Giving Ourselves Grace After 40: Hot Flashes, Empty Nesting & Embracing My Curvy Era
Hello, fabulous friends over 40!
It’s been a hot minute since I wrote my last blog post back in July. Honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago. The past three months have been filled with change, transition, and brand-new beginnings.
My daughter moved into college, and suddenly my husband and I began navigating what it really means to be empty nesters after 40. While I’ve heard how wonderful this season of life can be from friends who are already living it, I’ll be honest—I’ve felt a little lost.
The unavoidable question of “What’s next?” keeps ringing loudly in my ears.
Navigating Empty Nest Life After 40
Becoming an empty nester comes with both freedom and unexpected emotions. The house is quieter, routines shift, and for the first time in decades, my role as “mom” feels less central. If you’re also figuring out life after your kids leave home, you know exactly what I mean.
And here’s what I’ve learned: it’s okay to feel a little lost sometimes. It’s okay to admit that you need time to adjust and rediscover who you are when your life isn’t revolving around raising kids.
Perimenopause Symptoms: Hot Flashes, Sleepless Nights & Night Sweats
As if the transition to empty nest wasn’t enough, my body decided to join the party. At 47, perimenopause hit me hard.
Weight gain after 40 that crept back up (despite all those careful points I tracked on Weight Watchers).
Sleepless nights at 3 AM—my new witching hour.
Night sweats so intense I wake up drenched in my husband’s oversized T-shirt.
If you’re nodding your head right now, I SEE YOU. Perimenopause is no joke. It can leave you feeling frustrated, exhausted, and disappointed in yourself. But here’s the thing: this is normal. It doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means your body is transitioning, just like your life is.
Embracing My Curvy Era
For years, I’ve tied confidence to being a certain size. But as I step into this new stage of life, I’m learning to embrace my curves in midlife. Being curvy doesn’t mean being less stylish, less confident, or less worthy. It means adapting my wardrobe, beauty routines, and mindset to fit the woman I am today—not the woman I was at 27.
This fall, I’ll be sharing:
Fashion tips for curvy women over 40 (yes, you can be chic and comfortable)
Beauty routines for women 40+ that actually work with hormonal changes
Lifestyle ideas for women in midlife that help us reclaim energy and joy
Finding Ourselves Again in Midlife
This is why I came back to Find Yourself After 40. Because if you’re like me—navigating empty nest transitions, wrestling with perimenopause symptoms, and craving more confidence—you’re not alone.
I want this space to be a safe, inspiring, and real corner of the internet where we can talk about the good, the messy, and the “what now?” moments of life after 40.
So, here’s my reminder to you (and myself): give yourself grace. Life after 40 isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real, embracing change, and stepping into this new chapter with style, confidence and courage.
With love and sass,
Stacey
