In this episode, I’m catching you up on a little bit of everything happening lately.

First, I’m recapping my girls golf trip to Pinehurst, North Carolina. I’m sharing what the trip was like, what stood out, and why Pinehurst is such a fun destination for a golf getaway with friends. If you want more of the details, I’ll link my full Pinehurst blog post here: https://www.jilllewisliving.com/blog

I’m also talking about our Fourth of July weekend because for the first time ever, all three of our kids are coming home at the same time WITH their significant others. It feels like such a fun and full-circle moment in this season of life, and I’m sharing a little of what that’s like as a mom when your house fills back up in a very different way than it used to.

And then I’m diving into something that’s been on my mind lately: social media stress. I’m talking about how social media can quietly start creating anxiety and mental clutter if we’re not careful, and how I’ve been trying to be more intentional about what I consume. I’m sharing how I’m “training my algorithm” to give me more of what inspires me, makes me laugh, teaches me something, or simply makes me feel better — and less of what leaves me feeling drained, irritated, or not enough.

As always, thank you for being here! If you enjoy this show I would so appreciate you giving it a rating and a short review!

Who Are You When You're No Longer Needed Every Day?

Lately, I've been thinking about something that I don't hear discussed very often.

For years, my life revolved around being needed. My kids needed rides, help, advice, support, and a million other things. My days were full, my schedule was packed, and there was rarely a quiet moment to myself.

Then, little by little, things changed.

The kids grew up. The house got quieter. The calendar looked different. And I found myself with something I hadn't had much of in decades: space.

In this episode, I'm talking about a side of midlife that I think many of us experience but don't always talk about. What happens when you're no longer needed in the same way you once were? Why can having more freedom feel both wonderful and uncomfortable at the same time? And how do we begin to create a meaningful next chapter when so much of our identity has been wrapped up in taking care of other people?

This is a conversation about empty nest life, retirement, identity, purpose, and learning to embrace a season that offers more freedom and more possibilities than ever before.

In this episode, I share:

• Why having more time and freedom can sometimes feel surprisingly uncomfortable

• The connection between being needed and how we see ourselves

• Why it's possible to love this season of life and still miss parts of the past

• My thoughts on retirement, empty nest life, and navigating major transitions

• Why I think we should be careful about rushing to fill every open space on our calendars

• The importance of leaving room to think, reflect, and discover what we truly want

• How podcasts, social media, and constant busyness can sometimes keep us from hearing our own thoughts

• The opportunities that can emerge when we stop filling every quiet moment

• Why I believe an empty nest doesn't have to mean an empty life

I don't have all the answers, but I do know this: many of us spent years preparing financially for this stage of life, but very few of us prepared emotionally for it.

If you've ever found yourself wondering what comes next, I think you'll relate to this conversation.

If you would like more information about my FASTer Way Coaching program check it out here: https://jillblewis.myflodesk.com/interest

Follow me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jillblewis

This week I'm taking you along for a trip back to South Bend for my 30th college class reunion.

I share why I decided to drive instead of rolling the dice on Contour Airlines again, what the reunion weekend was like, the events we attended, and what it felt like reconnecting with friends I’ve known for decades. There is something special about being with people who knew you before careers, marriages, and raising kids.

I also talk about a frightening story involving one of my friends whose car was stolen at a gas station this weekend. It serves as an important reminder that no matter where we live or how safe we think we are, it's worth taking a few simple precautions to protect ourselves.

And because I can't resist sharing recommendations, I wrap up the episode with a few things I've been enjoying lately, including what I've been watching, listening to, and recommending.

Come hang out with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillblewis

Check out my FASTer Way to Fat Loss program details: https://www.fasterway.com/?aid=jillblewis