Suzy Mighell
When Suzy Mighell and her husband started their family, they didn’t envision the day they would become empty nesters. They brought all three babies home to their small house on the L Streets of Lake Highlands, later cheering them on at athletic contests, stage performances and award ceremonies. They carefully planned ways to pay for three college degrees, but Mighell admits she didn’t consider the emotional toll of being left at home when her kids flew the coop.
Mighell (pronouned Mi-yal) has written Empty Nest Blessed, a new book designed to help moms of grown children rediscover their identity apart from motherhood and find fresh purpose as they begin a new chapter. The book is a natural extension of her popular lifestyle blog by the same name, which offers practical advice on building healthy, respectful relationships with adult kids without overstepping boundaries.
“I became an empty nester on my fiftieth birthday ten years ago,” Mighell says, “and I knew I wanted to do something meaningful.”
With her public relations degree and years of experience as a PR volunteer for various nonprofits, Mighell got to work talking to other empty nesters and blogging about her daily experiences.
“What I noticed was that so many of my friends were struggling to make that transition to the empty nest. There’s always a range — some people really grieve, and others think it’s the greatest thing that ever happened. Most people are somewhere in between. For me, I felt like there were two tracks. On one hand, I really missed my kids. On the other, there was a sense of exhilaration as I realized I could live my life and make my own decisions. My husband and I could go anywhere we wanted for as long as we wanted and do whatever we wanted.”
Mighell makes frequent appearances on local television, radio and podcasts, where she gives tips on everything from how to refrain from dictating advice to grown children to choosing the cutest spring dress for your age and body type. Influencers abound for the 30-something set, but the empty nester demographic has been largely ignored — until now.
“When I started, I would make a little video and put it on the internet about how to adapt a crock pot recipe intended for five people to just two. People would be like, that’s great, but where did you get those earrings?”
Now, Mighell works with various brands eager to reach her demographic. She’s just finished collaborations with Ann Taylor and Talbots.
“I love the fact that women are so multifaceted, and I think that’s what makes us so interesting,” Mighell says. “I wanted my website to be very reflective of that.”
Mighell’s site has a tab which focuses on downsizing and decluttering. Another offers tips for navigating marriage after retirement. Her colorful book is written as an interactive journal, with 60 bite-sized segments and spaces for written reflection. Every section begins with a quote — either a saying from a wise person or a scripture from the bible.
“When readers really step back and can put that equation together, they have a whole new view of who they are, what they have to offer in this season, and what life can be like now that they have the opportunity to just focus on themselves — growing, learning and developing.”
You’ll find Mighell’s blog here. You may purchase the book here. You may follow on Instagram here.
Empty Nest Blessed
