474: From Empty Nest to New Beginnings

Author: Michelle Chalfant
Published: Thu 04 Sep 2025
Episode Link: https://www.michellechalfant.com/podcast

When our kids leave the nest, we’re left with a house that feels quieter, emptier, and sometimes unbearably still. This transition can stir up grief, loss, and confusion about who we are without the daily role of being “mom” or “dad” at the center of our lives.

In this episode, I’m talking about the very real experience of empty nest syndrome and how to navigate it with compassion and consciousness. No one prepares us for this season of life, but it can also be an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, process our emotions, and step into a new chapter with purpose.

In this episode, I cover:

Why grief is a natural and necessary part of the empty nest transition
How to process and metabolize your emotions instead of avoiding them
The importance of letting go of control and trusting your kids’ journeys
Ways to validate yourself as a parent and give yourself grace
How to begin exploring your “Act Two” and discover new purpose in this season of life