The conversation continues! In this episode, we’re talking social media and all that comes with showing up online in a very public way, navigating friendships in midlife, as well as what events she’s got up her sleeve! Don’t miss out on Part 1 of this conversation if you have’t listened yet!

I know. I’m just as shocked as you are that I’m speaking to THE MaryJo Anderson on today’s episode. But also, this has been a long time coming. MaryJo and I “met” on Instagram through Landyn Hutchinson (Living with Landyn), everyone’s favorite influencer and MJ quickly became one of my favorite people. She shares the beautiful view from her deck most mornings, perhaps a stroll through “The Beloved Garden”, or a video of one of her kids swinging in their living room. Yes, she has a swing in her living room. While all the beautiful moments she shares are quite lovely, the best things about her are what’s on the inside. MaryJo is a dedicated volunteer and philanthropist in her community and also organizes many events with the hope of creating connection and inspiring women to show up in love every chance they get. We had so much to cover so this is part 1 of a 2-part conversation. I’m so, so grateful to have women like MaryJo in my life and if for some reason you don’t know her yet, you’re about to meet your next favorite person as well. And don’t forget to come back next week for Part 2 where we talk more about friendship, social media, and connection! Enjoy!

We’re back in Kansas City from our two-month stay in Colorado and I have some thoughts! Actually, they’re things I’ve learned since doing this a couple of times and I thought I’d share my tips on how to make your long-term stay memorable, meaningful, and time well-spent. I’m sharing my top things to keep in mind as well as ideas to make the most of your time away from home. The empty-nest era is a great time to try out some new places without having to sell and move everything. Long-term renting is a great way to try before you buy and heck, you may never buy if you can just live in the best places during the best seasons. Let me know if you've done this and where your favorite locations have been! I may need to add it to my list!

When I discovered Helen, it was from an Instagram Reel where she shared who she was (a retired SAHM) and that she had gone away for a month to spend time with herself now that she was an empty-nester. I knew instantly I needed to chat with her, both as my new favorite person and as a potential podcast guest. She is delightful in so many ways. She has a wicked sense of humor (my love language), is courageous, relatable, and does NOT do bullshit. Did I mention she is delightful? I can’t wait for you to listen and be inspired for your empty-nest years, whenever they may be.

Today, I’m sharing some insights into living in Colorado part-time, taking in what we learned from last year and what we want to do differently this year. We came out here last year to be closer to our boys during baseball season and make it easier on us to see them play each weekend. It was a wonderful experience and we wanted to replicate that again this year but also try to do things a little differently. Come along as I share what life is like living part-time in beautiful Colorado and why it’s been something we will continue to do forever.

I started a local group in Kansas City for sober women who also want to be social. The reason why? I was lonely but I’m also intentional with who I wanted to spend my time with. And these days, I really enjoy the company of women who choose a sober life. I’m sharing the story of how and why behind it to encourage you to create what you need, whatever it may be.

This week, I’m having a conversation with Sara Stansberry, writer, podcaster, life coach, and mother who found her true self after blowing up her life. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not living the life you’re meant to, you’ll relate to her story. Maybe you're in an unhappy job or career. Maybe you feel like you’re living in the wrong place. Maybe you’ve had to walk away from your family of origin. I hope Sara’s story inspires you, encourages you, and helps you feel less alone in the hard thing you’re going through. More than anything, I hope this conversation gives you the strength you need to move forward with a really hard decision in your life, whatever it may be. Perhaps Sara can be a source of support should you decide you want a little help. I’m sure she’d love to help!

I sat down at the beginning of the year and examined how I wanted to feel this year. What I kept going back to was a gorgeous hike I’d done last fall and realized I wanted to recreate exactly how I felt on that hike. I think it may be the way I want to live the rest of my life, actually. Take a listen and see if you agree. As always, thank you for being here and for sharing these episodes with your friends. It means the world!

This week’s conversation is with Kim Costa, one of Atlanta’s top realtors who is also a TV host, podcaster, and soon to be author! We talked about how a home should be a reflection of self but what happens when we’re out of alignment? Kim shares how getting in alignment directly affects how we feel about our home as well as tools she uses to help her clients figure out where things are “off”. These tools and information help her clients decide whether they should stay in their current home, renovate their space, or move to a new home in order to match who they are to a space that feels the most “home” to them This information helpful to anyone who is trying to buy a home or feeling unsure of where they’re currently living, from first-home buyers to empty-nesters! This applies to everyone!

It's been a couple of months since I've been paying attention to a new health measurement, HRV, which stands for Heart Rate Variability. The reason I'm paying attention to it is because HRV reflects my nervous system's adaptability and how well I respond to stressors, both physical and mental. It just may be the truest measure of my health because if my nervous system isn't resilient, my body won't be either.