Blog #life after 50

Doing Different with Julie Plagens Ep. 31

https://youtu.be/hwskPXWMzVY?si=abtgJ7AOtJa-hfcL

Today's guest is sharing her own journey of doing different and explains how God reshaped the way she shows up in relationships, and how that transformation has become a ministry to others.  Her story touches on estrangement from her parents at age 40, forgiveness, emotional  Julie Plagens is a wife, mother, daughter, double-certified teacher, author, illustrator, content creator, and seminary student at Dallas Theological Seminary.  She is the author of three books: Estranged/Marriage Interrupted/Crating Family Memories. Her book "Estranged" is recommended by Focus on the Family's Counseling Department and Family Life Today, among many others, as a trusted resource for families in crisis.  She has been featured on more than 22 podcasts and speaks to MomCo groups and women's conferences.  She has written for "Her View From Home" Christian Parenting.org, and is listed in "Feed Spot's" top Christian Mom Blogs from 2021-2026.  She has also been featured in "Women's World Magazine."Married for 32 years, Julie and her husband are passionate about encouraging forgiveness, reconciliation, and boundaries in marriage.  Julie's Website: www.momremade.com Books can be purchased at: Focusonthefamily.com Amazon Julie's FB Group: Christian Family Living

Finding Purpose, Health, and Faith After Giving So Much. 

There comes a season in life when many of us pause and look around, wondering where the years went. For so long, we poured ourselves into others—our children, our families, our work, and the countless responsibilities that filled every waking hour. We gave our energy, our time, our patience, and our love. And while those years were meaningful, they often left little room for ourselves. Then one day, the house grows quiet. The children have grown and moved on to build their own lives. The constant activity fades, and suddenly there is space—space that can feel unfamiliar, even overwhelming. Some people call this the “empty nest,” but it can also be the beginning of a beautiful rediscovery.

Rediscovering the Person You Were Meant to Be

When you spend years giving of yourself, it’s easy to forget that you still have dreams, talents, and abilities waiting to be explored. The truth is, those gifts never disappear—they wait patiently until you have the time and courage to uncover them again. This stage of life offers something precious: the opportunity to rediscover who you are beyond the roles you played for others. Maybe you once loved painting, writing, gardening, cooking, or music. Maybe there is a skill you always wanted to learn but never had the time to pursue. These interests are not small or insignificant. They are part of the unique design placed within you. Discovering hidden talents later in life can be incredibly fulfilling. It reminds you that growth never stops and that purpose has no expiration date. In fact, many people discover their most meaningful passions during the years when life finally slows down enough for them to listen to their own hearts.

Aging Gracefully by Caring for Yourself

As we grow older, caring for our bodies and minds becomes even more important. Aging gracefully is not about chasing youth—it’s about honoring the body and spirit you have been given.Simple daily habits can make a powerful difference in your overall well-being:

• Home remedies and natural care. Many people return to simple remedies passed down through generations—herbal teas, warm baths, nourishing foods, and natural ways of caring for aches and stress.
• Exercise and movement. Gentle movement, such as walking, stretching, or light strength exercises, can lift your mood, increase energy, and help maintain balance and flexibility.
• Rest and restoration. Rest is not laziness; it is necessary for healing and renewal. Allowing your body the sleep and quiet time it needs helps restore both physical and emotional health.

These small acts of care are reminders that you deserve the same kindness you have shown to others for so many years.