From Full House to Empty House: Adapting to an Empty Nest with Suzy Mighell

As we move through different stages of life, each phase presents its unique challenges and opportunities. For many, transitioning into an empty nest can be a profound experience, filled with mixed emotions. Suzy Mighell, a leading influencer for empty nesters, has turned this transitional period into a journey of inspiration and empowerment. With her background in PR and her personal experience navigating the empty nest phase, Suzy has built a supportive community for those over 50, helping them find joy and purpose in this new stage of life.

In a recent episode of the “Living Ageless and Bold” podcast, Suzy Mighell sat down with Christina Daves to discuss her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a prominent figure for empty nesters. The conversation was filled with insights on handling the emotional and practical challenges of the empty nest phase, maintaining relationships with adult children, the importance of self-care, and the business side of being an influencer. Suzy’s approach is not just about surviving this stage but thriving and embracing it fully.

From PR to Empty Nest Influencer

Suzy’s journey into the world of influencing began long before the term became mainstream. With a degree in PR from the 80s, she was well-versed in the principles of communication and relationship-building. However, the platforms for delivering these messages have evolved significantly over the years. Despite the changes in technology, the core of her approach remains the same: fostering genuine connections and encouraging others.

When Suzy’s youngest child left for college on her 50th birthday, she found herself at a crossroads. With her background in PR and experience serving on nonprofit boards, Suzy decided to use her skills to create a space where empty nesters could find support and inspiration. She started writing about her experiences, from adjusting to cooking for two to finding new hobbies and passions.

Finding Purpose and Joy

Suzy emphasizes the importance of embracing the empty nest phase with a positive mindset. “I always knew I wanted to make a significant contribution and I felt like the Lord was going to use me in some way to encourage others as I got older,” she says. She noticed that many of her friends were struggling with the transition, feeling left behind in the world of technology and unsure of their new identities. Suzy decided to be the brave one who would speak into these challenges, sharing her journey and encouraging others to do the same.

Through her blog, Empty Nest Blessed, Suzy covers a wide range of topics, including fashion, beauty, travel, cooking, fitness, health, and wellness. Her goal is to provide a comprehensive resource for empty nesters, much like a magazine format. “I think women are just fascinating. They’re multifaceted, and I want to speak into that,” she explains. By sharing her own experiences and the lessons she’s learned, Suzy offers valuable guidance for those looking to thrive during their empty nest years.

Navigating Relationships and Self-Care

One of the most significant challenges for empty nesters is maintaining and nurturing relationships with adult children. Suzy shares her approach to this delicate balance, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and thoughtfulness. Parenting adult kids well is not that different from learning to just be a good friend. She encourages empty nesters to be supportive and respectful, avoiding the temptation to impose their emotional agendas on their children.

Suzy also highlights the importance of self-care and staying active. She practices what she preaches, getting up early to work out and making time for her hobbies and interests. By taking care of herself, she sets a positive example for her followers and demonstrates that it’s possible to lead a fulfilling and vibrant life after the kids have left home.

One particularly touching anecdote Suzy shares is her method of staying connected with her children. She always texts them before they visit, asking what food and drinks they would like her to have on hand. This small gesture shows her thoughtfulness and helps maintain a warm, welcoming environment that her children look forward to returning to. “It’s the little things that show you care and are attentive to their needs,” Suzy explains.

Embracing the Role of a Mother-In-Law

Navigating the role of a mother-in-law is another topic Suzy delves into with wisdom and grace. With two sons who are married, she understands the delicate balance required to maintain harmonious relationships with her daughters-in-law. Suzy believes that finding ways to encourage and support her daughters-in-law is crucial. She emphasizes the importance of being generous—not just financially, but with time, attention, and positive reinforcement.

Being a mother-in-law is an important role to Suzy. She has experienced firsthand that her sons really appreciate that she loves their wives well. This philosophy underpins her approach to being a mother-in-law. She advises finding things to genuinely compliment and encourage in your adult children’s partners, creating a foundation of respect and affection. Suzy’s experiences highlight that nurturing these relationships requires the same principles of respect, honor, and thoughtfulness as any other friendship.

Balancing Act: Holidays and Family Traditions

Another aspect of empty nest life that Suzy addresses is the balance of holiday traditions and family gatherings. She shares valuable advice on handling the complexities that come with adult children having their own families and commitments. Christina shares invaluable advice that has helped guide her—a holiday is just a day and can be celebrated anytime. Suzy adds that this practice removes unnecessary pressure from her children and their spouses.

Wisdom like this has helped Suzy maintain flexibility and harmony within her family. She encourages other empty nesters to adopt this mindset, making family gatherings more about the quality of time spent together rather than sticking to traditional dates.

The Business Side of Influencing

As an influencer, Suzy is often met with questions about the business side of influencing. She shares that she is careful about the brands she collaborates with, ensuring they align with her values and resonate with her audience. “My followers’ trust is my greatest commodity,” she says. This commitment to authenticity has helped her build a loyal following and establish herself as a trusted voice in the empty nester community. Suzy’s blog and social media platforms provide a blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and product recommendations, all aimed at enriching the lives of her readers.

Suzy explains that she receives numerous offers from brands wanting to collaborate, but she is selective, saying no to the majority of them. This selectiveness ensures that her recommendations remain genuine and trustworthy. People can sniff out inauthenticity, so it is important that she stays true to herself. Suzy’s careful curation of brands allows her to maintain integrity and offer true value to her followers.

Staying Relevant and Connected

Staying relevant and connected in the ever-changing digital landscape is another challenge Suzy embraces. She continuously adapts to new technologies and platforms to engage her audience effectively. By doing so, she not only stays connected with her followers but also sets an example for other empty nesters who may feel overwhelmed by the fast pace of technological advancements.

Suzy’s proactive approach to learning and adapting new digital tools demonstrates her commitment to growth and her audience. She frequently updates her blog and social media channels with fresh content, ensuring that she provides valuable, up-to-date information. This adaptability has made her a respected figure in the influencer community, particularly among those over 50.

Embracing the Future

Looking ahead, Suzy remains focused on her mission to encourage, inspire, and bless empty nesters. While she acknowledges that her journey might evolve, her dedication to her community remains unwavering. “I try not to think too far ahead, just to really be faithful in the little things every day,” she says. Whether through her blog, social media, or speaking engagements, Suzy continues to share her wisdom and support with those navigating the empty nest phase.

For anyone facing the transition to an empty nest, Suzy’s story is a testament to the power of positivity and the importance of finding purpose in every stage of life. Her insights and tips offer valuable guidance, showing that this phase can be an exciting opportunity for growth, joy, and new beginnings.

Final Thoughts

Suzy Mighell’s journey from a PR professional to a leading influencer for empty nesters is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Her story is not just about personal success but about building a community where empty nesters can find support, inspiration, and joy. By sharing her experiences and insights, Suzy encourages others to embrace the empty nest phase with positivity and purpose.

Through her blog, Empty Nest Blessed, Suzy offers a wealth of resources for those navigating this stage of life. From practical tips on fashion and beauty to profound advice on maintaining relationships and finding joy, her content is a beacon of light for empty nesters everywhere. Suzy’s message is clear: the empty nest phase is not an end but a beginning—a time to rediscover oneself, find new passions, and live life to the fullest.

For anyone embarking on the empty nest journey, Suzy Mighell’s wisdom and warmth provide a roadmap to navigating this phase with grace and enthusiasm. Her dedication to encouraging, inspiring, and blessing others is a true testament to the positive impact one person can have on an entire community.

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