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Boredom As An Empty-Nester
In this episode, we explore boredom — that restless, itchy feeling that something’s missing, even when life is calm. After years of being needed and scheduled, the quiet can feel both freeing and frustrating. Boredom isn’t a sign of failure — it’s a sign of readiness. Your soul is waking up and looking for new places to pour your energy and creativity.
Key Takeaways:
Boredom is restlessness without direction — it means you have energy again but nowhere meaningful to place it yet.
After years of structure and caretaking, your nervous system is adjusting to stillness.
The remedy isn’t more busyness — it’s curiosity. Ask yourself: “What lights me up now?”
Boredom can actually be a beautiful sign that you’ve rested enough to want more — it’s your inner spark flickering back on.
Give yourself permission to be in the in-between — not rushing to fill the space, but allowing inspiration to find you again.
Boredom is actually an invitation to explore the new and novel.
Reflection Questions:
Where do I feel that flicker of curiosity or desire lately — even if it’s faint?
What in my life feels predictable or stale?
What feels dull or repetitive in my days right now?
If I could design a day that felt engaging or alive, what would it include?
Where am I secretly craving adventure or risk?
What might feel playful or just for fun?
Where am I desiring novelty, beauty, or creativity?
What am I longing to learn, try, or express in this next season?
What might delight me today?
Try This:
Shift your routine — change your scenery, your music, or the rhythm of your day.
Give yourself permission to play again — try something new without the pressure to be good at it or to be “productive”.
Instead of asking, “What should I be doing?” ask, “What feels interesting or alive to me today?”
Engage your senses — cook something new, take a different route, listen to live music, visit an art gallery, or simply sit in nature.
Keep a “spark list” — jot down anything that stirs curiosity or delight, no matter how small.
Get curious about the type of play you enjoy:
Types of Play
If you know you could use some support as you navigate both apathy and regret in the empty nest , email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:
Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you.
If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast.
Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode.
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:
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
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By Terri Bradway
5
9595 ratings
In this episode, we explore boredom — that restless, itchy feeling that something’s missing, even when life is calm. After years of being needed and scheduled, the quiet can feel both freeing and frustrating. Boredom isn’t a sign of failure — it’s a sign of readiness. Your soul is waking up and looking for new places to pour your energy and creativity.
Key Takeaways:
Boredom is restlessness without direction — it means you have energy again but nowhere meaningful to place it yet.
After years of structure and caretaking, your nervous system is adjusting to stillness.
The remedy isn’t more busyness — it’s curiosity. Ask yourself: “What lights me up now?”
Boredom can actually be a beautiful sign that you’ve rested enough to want more — it’s your inner spark flickering back on.
Give yourself permission to be in the in-between — not rushing to fill the space, but allowing inspiration to find you again.
Boredom is actually an invitation to explore the new and novel.
Reflection Questions:
Where do I feel that flicker of curiosity or desire lately — even if it’s faint?
What in my life feels predictable or stale?
What feels dull or repetitive in my days right now?
If I could design a day that felt engaging or alive, what would it include?
Where am I secretly craving adventure or risk?
What might feel playful or just for fun?
Where am I desiring novelty, beauty, or creativity?
What am I longing to learn, try, or express in this next season?
What might delight me today?
Try This:
Shift your routine — change your scenery, your music, or the rhythm of your day.
Give yourself permission to play again — try something new without the pressure to be good at it or to be “productive”.
Instead of asking, “What should I be doing?” ask, “What feels interesting or alive to me today?”
Engage your senses — cook something new, take a different route, listen to live music, visit an art gallery, or simply sit in nature.
Keep a “spark list” — jot down anything that stirs curiosity or delight, no matter how small.
Get curious about the type of play you enjoy:
Types of Play
If you know you could use some support as you navigate both apathy and regret in the empty nest , email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:
Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you.
If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast.
Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode.
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:
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