Hop on the Joyride!
It's time to slow down and enjoy the ride.
Hi. I’m Linda.
I’ve been writing on Substack since March 16, 2023 (but started blogging ten years ago!), so I thought I’d re-introduce myself to benefit my new followers (Hello there!) and others who want a taste of what Empty-Nest Joyride! is all about.
If you’re thinking about the "empty nest”, at some point, you probably had (maybe still have) a full nest, and you know those are some crazy years!
The full-nest years speed by, don’t they?
One minute you are feeding the baby and corralling the toddlers, the next you’re helping with science fair projects and running to soccer games, all while drowning in huge grocery bills and piles of laundry. Then there are concerts, shows, track meets, youth group outings, and calculus homework. Finally, it’s ACT/SATs, college or job applications, prom, and graduation!
You’re on a speeding train that’s out of control, moving faster and faster, until suddenly—
It hits the brakes!
Your youngest (or only) child moves out of the house and It. All. Stops.
It’s so quiet, all you hear is steam hissing from the engine.
Are you dizzy? Hurting? A little scared?
It’s understandable. The momentum you had gained and the abruptness of hitting the brakes have thrown you out of your comfortable seat. You’re dazed and disoriented.
You look around and notice the scenery is different. The people that surround you are different. And you’ve lost a ton of baggage. But you’re no longer moving. Why not? Perhaps you should be.
It’s time to step off that train and find a new ride. A slow ride. A fun, maybe even adventurous, ride.
It’s time to take the Empty-Nest Joyride!
And I’m here to guide you.
I’ve been on a slower, more leisurely ride since 2017 when we sent our fourth child off to college, eight hours away from home. My children now live in Colorado, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. My husband and I spend most of the year in southwest Michigan but enjoy summers “on the lake” in Minnesota (our home away from home). We both enjoy reading, music, theater, cycling, fishing, traveling, and spending time with our two—might I say?—adorable grandchildren.
Writing has helped me process this new life stage. In doing so, I’ve mapped out a journey for you too. It includes:
stories (lots of stories!)
reading and podcast recommendations
photos
links
recipes
music playlists
and other resources
My site is all about finding joy, through faith and hope, in life’s next chapter. For me, “joy” isn’t all sugar-coated rainbows and happy-go-lucky unicorns. Like you, I’ve faced trials, sorrow, frustration, and temptation.
My joy comes from a place deep within. I’ll encourage you to find joy on your ride too, as we talk about faith, marriage, family relationships, aging, retirement, personal endeavors, and new adventures. And I’ll support you through the struggles and bumps along the way!
If you’re ready to jump off the old train and start your new joyride, subscribe to my free newsletter. I aim to have it hit your inbox once a week. Sometimes I make that goal, sometimes I don’t. But since perfectionism doesn’t fit the “slow ride, joyride” lifestyle, I try not to sweat it.
In the newsletter, and with free access to the archives, you’ll find everything I mentioned above!
At this time, all of my stories are given for free. But they’re not free to produce. For just $3-5/month (the cost of a cup of coffee), you can support an independent writer. In addition to making my day, a paid subscription earns you a few more perks, like free downloads from my Printables Shop. But no pressure. I’m happy to have you along whichever way you can make it!
I’d love to have you come along on the Empty-Nest Joyride!
Finding joy, through faith and hope, in life’s next chapter.
Want a taste? Here’s a small sampling of some “greatest hits”:
Faith:
A sample of my Lenten Devotional—my first published book!
