The Transformative Journey of Empty Nest: Interview with Joanne Clark

10/26/21 • 31 min

Thriving In Midlife: Living Beyond Mediocre

For those women who are in the empty-nest season or facing this transitional time soon, this episode is for you. Last episode I shared my personal experience and feelings of being a new empty nester. Now I present a coach who specifically guides women in this journey to rediscover their purpose, passion and joy.
Joanne Clark is originally from Denver, Colorado and is currently residing in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She has a BA in Psychology from Creighton University and has always been fascinated by brain function and human development. After 20 years in Training and Development for a variety of companies, Joanne has turned her focus toward mentoring empty nest moms so they can rediscover purpose and joy in this next phase of their lives.

She and her husband are proud parents to two adult children, one of whom is almost off the family phone plan! When she's not working, Joanne enjoys reading, cross stitching, and walking her rescue dog, Ellie. Despite her initial struggle with her empty nest, Joanne is finding more self confidence and more joy in this midlife stage than she ever imagined possible.
TAKEAWAYS FROM EPISODE:
1) Find new purpose in the empty nest season. Do your next thing, maybe re-invent yourself.
2) We are not alone in this season, nor in how we are feeling.
3) The biggest struggle is that we have put ourselves on the back burner for all those years and now can't figure out what to do next.
4) Reconnect with your younger self. Trust your inner voice.
Resources: JOURNALING and The Mindset Mentor podcast
You can find Joanne at:
www.coachjoanneclark.com
[email protected]
FB group: Empty Nest Thriving
FB page: Find The Blessings
Instagram: @findtheblessings

Previous Episode

Empty Nest= Free Bird

Are you in the season of being an empty-nester? Or maybe you will be in a year or two.
I share my experience and reaction to now being considered an empty- nester.
1) Everyone will have different emotions as they become empty-nesters.
2) Not feel guilty but take time to grieve if needed and find your true self outside of the definition of motherhood.
3) Discover new activities you might like to do or rediscover old ones you may have had to put on the back burner while raising your children.
4) If your youngest is a junior or senior in high school and you are anticipating the empty nest season, focus on savoring and be involved in their final years in HS and at home with you. Cherish the time.
5) You are not alone in any of this. But don't sit in the deafening silence and do nothing. Get out there and do something you enjoy.
My freedom travels:
Being on the road and exploring our amazing country has opened my eyes to the remarkable beauty our land has to offer. We should not take advantage of what is around us and often right in our own backyards. Get out and explore our country or your community. I also was able to check off a bucket list item.
Live to your fullest!
www.cherylbeckesch.com
Instagram: follow @thrivinginmidlife
[email protected]

Next Episode

Sleep Better: How to Create an Atmosphere for Good Rest

Do you struggle getting a good nights sleep or even staying asleep through the night?
Sleep is a struggle especially for women going through menopause or experiencing hormonal imbalances and hot flashes.
There are many factors that can interfere with our sleep patterns.
* work shift * caffeine * distractions * stress * lights * temperature of room * mattress * pillow * hormones * allergies * EMF's
Getting a good nights sleep is essential to our health.
1) Poor sleep is linked to weight gain or the inability to lose weight
2) Poor sleep leads to eating more calories and a bigger appetite
3) Good sleep improves concentration and productivity, whereas a lack affects brain function
4) Poor sleepers have a greater risk of heart disease and stroke
5) Poor sleep is linked to depression
6) Sleep improves your immune function so the body can repair itself
How to set the stage for a good nights rest:
1) Set a regular bedtime
2) Avoid caffeine 10 hours before bedtime
3) Don't eat 3 hours prior to bedtime
4) 1-2 hours prior, avoid screen time
5) Don't drink alcohol
6) Set your environment- Dark room, cool temp at 65, keep phone away from body, comfortable mattress/pillow, noise machine
Other things that have helped me sleep better:
1) Magnesuim
2) Epsom salt bath
3) Lavender Essential Oil
4) Melatonin
5) Relaxing music