Redefining Your Identity and Purpose As An Empty-Nester

I’ve noticed these three common challenges for empty-nesters:

• Losing one’s identity or purpose
• Missing convenient, organic relationships/craving meaningful connections
• Struggling with a new lifestyle and daily structure

Identity and purpose is challenging for empty-nesters if they:

• are feeling like they’ve lost their sense of self after decades of being “mom first.”
• don’t know what their gifts, passions, or talents actually are.
• question their relevance and value now that their role as caregiver isn’t front and center.
• struggling to figure out what’s next in life.

Your identity can be described as “the thoughts and beliefs you have about who you are and the roles you play.”

Your identity can also be discerned by what you value. 

Use the VALUES INVENTORY link below, I encourage you to complete this prompt:

“I’m someone who values… “

VALUES INVENTORY

Which of the following roles have you played/are currently playing?

Family & Relationship Roles

• Daughter – navigating expectations, care, and family dynamics.
  
  
• Sister – support, rivalry, companionship.
  
  
• Wife/Partner – nurturing intimacy, managing household partnership.
  
  
• Mother – caregiving, guiding, protecting, and supporting children.
  
  
• Grandmother – mentoring, nurturing, and continuing traditions.
  
  
• Caregiver – often for aging parents or relatives.
  
  

Personal Identity Roles

• Friend/Confidante – offering emotional support, connection, and loyalty.
  
  
• Self/Individual – the often-overlooked role of being herself, honoring her own needs, dreams, and growth.
  
  
• Creative/Artist – expressing imagination and soul through creativity.
  
  
• Learner/Seeker – continually pursuing knowledge, skills, or personal growth.
  
  

Professional & Societal Roles

• Worker/Professional – career, business owner, or employee.
  
  
• Leader/Manager – guiding teams, organizations, or communities.
  
  
• Teacher/Mentor – formally or informally passing on wisdom.
  
  
• Community Builder/Volunteer – contributing to local or global causes.
  
  

Inner & Archetypal Roles

(These often show up in psychology, mythology, and coaching work.)

• The Nurturer – caring, giving, protecting.
  
  
• The Warrior – strong, resilient, advocating for self and others.
  
  
• The Lover – passionate, playful, intimate.
  
  
• The Sage – wise, reflective, guiding.
  
  
• The Creator – innovating, making, birthing new ideas.
  
  
• The Explorer – seeking freedom, adventure, discovery.

What professional or personal role(s) do you want to play?

What might prevent you from doing so?

If you want to feel fulfilled and satisfied as an empty-nester, you must be willing to redine your identity and purpose OUTSIDE of family roles. 

If you know you could use some support as you navigate the empty nest stage with both confidence and self-confidence, email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:

terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com

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My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:

Intentional Intoxication Book

If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:

terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com

For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:

Intoxication Inventory