Suzy Mighell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Suzy, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I roll out of bed, put on my workout clothes, and head upstairs to our gym to work out before I’m even totally awake! Although I’m not a fan of exercise, I do it because I want to be strong, fit, and healthy, so I can live life to the fullest! After my workout, I spend time reading my Bible and praying. Those things together set the tone for the rest of my day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Suzy Mighell, the personality and content creator behind the popular blog and social media brand Empty Nest Blessed. Emptynestblessed.com is the top-ranking “Empty Nest Blog” in the world! Known for my joyful spirit and optimism, I create content meant to encourage and inspire empty nesters. On my website and social media, I share everything from fashion and beauty to travel, faith, marriage, parenting adult children, and more.
I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with brands including Nordstrom, Talbots, Proctor & Gamble, Walmart, Johnson & Johnson, J.Crew, Chico’s, Lands’ End, and Easy Spirit, among others. In addition to creating content for Empty Nest Blessed, I’ve appeared in InStyle magazine and written articles that have been featured on numerous websites, been a guest on numerous podcasts, and appeared in various television and radio spots as an expert on the empty nest.
I’m also the author of the upcoming book, Empty Nest Blessed: 60 Days to Finding Joy in the Empty Nest. It’s available for pre-order on Amazon now!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My followers! During the 10 years that I’ve been a content creator, they’ve asked me to write a book! I always said no, explaining that there were already many excellent books on the empty nest out in the world. Many friends, family members, and followers were persistent, faithfully staying after me and asking. I FINALLY said yes, and put my own spin on the style and message. My book is coming out this fall!
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me empathy for others. Everybody experiences pain, and everybody is struggling with something, no matter what it may look like on the outside. I have lupus, an autoimmune disease, and it’s something I have to deal with and manage every day. But on the outside, I look normal!
As someone active on social media, I’ve learned that, while I don’t share every detail of my life, people tend to fill in the blanks themselves—and their assumptions aren’t always accurate! Often, they create a version of me based on what I do share, but for everything I leave out? Their minds make up the rest. And often, that looks like putting me on a pedestal while unfairly downplaying themselves.
Here’s the truth: When you see someone on social media (or anywhere else, really), you’re only seeing what they choose to share. Nobody shows every messy moment, every struggle, or every insecurity! It’s important to remember that everyone is suffering and struggling in some way, whether it’s obvious from their outward appearance or not.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! When I meet my followers in person, the biggest compliment they can give me is that I’m the same person they see on social media, and I write, speak, and talk just like they hoped I would! I’m authentic. Truly, it would be very challenging (and exhausting!) to do the job I do without sharing my authentic self.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My faith in the Lord. He saved me, sustains me every day, and He continues to remind me every day that I am His.
He is the reason I do everything I do, and He worked out every detail of my life so perfectly. My greatest desire is to honor and give glory to Him with my every thought, word, and deed. I fall so short, but He pours out His abundant grace in my life moment by moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emptynestblessed.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emptynestblessed/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzy-mighell-0418977b/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emptynestblessed
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/emptynestblessed
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/emptynestblessed/
