Lessons from Living

Are you struggling to navigate the transition into the empty nest? In this encouraging second segment, author and speaker Suzy Mighell joins Lessons From Living to share practical, faith-filled wisdom on how to embrace this new season of life with hope, purpose, and joy. Whether you are just entering the empty nest or have been navigating it for years, this episode provides actionable advice on fostering healthy relationships with your adult children and reclaiming your own identity. In this episode, we discuss: Managing Expectations: How self-imposed expectations can rob your joy and why it is essential to replace them with hope. Parenting Adult Children: The two most powerful tools you still have to influence your children: setting a fruitful example and offering intentional encouragement. The Danger of "Suggestions": Why unsolicited advice can undermine your adult child's confidence and how to shift your communication style. Processing Grief: Why it is a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek professional help or counseling during this major life transition. Strengthening Your Marriage: The importance of turning toward your spouse and intentionally growing together as you navigate life after kids. Praying Scripture: How to align your heart with God's promises by praying specific verses over your children. Suzy reminds us that God does not waste a thing—not our pain, our challenges, or our victories. Tune in to be reminded that you are not alone, you have a purpose in this season, and you can trust the Lord with the children you love so dearly. Connect with Suzy Mighell: Visit her website for resources, blog posts, and encouragement: emptynestblessed.com Check out her book: Empty Nest Blessed: 60 Days to Finding Joy in the Empty Nest Enjoyed this conversation? Make sure to subscribe to Lessons From Living and join our community at lfl.net to share your thoughts and join the conversation!

Are you struggling with the transition to an empty nest? In this episode of Lessons from Living, host Beth Graham interviews author Suzy Mighell about the complex emotions of this significant life phase. They explore the "two-track" experience of simultaneously feeling grief and exhilaration, why it is crucial to reclaim your identity outside of motherhood, and actionable steps to reorient your time and focus. Discover how to move past feeling adrift and step into a purposeful, joy-filled next season.

After two weeks in Peru, Lessons From Living host Beth Graham reflects on the warmth and resilience of the Peruvian people, the country’s turbulent history, and the contrasts between Machu Picchu’s Inca engineering and modern infrastructure challenges. The episode explores community-led cooperation, education, opportunity, and the lessons travel can offer—while inviting listeners to share their own perspectives on Peru.

In our second segment of our conversation with Chris Moore, we explore grief, resilience, and the mindset shifts that help us keep living with purpose after devastating loss. Chris shares the story of losing his wife Barbara at 55, the fog that followed, and the conscious decision to “start living again.” He explains how reframing—choosing gratitude over despair—can transform suffering, why community and shared experience matter, and how deep sorrow can expand our capacity for joy. We also discuss: Practical ways to walk through grief (not around it) Building resilience, empathy, and meaning in later life Connection across generations and making younger friends Creating a life you don’t want to retire from Purpose, mentorship, and shifting goals as abilities change Lifelong learning for brain health (languages, instruments) The spiritual dimension of aging well and longevity Valuing your wisdom—others need what comes naturally to you Connect with Chris: Age Out Loud (book and community) and Alma Travel with Soul.

Aging specialist Chris Moore joins Lessons From Living to debunk ageism and show how belief, purpose, and intergenerational connection drive healthy, meaningful aging. Learn why mindset matters, what “retirement” gets wrong, and how simple shifts can add years to your life. What you’ll learn: A clear definition of ageism—and why the most damaging form is self-directed How cultural narratives about “acting your age” limit health, purpose, and potential The truth behind “retirement,” Social Security, and why 65 became the norm Why belief changes outcomes (Roger Bannister effect) and can add ~7.5 years to life Practical ways to counter ageism: purpose, visibility, intergenerational ties, travel Loneliness vs. social isolation—and hidden barriers like untreated hearing loss Highlights & timestamps (Part 1): 00:01 Welcome 00:18 What ageism really is (expectations based on age) 01:50 The 91-year-old Appalachian Trail thru-hiker (why outliers matter—but so do myths) 03:43 Why norms change slowly—and the power of visible counterexamples 04:29 How 65 became “retirement” (Social Security origins and shifting math) 06:13 “Retire” vs. human value: we don’t outlive our usefulness 07:22 America’s worship of youth—procedures rising even in 20s 08:26 What we should honor about youth (wonder, trying new things) vs. looks 10:22 The undervalued strengths of age: wisdom, discernment, relationships 11:42 Appearance vs. character: what actually matters 13:39 From multigenerational homes to age segregation—what we lost 14:44 The 1960s and the amplification of ageism (“never trust anyone over 30”) 16:35 Ageism as prejudice against your future self 18:34 Living purposefully as proof that changes beliefs 19:28 Roger Bannister and breaking “impossible” limits 23:25 Self-directed ageism, belief, and Becca Levy’s research (+7.5 years) 24:41 Age-segregated living and why it matters 25:26 University–senior living collaborations that bridge generations 27:07 Cross-cultural lessons from Japan (reverence vs. openness) 30:33 “Alma: Travel with Soul” — designing trips for people who think they’re “too old” to travel 32:49 Loneliness vs. social isolation—and why hearing loss can isolate About our guest: Chris Moore is an aging specialist and author focused on practical, evidence-based approaches to healthy aging, purpose, and intergenerational connection. Mentioned: Becca Levy, Breaking the Age Code (positive aging beliefs linked to ~7.5-year longevity gain) Dale “Greybeard” Sanders, record-setting AT thru-hike at 91 Call to action: If this helped you rethink aging, subscribe, share with a friend, and comment: What belief about aging are you breaking this year?