“When I first walked into the room, I knew right away that we at least shared an interest in cooking. I’ve created more connections and met more people with similar interests, and now many of them have become very good friends.”

Meet Mike, a former business owner who moved to a new town and joined a local men’s cooking group, and found fun, friendship and fulfillment.

In this episode of the Midlife Happiness Project, I speak with Mike about how this group, called Les Marmitons, meets monthly to cook, learn, and enjoy gourmet meals paired with wine. He describes the camaraderie among members and the joy of learning new culinary skills from guest chefs. Mike’s involvement has not only enhanced his culinary expertise but also enriched his social life, creating strong friendships in his new community.

Our discussion also delves how these types of shared activities can foster deeper connections among men, as well as the broader trend of men becoming more involved in cooking at home. We explore how food and cooking can bring people together, offering a fulfilling way to spend time and create lasting friends and memories.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to explore new hobbies, build meaningful friendships, or simply find more joy in their midlife years. Tune in and get inspired to join a culinary group or try a new activity that could bring a fresh wave of happiness into your life!

To learn more about Les Marmitons: https://english.lesmarmitons.com/

-------------------------------------

Join us as we uncover more inspiring stories like Mike’s on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifehappinessproject/

If you have an interesting midlife happiness story, we’d love to speak with you! Please contact us at happy@midlifehappinessproject.com

“So it has really changed our evening routine and has been a great commitment together. We're sleeping better, we're feeling better. It’s definitely brought us closer.”

Meet Darla, a chiropractor and empty-nest mother of two, who has found that regularly jumping into a hot sauna followed by a cold-water plunge provides her with benefits far beyond what she initially expected. What began as a search to help reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s disease due to a genetic predisposition ended up providing health and relationship benefits (with her husband) that she never anticipated.

Inspired by a longevity seminar, she was introduced to the concept of infrared sauna and cold plunge therapy. This type of therapy uses the impact of extreme heat and cold to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. She found that regular sessions provided mental clarity, improved sleep, and enhanced her physical vitality.

Surprisingly, this holistic approach not only improved her own health but also deepened her connection with her husband, who now joins her in their nightly sauna and cold plunge routine. Watching Netflix together during sauna time while commiserating over the anticipation of the cold plunge to follow has brought Darla closer to her husband.

-------------------------------------

Join us as we uncover more inspiring stories like Darla's on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifehappinessproject/

“For many empty-nesters, they’ve stored up a lot of business experience and skills and insights that they may not know that they have, so I think it’s really valuable and rewarding to be able to put that to work through coaching others.”

Meet Dane, an experienced business executive and recent empty nester who has found new fulfillment through executive coaching.

In this episode, Dane shares how he has embraced coaching after experiencing it himself during a career transition. Even though Dane continues to pursue his business career, working on the side as an executive coach offers a deeply fulfilling way for him to help others become the best version of themselves.

Dane also reflects on the profound impact coaching has had on his life, and the satisfaction he gains from seeing his clients' progress. Dane approaches executive coaching as a process of envisioning a future self and working towards that ‘North Star’, particularly during major life transitions like becoming an empty nester or navigating career changes.

Dane's story offers inspiration to anyone seeking to add fulfillment and purpose in their own lives, through embracing change and sharing their expertise to make a positive impact on others. As Dane says, embrace this “new season” of your life and discover new ways to find joy and happiness!

-------------------------------------

Join us as we uncover more inspiring stories like Dane's on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifehappinessproject/

“I think the crux of it for me is that I'm not afraid to spend time alone. Like, I used to feel like, wow, I can't go to a movie or go on a trip alone. That's kind of scary. And now I really look forward to it.”

Meet Jessica: an uber-extraverted working mom and recent empty-nester who has embraced the beauty of solitude amidst her bustling life.

Despite her outgoing nature, Jessica surprised herself by finding solo activities that nourish her inner-self, such as morning walks and solo trips. Supported by her understanding husband, Jessica has been exploring her newfound empty-nest freedom pursuing her personal interests, often on her own. This intentional me-time has had a profound and positive impact on her mental well-being and decision-making.

Interestingly, a number of recent studies have found significant positive effects of “intentional solitude” on mental health and overall happiness, mirroring Jessica's experiences. Research has also shown that both introverts and extroverts rated their alone time as similarly enjoyable and beneficial.

From Sarah’s discussion with Jessica, you will gain a newfound appreciation for the restorative power of me-time, and get inspired to integrate moments of quiet contemplation into your own daily life.

-------------------------------------

Join us as we uncover more inspiring stories like Jessica's on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifehappinessproject/

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Midlife-Happiness-Project-Podcast/61557938056346/

“It's become part of this new routine that just sets up my day to be better, you know? it calms you, but it also gives you this feeling of connectedness to sort of everything, which is really cool. And it gives me this perspective that all these worries that I have, they’re not so big. Like, let it go, let it go.”

Meet Donna, a recent empty nester and successful business owner, who found her secret to reduced stress and increased happiness: Transcendental Meditation.

Seeking balance and stress relief in her busy life once her kids left home, Donna discovered this transformative practice through intentional seeking and research. For Donna, Transcendental Meditation offers a private sanctuary of tranquility, just 20 minutes, twice a day, away from the chaos of daily life.

Donna's journey shows the power of self-discovery and the pursuit of happiness. Starting her day with meditation, she feels gratitude, and gains clarity and focus, setting a positive tone for what lies ahead. What's remarkable is that Transcendental Meditation is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or belief.

------------------------------

Join us as we uncover more inspiring stories like Donna’s on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you enjoyed this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifehappinessproject/

“So it’s just been great in terms of getting out of your own world, being inspired and impressed by young leaders and the talent and passion they have, and experiencing how they see the world and their courage. It’s not only great, it’s fulfilling as well.”

Meet Scott, a retired CEO who has found profound fulfillment in mentoring young CEOs and contributing to his community as he eases into retirement now that he's an empty nester.

Sarah’s conversation with Scott delves into his journey of "downshifting" from his high-powered career to a more purpose-driven life. Through mentoring young leaders, contributing to the board of directors for several startups, and participating in nonprofit work, Scott has found a new sense of purpose and joy.

The interview also highlights the importance of transitioning from relying primarily on “fluid intelligence”, which tends to peak in early adulthood, to embracing “crystallized intelligence”, built upon accumulated knowledge and experience. Scott's story serves as a testament to the value of sharing wisdom and expertise with the next generation, even as one's role evolves over time.

This episode will leave you inspired and energized to consider how you can contribute to others and find fulfillment in sharing your own expertise. Downshifting can indeed lead to a more purposeful and rewarding life!

-------------------------------------

Join us as we uncover more inspiring stories like Scott's on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifehappinessproject/

Ready to add more happiness into your life as a midlife empty-nester? Join Sarah as her guests share inspiring stories about newfound pursuits and passions they have intentionally sought out that are bringing them real happiness and joy. From the intimate and personal to the dramatic and life changing, our guests discuss the “thing” that they have recently discovered in their 50s or 60s and the extra dose of happiness this is bringing to their lives.

Far from being a crisis, midlife can truly provide a time for renewal, growth and profound happiness. Tune in to the Midlife Happiness Project podcast and discover your own path to joy and fulfillment.

-------------------------------------

Join us as we uncover more inspiring stories on the Midlife Happiness Project! If you're ready to add some happiness into your life, please SUBSCRIBE and leave a rating and a review. And don’t forget to share the happiness with your friends!

Watch this episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeHappinessProject

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifehappinessproject/