Empty Nest Joyride: Marriage, Midlife, and Embracing the Open Road- Ep#107

Today, we’re hopping on the back of a tandem bike and taking a joyful ride through midlife with the wonderful Linda Hanstra—author, semi-retired speech-language pathologist, and the heart behind the book Empty-Nest Joyride. 🚲With four grown kids, two grandchildren, a love of travel and faith, and a deep appreciation for the open road (both literally and metaphorically), Linda brings a refreshing, honest, and hope-filled perspective on navigating the empty nest years with grace and intention.In this episode, we explore how to start preparing for the empty nest season before you even get there, the importance of communication—both on the trail and in marriage—how to navigate unexpected “bumps in the road” in your relationships, and how to rediscover joy, adventure, and purpose in this new chapter of life.So grab your helmet (or your earbuds!) and join us for an encouraging and empowering conversation about riding through midlife with joy and intention.Your Dare for the Week ❤️Set up regular (weekly, biweekly, monthly) dates that get you out of any rut you might be in (like dinner out or watching Netflix). Your date can be with your spouse, significant other, a friend, or even just by yourself. Some activities might push you out of your comfort zone; others are just fun things you may not have done for a while or hadn't thought of doing! 🤗 Take Jodi's Happiness Quiz and increase your level of happiness!Resources ReferencedDIY Date Night JarSubstackEmpty Nest JoyrideAbout LindaLinda Hanstra is a semi-retired speech-language pathologist who writes about what brings joy to her empty nest—topics like faith, family, cycling, traveling, and grandparenting. Linda is the author of two books—including her upcoming release, Empty-Nest Joyride. Linda and her husband, Tom, live in southwest Michigan and spend summers in Minnesota—their home away from home. With four adult children, a daughter-in-law, a soon-to-be son-in-law, and two adorable grandchildren, Linda is cruising along on her “empty-nest joyride!”Connect With LindaWebsite | Facebook | Instagram*****************************************************************************************Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! 🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HEREI can't wait to meet Subscribe to my Substack HEREStep into the Dare On Circle HERE