Preparing for Change with Intention

Whether you’re brand new to this community or you’ve been here for a while, welcome! This is a place where we look inward to improve our outward marriages, where we celebrate every effort—whether it’s two steps forward and one step back. Progress is progress, and we’re here to cheer each other on.

This past week has given me a rare glimpse into what the next phase of life might look like. My oldest son and his wife left for their honeymoon. Another son traveled to St. George for a half marathon. My daughter flew to New York for a week. My fourth son continues his mission in Argentina, and my youngest daughter is off on a spring break trip with her friend. Meanwhile, my husband is deep in his busy season, shipping potatoes and coming home exhausted.

And me? I suddenly found myself alone.

For the first time in a long time, the house was quiet, the days felt open, and I had a choice—was I going to let this space feel empty? Or was I going to fill it intentionally?

Navigating the Shift

Change is inevitable. Seasons come and go, and with each transition, we can either resist or embrace it. I had a taste of what empty nesting might feel like, and while I could have focused on feeling lost, unnecessary, or even bored, I instead asked myself:

• How can I make my morning routine more playful before my husband leaves for work?

• How can I create a more romantic evening routine for us?

• What new ways can I serve my community and family now that my role is shifting?

• What hobbies, talents, or friendships can I deepen in this phase?

• How can I connect more with my husband—whether it’s riding in the tractor or making time for little moments together?

Every Season Has Its Beauty

Some seasons are chaotic, filled with kids running in and out, schedules packed, and the house buzzing with energy. Others are quieter, slower, and filled with space to think, create, and reconnect. Neither is better than the other. They each have their own beauty.

Right now, I get to dream about what this next phase will look like. What kind of grandparents do we want to be? How do we want to celebrate holidays as our family grows? How do we want to show up for each other as a couple, now and in the years to come?

I’ve also been reminded that time moves quickly. My father is now in a stage where hosting holidays or going on horseback rides is no longer an option. That season has passed. It’s a reminder to fully live in the moment—not to mourn what was, but to embrace what is and what’s coming.

Your Challenge This Week

Take a moment to reflect:

1. Think about the stage you’re leaving. What did you love about it? What lessons can you carry forward?

2. Look ahead to the next change coming. What excites you about it? How do you want to show up for this new season?

3. Find inspiration. Who do you know that has navigated this stage well? What can you learn from them?

Write down a plan—big or small—on how you’ll intentionally embrace your next phase. Change isn’t something to fear; it’s something to shape, to live, and to enjoy.

You’ve Got This!

Lean into change. It’s what makes life beautiful. No matter what season you’re in—newly married, raising little ones, navigating teenagers, launching kids into adulthood, or rediscovering yourself in an empty nest—you are doing great.

Embrace the now. Love this life. Make it fun, make it meaningful, and ride the changes with ease.