• Labeling midlife as a "crisis" versus "rebirth" fundamentally changes how we navigate this season

Take a few deep breaths right now, wherever you are, and remember that in every spiritual tradition, breath is life—sometimes all it takes is a few intentional moments to reset and try again.

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at emptynestquestpod@gmail.com to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer

Five powerful words can transform your empty nest journey: "Our focus determines our feelings." This transformative principle from Tommy Newberry's "40 Days to a Joyful Life" offers a roadmap to rewiring your mind for joy during midlife transitions.

At any moment, you can choose where to direct your attention—toward what's present or what's missing, what's working or what's broken, what you've achieved or where you've fallen short. This seemingly simple choice shapes your emotional reality more profoundly than most external circumstances. As I've discovered in my own life, this principle (which Newberry calls the "4-8 Principle" from Philippians 4:8) isn't just philosophical—it's transformative when applied consistently.

Our digital habits often sabotage our joy without us realizing it. Those hours of scrolling through others' highlight reels can silently erode our gratitude for our own blessings. Similarly, fixating on political frustrations, global problems, or situations beyond our control depletes our emotional resources without creating positive change. The antidote? A deliberate shift toward what we can influence: our attitudes, reactions, and how we treat others. By consciously broadcasting our blessings rather than amplifying complaints, we create a virtuous cycle that attracts more positivity into our lives.

The beautiful reality is that joy is as contagious as negativity—perhaps even more so when intentionally cultivated. When we make this mental shift, everyday interactions transform. We respond with greater patience to the grocery cashier, the slow driver ahead, or the family member having a difficult day. This awareness fosters empathy and connection during a life stage that's ripe for meaningful growth. Ready to revolutionize your mindset? Start by asking yourself: "What am I focusing on today, and how is it shaping my reality?" Then join our community as we navigate this empty nest quest together with intention and joy.

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at emptynestquestpod@gmail.com to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer