The Story Behind My Book – Empty Nest Blessed: 60 Days to Finding Joy in the Empty Nest

When our youngest child left the nest ten years ago, I found myself asking a question that felt both thrilling and terrifying: Now what?

After years of pouring my heart into raising kids, I suddenly had time, space, and freedom… and no idea what to do with it! I longed to do something meaningful, purposeful, and—most of all—helpful to others. I wanted to be a blessing.

In that season of transition, I found myself on my knees, asking God how He wanted me to use this new chapter. As I looked around, I realized I wasn’t alone. My friends were feeling it too—grieving the close of a beloved chapter while trying to figure out who they were now that their kids didn’t need them every day. We were all searching for purpose, joy, and direction in this unfamiliar space called the empty nest.

That’s when the Lord planted a dream in my heart.

Could I share my own journey—the ups, downs, and lessons learned—and let Him use it for good? Could I be brave enough to say, “Here’s what I’m learning… come along with me?”

And just like that, Empty Nest Blessed.com was born.

I had no tech skills (like, none!), but I felt so clearly called that I pushed through the overwhelm and learned as I went. Six months later, I hit “publish” on my very first blog post, and ENB was born. Over the past decade, thousands of women—beautiful, faithful, funny, wise women like you—have read, commented, and reached out to tell me they were walking the same path.

My book, Empty Nest Blessed: 60 Days to Finding Joy in the Empty Nest was born out of those conversations. It’s is a 60-day journey with daily encouragement, biblical wisdom, and practical action steps. Each reading is short and heartfelt—like having me walking alongside you—helping you move from sadness to joy and embrace this season with confidence and purpose. I cover everything from rediscovering who you are now that your kids are gone, to finding fresh purpose, building joy into the “new normal” of your daily life, and navigating relationships with your adult kids.

It’s my love letter to every woman navigating this tender and transformative season. I wanted to create something that felt doable—not overwhelming. Something you could pick up with your morning coffee or before bed and feel encouraged, uplifted, and equipped for the next step.

Each of the sixty readings includes an inspiring quote or Scripture, a short narrative full of practical ideas, funny stories, and doable tips, and ends with a “Live It Out” section—a simple, action-oriented prompt designed to help you take what you’ve read and put it into practice in your own life. Because joy isn’t just something we find—it’s something we live!

As I wrote in the final chapter:

“The joy of the Lord is your strength. When you live out joy—even when it doesn’t come easily—you become a beacon of light to others. You become proof that this season isn’t an ending. It’s a beginning.”

How Empty Nest Blessed Is Structured

Empty Nest Blessed: 60 Days to Finding Joy in the Empty Nest is divided into six parts that walk you gently, but purposefully, through the empty-nest journey from start to finish.

Part One: Who Are You Now?

This section is for everyone, regardless of how long you’ve been an empty nester. I come alongside you to help you redefine your identity apart from motherhood. We’re going to rediscover the woman God created you to be.

Part Two: Preparing for the Empty Nest

If you’re a not-yet-empty-nester who is trying to prepare for the empty nest, this section is just for you. We’ll tackle the emotions, changes, and conversations that come with letting go. And I’ll help you give yourself permission to focus on you again.

Part Three: The Nest Empties

If you’re a new empty nester who is struggling with the grief and emotions of the transition, Part Three is for you. From grief to gratitude, this section helps you navigate the early days of the transition with grace, faith, and even humor.

Part Four: Finding Your Purpose in the Empty Nest

No matter how long your nest has been empty, you may be struggling to find your purpose. Together we’ll discover your passions, your gifts, and the unique purpose God has for you in this new season.

Part Five: Life in the Empty Nest

As you settle into life as an empty nester, there are lots of everyday changes that come your way. I share practical, joyful encouragement for marriage, friendship, time management, and help you build a life that fits who you are today.

Part Six: Parenting Adult Kids

No matter how long you’ve been an empty nester, this section will help you. I give you real-world wisdom (and lots straight talk!) to help you navigate this new phase of parenting—with love, strong boundaries, soft hearts, and lots of grace.

No matter how long you’ve been an empty nester, this book is for you.

Four Special “50” Sections

Throughout the book, you’ll find four special “50” sections—little gifts tucked in to give you extra encouragement and practical ideas.

• 50 Things God Says About You – a truth and identity pep talk that will serve as a powerful reminder of your true worth.
• 50 Fun Empty-Nest Date Night Ideas – creative and fun ways to reconnect with your spouse and make memories.
• 50 Traits You Can Encourage in Adult Kids – ready-made affirmations to help you speak life, encouragement, and praise into them.
• 50 Conversation Starters for Adult Kids – thoughtful, open-ended prompts to help you stay connected, even from afar.

A Final Word

Writing this book was one of the most joyful and faith-building experiences of my life. My prayer is that Empty Nest Blessed feels like a warm hug and a pep talk from a friend who understands—and that you’ll feel me beside you, cheering you on every step of the way.

Because friend, the empty nest isn’t the end of your story—it’s a beautiful new beginning. 💛 A huge thank you to each of you. Thank you for every message, every comment, every story you’ve shared. You are a tremendous blessing to me, and the reason I do what I do with such joy.

Just as it’s always been, my heart is to encourage, inspire, and bless you—to be your friend, confidant, cheerleader, and encourager in this season of life.

You’ve got this, friend. Keep walking in faith. Keep choosing joy.

And know that I’m right here with you—heart to heart, hand in hand, cheering you on as we walk this road together.

I wrote this book for you.

SHOP THE POST