{"id":2425,"date":"2025-10-15T13:45:38","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T18:45:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/?p=2425"},"modified":"2025-11-17T15:36:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T21:36:49","slug":"why-trying-new-things-in-your-empty-nest-years-might-be-the-best-adventure-yet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/2025\/10\/15\/why-trying-new-things-in-your-empty-nest-years-might-be-the-best-adventure-yet\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Trying New Things in Your Empty Nest Years Might Be the Best Adventure Yet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>So, your nest is empty. The kids are off living their lives, and suddenly\u2026 it\u2019s <em>quiet.<\/em> Maybe a little too quiet. You look around and wonder, <em>Now what?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If that\u2019s you, you\u2019re not alone! The Empty Nest years can feel like a blank canvas\u2014equal parts exciting and intimidating. But here\u2019s the secret: they\u2019re actually one of the <em>most<\/em> powerful times in your life to rediscover yourself, deepen your faith, and try new things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I know, because I\u2019ve been there. And wow, has it been an adventure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Question that Started it All<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When my nest first emptied, I found myself asking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What will I <em>do<\/em>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where will I <em>go<\/em>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who will I <em>be<\/em> in this brand-new golden season of life?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And most importantly, what does <em>God<\/em> want me to pursue with this abundance of time ahead?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019d already lived a wonderfully varied career\u201414 years as a high-end residential Interior Designer, followed by 20 years as a professional speaker and writer. I\u2019d met fascinating people, traveled the country, and loved every minute. But now it was time for something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, I jumped in with both feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My Season of Trying<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I tried <em>a lot<\/em> of things. Some worked beautifully; some\u2026 not so much. But each experience taught me something valuable about who I am today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a little peek at what I explored:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2708\ufe0f Becoming a flight attendant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\ud83c\udfd3 Playing (and attempting to go pro!) in pickleball<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\ud83c\udfa4 Speaking on cruise ships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\ud83c\udfa8 Becoming a painter and visual artist<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2432\" src=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1457-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Christy as flight attendant\" class=\"wp-image-2432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1457-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1457-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1457-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1457-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1457-1-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1457-1-850x1133.jpg 850w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1457-1-1320x1760.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1457-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy as flight attendant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2433\" src=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1403-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1403-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1403-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1403-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1403-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1403-1-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1403-1-850x1133.jpg 850w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1403-1-1320x1760.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_1403-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy and pickleball<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"446\" height=\"660\" data-id=\"2435\" src=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_9962.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_9962.jpg 446w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_9962-203x300.jpg 203w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_9962-300x444.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 446px) 100vw, 446px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy the cruise ship speaker <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2434\" src=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_5856-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_5856-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_5856-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_5856-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_5856-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_5856-1-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_5856-1-850x1133.jpg 850w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_5856-1-1320x1760.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_5856-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy as artist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Did I do all of those things forever? No way! But each one opened a new door\u2014and helped me see where God was gently guiding me next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5 Joyful Ways to Reimagine Your Empty Nest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re just entering this new chapter or knee-deep in figuring it out, here are my five favorite tips for creating a fun, purpose-filled next act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Make Your Big, Beautiful List<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grab a notebook (or your favorite pretty journal) and write down <em>everything<\/em> that lights you up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What did you love doing as a child?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What school subjects came easily?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What vacations made you happiest?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If time and money weren\u2019t an issue, what would you do just for fun?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is there a secret dream you\u2019ve tucked away for years?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Go wild\u2014the crazier, the better. You\u2019re brainstorming inspiration here, not commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Pick Your Top Five and Research Like a Pro<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve got your list, circle your top five ideas and dive in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I always say my favorite research assistant is Chatty (you might know her as ChatGPT!). Listen to podcasts, explore YouTube, and\u2014most importantly\u2014<em>talk to people<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I first fell in love with pickleball on a cruise ship back in 2019, I came home and immediately found lessons, courts, and a community. One small step led to another, and before I knew it, I was taking private lessons and writing pickleball devotionals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And sometimes inspiration strikes in the most unexpected places\u2014like my hairstylist\u2019s chair! When she mentioned she became a Southwest flight attendant at 50, a spark lit up inside me. That one conversation changed everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Choose One and Just Start<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After that conversation, I knew I wanted to try becoming a flight attendant again. Yes, <em>again!<\/em> I\u2019d applied for American Airlines when I was 21 but got turned down for being five pounds over their 1985 weight limit (true story!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, I tried again. This time, I got in. Training was intense\u2014full of safety drills, exams, and confidence tests\u2014but I made it through. I was proud, exhausted, and ready for takeoff\u2026 or so I thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Evaluate Honestly<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you start something new, give it a little time, then ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do I <em>love<\/em> this?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is it a good fit for who I am today?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does it bring me joy or drain me?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That flight attendant job? It turned out not to be the dream I\u2019d hoped for. My airline was full of twenty-somethings (adorable, but not exactly my people), I was based in Chicago (hello, constant travel stress!), and there were so many rules I was always afraid of breaking one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Within weeks, I knew: this wasn\u2019t it. And that\u2019s okay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Adjust, Let Go, and Move Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the best part about being 60: you don\u2019t need to force yourself to fit into something that doesn\u2019t feel right. You\u2019ve earned the freedom to pivot\u2014<em>without shame.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I realized being a flight attendant wasn\u2019t for me, I gracefully bowed out. Next came my \u201cpickleball pro\u201d chapter. Let\u2019s just say\u2026 that one didn\u2019t quite fit either (turns out my strength is writing <em>about<\/em> pickleball, not winning tournaments!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, I wrote a <strong>Pickleball Devotional<\/strong> and a <strong>Pickleball Word Search Book<\/strong> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then came cruise ship speaking \u2014 a perfect blend of my two favorite things: travel and storytelling! I loved it, but after one 10-day cruise, I realized I\u2019d rather spend my creative energy painting than prepping speeches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So now? I\u2019m painting my heart out, and I\u2019ve never felt more alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Real Joy of Trying New Things<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s the beautiful thing about this stage of life\u2014you can experiment, explore, and evolve without fear of \u201cfailure.\u201d Every new thing you try brings you closer to what truly lights you up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you open yourself to possibility, you also open yourself to <em>joy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might discover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A new passion that keeps you energized<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A deeper connection with God\u2019s purpose for you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A whole new circle of friends and experiences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And here\u2019s the secret\u2014when you\u2019re doing what brings you joy, you glorify God. He made us to live fully, with curiosity and delight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So go ahead\u2014take that class, book that trip, learn that skill, or paint that first canvas. You never know what door He\u2019s waiting to open until you <em>knock.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thought<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your Empty Nest isn\u2019t an ending. It\u2019s an <em>invitation.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An invitation to rediscover who you are, to play again, and to live this season with purpose and joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the truth is\u2014at 60, 70, or 80\u2014it\u2019s never too late to try something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-pale-pink-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-pale-pink-background-color has-background is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New to The Best-Life Project?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Please read these foundational posts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/2023\/01\/14\/best-life-dream-story\/\">Best Life Dream Story<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/2023\/02\/18\/best-life-definition\/\">Best-Life Definition<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Read More on this Topic:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/2025\/10\/04\/should-art-be-a-part-of-your-next-phase\/\">Should Art be a Part of Your Next Phase?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/2025\/08\/27\/life-in-chapters\/\">Life in Chapters<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ChristyCruisePic-6-x-8-in-790x1024.jpg\" alt=\"beautiful grey haired woman\" class=\"wp-image-2426\" style=\"width:182px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ChristyCruisePic-6-x-8-in-790x1024.jpg 790w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ChristyCruisePic-6-x-8-in-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ChristyCruisePic-6-x-8-in-768x995.jpg 768w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ChristyCruisePic-6-x-8-in-1185x1536.jpg 1185w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ChristyCruisePic-6-x-8-in-300x389.jpg 300w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ChristyCruisePic-6-x-8-in-850x1101.jpg 850w, https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ChristyCruisePic-6-x-8-in.jpg 1315w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy Largent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Christy Largent<\/strong> is a motivational speaker, painter, and joy enthusiast based in Texas. After decades as an interior designer and professional speaker, she\u2019s now inspiring women everywhere to embrace their Empty Nest years as a fresh season of discovery. Through her art, writing, and storytelling, Christy encourages others to live with purpose, laughter, and faith\u2014because joy truly is <em>made visible.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow her at <a href=\"https:\/\/chatgpt.com\/c\/68ef0918-93c4-8327-b1de-a0b1f80dbb56#\">ChristyLargent.com<\/a> or on Instagram <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/christylargent\/\">@ChristyLargent<\/a> for a daily dose of color, creativity, and encouragement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So, your nest is empty. The kids are off living their lives, and suddenly\u2026 it\u2019s quiet. Maybe a little too quiet. You look around and wonder, Now what?<\/p>\n<p>If that\u2019s you, you\u2019re not alone! The Empty Nest years can feel like a blank canvas\u2014equal parts exciting and intimidating. But here\u2019s the secret: they\u2019re actually one of the most powerful times in your life to rediscover yourself, deepen your faith, and try new things.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":2427,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,17,14],"tags":[321],"class_list":["post-2425","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-wellness","category-hobbies","category-transitions","tag-pickleball"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2425","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2425"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2425\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2511,"href":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2425\/revisions\/2511"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2427"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2425"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2425"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2425"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}