There comes a time in midlife when the familiar rhythms begin to fade. The house is quieter. The career that once defined you no longer fills your soul. The kids are grown—or maybe life threw you a curveball through loss, illness, or a change you never expected. And now, you find yourself asking, Who am I now? What am I meant to do next?

The transition to an empty nest can be a profound shift in one’s life, often filled with a mix of emotions and newfound freedom. While many experts offer advice on navigating this phase, the essence boils down to two vital elements: community and exploration.

Recently, some friends and I visited the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival in central Indiana. The festival features authentic arts and crafts, delicious food, and beautiful autumn foliage. We enjoyed tasty treats like Amish donuts, fudge, and hot apple cider while getting to know each other better and strengthening our relationships.

The Frustrations of Filming, Editing, and Posting Instagram Reels: An Empty Nester Content Creator's Struggle

If you've noticed my absence from blog posts recently, it’s because creating, editing, and posting Instagram Reels has taken over my life. I joined the IG Reels on Fire Challenge to grow my social media reach and connect with more empty nesters like you. My mission is to help you navigate this season of change with faith while inspiring connection, passion, and purpose. But I didn’t expect just how time-consuming this process would be.