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

The journey through menopause and the empty nest phase isn't just about navigating physical changes—it's an invitation to reconnect with your emotional landscape after decades of putting others first.

Many of us have spent years running on fumes, managing our families and responsibilities while neglecting our own emotional wellbeing. When this season of life arrives with its whirlwind of changes, it often feels overwhelming—like being suddenly thrust from a peaceful stream into rushing rapids. But what if we viewed this transition differently? What if, instead of resisting the current, we learned to float downstream and discover what the river of life wants to show us next?

During this vulnerable exploration, I share the difference between activities that genuinely nurture us versus those that merely numb our discomfort. Whether it's compulsive reading (my personal escape), endless Netflix scrolling, or even excessive cleaning, we all have ways we avoid emotional discomfort. The alternative is finding practices that gently open our emotional doorways—like the Pilates, breathwork, and pelvic floor work that helps center me when anxiety strikes. These practices allow emotions to surface naturally, without forcing or judging what emerges.

Drawing wisdom from Christiane Northrup's pioneering work connecting our body's physical sensations to our emotional patterns, I offer a simple yet profound practice: becoming the compassionate witness to yourself. By placing a hand where tension lives in your body and observing without the pressure to fix anything, you activate your body's innate healing wisdom. This isn't about being your own isolated healer—it's about recognizing you're part of something larger, connected to divine support that flows through your perfectly designed physical form.

What if you're 50 and have 30-40 more vibrant years ahead? That's not just possible—it's probable. While it's natural to grieve what's changing, can you also be present with who you are becoming? The river hasn't ended—it's simply changed course. Float with it awhile and see where it takes you.

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

Ever wondered why your mother's generation was so afraid of hormone replacement therapy? In this eye-opening conversation with returning guest Brookes Vaughn, we unravel decades of misunderstanding surrounding menopause treatment, diving deep into the flawed Women's Health Initiative study that scared millions of women away from potentially life-enhancing care.

"Estrogen is the only drug proven to reduce the risk of heart disease in women," Brookes reveals, highlighting just one of many startling facts about hormone therapy that have been overshadowed by outdated research. The discussion moves beyond hot flashes to explore how estrogen affects everything from brain health to heart function, with both hosts sharing personal insights into navigating these complex physical changes.

For women contemplating hormone therapy, Brookes offers practical guidance on what to expect: "I always say, especially with autoimmune menopause, it's like we're turning a ship, not a canoe." She explains the adjustment period, how long before benefits appear, and why it's crucial to find healthcare providers who actually listen to your concerns rather than dismissing them.

The conversation also addresses special cases, including options for breast cancer survivors, and emphasizes the importance of community support during this transformative time. Whether you're approaching perimenopause, in the thick of menopause, or supporting someone who is, this episode provides the science-based clarity needed to make informed decisions about your health.

Have questions about your midlife hormonal journey? Reach out to us - we want to continue this vital conversation. Connect with us on YouTube and Instagram @EmptyNestQuestPodcast for more resources and insights.

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

Trust your instincts. When you don't feel like yourself during perimenopause or menopause, that alone is reason enough to seek help. This powerful validation emerged as we reflected on our conversation with women's health expert Brooks Vaughn and shared our personal journeys through the hormonal maze of midlife.

Many women struggle for years with debilitating symptoms—from night sweats that destroy sleep to brain fog that makes you question your sanity—believing they simply need to "push through" this phase. We're here to tell you there's a better way. Through our own trials with seeking medical support, we discuss how the understanding of hormone replacement therapy has evolved dramatically since our mothers' generation, when many women abruptly stopped treatment based on studies that have since been reinterpreted.

The challenges women face in getting proper care often start with medical education itself. Most doctors receive minimal training about menopause—sometimes just a single chapter in medical school—leaving them ill-equipped to address the complex symphony of hormonal changes affecting everything from cardiovascular health to cognitive function. Add in the 10-minute appointment constraints of modern healthcare, and it's no wonder women feel dismissed when seeking help.

Whether you're considering hormone replacement therapy, exploring alternative treatments like acupuncture and specialized massage, or looking at dietary approaches, our conversation emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive strategy. Brooks' three-pronged approach addressing bloodwork, diet/supplements, and hormones offers a framework for women seeking relief. Most importantly, we underscore the value of sharing experiences and building community during this transformative time.

What symptoms are most challenging for you? What questions do you wish you could ask your doctor? Connect with us on social media or email theemptynestquest@gmail.com—we'll incorporate your questions into our upcoming interview focusing on menopause misconceptions and treatments that truly work.

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

Anna MacArthur joins us to discuss her powerful new book "Hope for Moms: It's Tough Out There, But So Are You," offering wisdom for mothers who feel everyone else has parenting figured out while they're just trying to keep everyone alive.

• Examining how we often use children as "walking report cards" to validate our parenting
• Creating a "Yes, No, Maybe" system to prioritize what truly matters for your family
• Finding your authentic self beyond motherhood through Anna's "This Sounds Fun" list approach
• Understanding that self-care goes deeper than bubble baths—it's about valuing yourself as worthy
• Navigating transracial adoption with honesty about preparedness and growth
• Embracing new activities (like horseback riding at 48) that aren't for the family but just for you
• Recognizing that parenthood feels like "whack-a-mole" and how to stop comparing your behind-the-scenes to others' highlight reels
• Moving from survival mode to thriving as you approach the empty nest phase

Pick up Anna MacArthur's "Hope for Moms" wherever books are sold and follow her journey on Instagram.

Amazon link to purchase Anna's book:
Hope for Moms: It's Tough Out There, but So Are You: Anna McArthur: 9781643435602: Amazon.com: Books

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

Hormone health isn't just about managing hot flashes—it's about reclaiming your sense of self when everything feels off-kilter. Jennifer and Melynda dive deep into the misunderstood world of perimenopause and menopause, sharing their personal journeys with hormone replacement therapy while emphasizing there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

After their enlightening conversation with women's health specialist Brooks Vaughn, the hosts unpack a critical truth: women deserve support when they "don't feel like themselves," not dismissal or instructions to simply push through. Both share their struggles with finding knowledgeable providers, with Jennifer detailing how relentless night sweats destroyed her sleep quality, while Melinda found initial relief through alternative therapies like acupuncture before eventually adding hormone therapy to her regimen.

The episode reveals alarming gaps in medical education, where most doctors—even OB-GYNs—receive minimal training about menopause. The hosts discuss how outdated research scared women away from hormone therapy for decades, only for newer studies to reveal this approach may have harmed women's long-term health. They advocate for a comprehensive approach combining bloodwork analysis, dietary adjustments, targeted supplements, and appropriate hormone therapy when needed. Whether you're approaching perimenopause or deep in the transition, this conversation offers validation, practical insights, and a reminder that this phase of life presents another opportunity for growth. What menopause questions keep you up at night? Share them with us on social media or email, and we'll address them in our upcoming follow-up with Brooks Vaughn!

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