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As relationships evolve, the empty nest phase presents a pivotal moment for couples to rediscover each other beyond their parenting roles. In this insightful episode, Carolyn Sharp shares valuable insights from her new book, "Fire it Up: Four Secrets to Reigniting Intimacy and Joy in Your Relationship."

Join us as we explore how to reconnect and reignite passion when the kids leave home.

Highlights:

• The three crucial elements for a healthy relationship: ignition (spark), kindling (communication), and oxygen (acceptance).
• The power of curiosity for reconnection—asking better questions leads to deeper understanding.
• Why couples often overlook communication and acceptance while trying to rekindle the spark.
• The importance of defining your relationship purpose during major life transitions to create clarity and direction.

Key Takeaways:

• Healthy relationships require intentional nurturing to avoid stagnation.
• Balance in relationship conversations should be paired with enjoyable activities to strengthen bonds.
• The assumption that "true love" doesn’t need effort is a myth; revitalizing a relationship takes work.
• Creating a safe space for honest communication fosters authentic connections, even when romantic passion may have faded.

Carolyn Sharp Bio

Carolyn Sharp always knew she wanted a career in helping people. She earned a master of social work from Portland State University and has extensive training in attachment, neuroscience, trauma, and mindfulness. Today, she is an experienced couples therapist with twenty-five years of training and practice in helping people build vital, vibrant, and secure functioning relationships through one-on-one and group couples coaching, workshops, retreats, and intensives. She combines her passion for helping people with her widespread experience to create the healthiest and happiest relationships possible.

Find Carolyn Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

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What happens to long-term relationships when the kids leave home? In this candid conversation, relationship coach Dr. Marie Murphy shares her insightful and judgment-free perspective on the growing phenomenon of gray divorce—the trend of couples separating after the age of 50.

With her PhD in sociology of sexuality, Dr. Murphy challenges conventional views on infidelity and relationship transitions. She emphasizes the importance of being honest with ourselves about what we truly want: “Do you want to reconnect, or do you just think you should want to reconnect?” This distinction lies at the heart of our discussion and leads to deeper explorations of relationship dynamics during midlife.

Highlights:

• Understanding gray divorce: 40% of divorces now occur after age 50, often linked to infidelity.
• The role of intentional curiosity in revitalizing relationships and fostering deeper connections.
• The dilemma of feeling responsible for others' emotions and how it conflicts with cultural ideas of individualism.
• Empowering thoughts that help you navigate your relationship choices without guilt or shame.

Key Takeaways:

• Approaching infidelity with a non-judgmental mindset allows for clearer decision-making.
• The sociology of sexuality focuses on understanding actual behaviors in relationships rather than adhering to societal norms.
• Making relationship choices often involves balancing competing desires rather than straightforward right or wrong decisions.

Marie Murphy's Bio

Dr. Marie Murphy is a non-judgmental infidelity coach, and the host of the podcast Your Secret is Safe with Me. Much of the so-called advice out there for people who are engaging in infidelity is little more than thinly veiled judgment, but that's not what Marie provides. Marie offers guidance and support that respects the fullness of your humanity, and the complexity of your situation - no matter what you're doing in the infidelity department. To learn more about Marie and her coaching services, go to https://www.mariemurphyphd.com.

Find Marie Online: Instagram, Facebook

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3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

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What happens when life changes overnight, shattering your identity through loss? In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the profound journey of Emily Tanner, known as The Brave Widow, who transformed devastating grief into a supportive community for others navigating widowhood and significant life transitions.

After losing her husband in 2021 while raising four teenagers, Emily realized how inadequate our cultural understanding of grief can be. “Platitudes like 'He's in heaven' didn’t help at all,” she reflects.

Highlights

• The identity shifts that come with widowhood and empty nesting, and the importance of intentional rebuilding.
• Emily’s four stages of rebuilding: devastation, survival mode, exploration, and creation.
• The exploration phase as a metaphorical journey through a forest—embracing curiosity amid uncertainty.
• Practical insights on how to support individuals in grief through curiosity and validation rather than quick fixes.

Key Takeaways

• Widowhood and major transitions require a complete overhaul of one's identity and purpose, prompting the need for reconstruction.
• Understanding the importance of true connection.
• The most effective way to support someone in grief is to be curious and validate their feelings instead of offering platitudes.

Emily Tanner's Bio

Just one month shy of their 20th wedding anniversary, Emily was widowed unexpectedly at the age of 37. She and Nathan have 4 children who were ages 10 - 19 at the time.

After the devastating death of her husband in 2021, Emily made the life-altering decision to leave her healthcare executive career and founded Brave Widow in 2022, an online coaching program and community dedicated to helping young widows navigate grief, heal their heart, and a build a life they love again.

Emily holds an MBA with a focus on Leadership and Ethics from John Brown University and has earned certifications in coaching and leadership from the Faith-Based Coaching Academy, the Grief Recovery Institute, and Maxwell Leadership.

Find Emily Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X)

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

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Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

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