Ten Great Reads to Inspire Your Midlife

If you’re like me, the whole empty nest gig is a little disconcerting and just plain feels weird. This summer has afforded us little snippets of time where the baby birds were all gone and we tasted what life will be like next year when we’re officially empty nesters When I have unexpected quiet, I read. And since we’re in the midst of back-to-school time, I’m betting your own babies may be flying the coop as well. I thought I’d share some great reads to inspire your midlife if you’re feeling out-of-sorts.

While exciting, these coming empty-nesting days stare back at me as looming shadowy giants. The quiet intimidates me. But these coming ‘blank’ days are also a blank slate. I can choose to run and bury my head in the sand, or I can use and develop this creative self that God has instilled in me. I’m always in the market for a book to inspire me.

These are books that I’ve either read, some many times, or will read soon. I long for you to use these new empty hours of this season to nourish your soul and reconnect with your inner ‘true’ you.

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I am currently in the middle of Atomic Habits!  Clear’s story of recovering from a traumatic brain injury is amazing and I am working on developing small changes that are rote and can just be added into my routines.

My copy of The Circle Maker is highlighted and dog-eared. If you find yourself deep in prayer for your kids living away from you or feel your own nest is unfamiliar, read this prayer guide! It helped me focus my prayer life and develop a habit of watching God work.

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Ruth Soukup is the poster child of reinventing yourself. In Do It Scared, she recounts her suicidal young adult years, where she found herself in rehab several times, and her journey to building a multi-million dollar company.

Interested in rediscovering your creative self?  The Book of Doing and Being gives exercises to help you refocus and find your willpower.

As an empty-nester, it may feel like you are starting over. Grit has been on my reading list for a while. Duckworth reminds us that it’s not talent that makes us successful, but a ‘special blend of passion and persistence’ she calls grit.

If you haven’t read this book, do it now. Having sold over 2 million copies, Brené Brown’s noteworthy research is cast in book form to help us to embrace the idea of living authentically. A must-read.

While women are prone to find themselves in the ‘insecurity trap’ Beth Moore reminds us where our true security comes from, God alone. So Long, Insecurity is Moore’s signature work, with her bumpy journey with the Lord told within.

I love how Julia Cameron writes. It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again inspires midlifers like us, by showing us that our ‘second chapter’ may just be our most creative yet. The title alone should be our mantra for these midlife days.

Feeling a little unsettled in your new role of empty-nester? Holley Gerth spells out, like a trusted friend, how God sees you as His child. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of our own worth and value, and You’re Already Amazing does just that.

Hagerty’s Life Reimagined uses science to prove that midlife is a wonderful time of renewal for relationships, creativity, and purpose, as well as adventure.

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