You can’t believe it. Your baby has finally left the nest. You sit down, feeling sad, lost and empty. Your head hurts, as so many thoughts swirl through your head. How did you get to this milestone so fast? It seems like just yesterday you were changing diapers. Your kids have been such a big part of your life for the past umpteen years. How did time fly by so fast? Now what?
Positivity Calling the Nest
Shortly after I became an empty nester, my old friend Sharon called out of the blue to wish me a happy birthday. I was so touched by this call and it came at just the right time. She was a new empty nester, with two kids recently out of the nest. I shared my sadness with her on becoming an empty nester, knowing she would completely understand. But she looked at it through totally different lenses. Sharon said, “Being an empty nester is great! Why are you so sad?” I was so surprised. How she could feel that way? She launched into all the fun activities and travels she had planned for herself with her free time — either with her husband or on her own. I was amazed at her free spiritedness. She continued to advise me and wished me well.
I sat there in wonder, thinking about her advice. Positivity was calling and I realized I needed to change my outlook. After all, we knew this milestone was coming. We have worked hard for years, nurturing our kids for this very moment. Raising strong, independent kids ready to take on the world has always been the goal. And now it’s time for your baby to leave the nest. Let them take off, spread their wings and fly. You will watch in awe and with pride at the directions their wings will take them.
After my chat with Sharon, I realized that being an empty nester is truly all about mindset. I slowly began to change up my daily routine, shared feelings with my husband, created more work/personal projects and made fun social and travel plans. I also spend more time with our aging parents, which has been truly appreciated.
Empty Nesters Get Out of the Funk
It’s time to get out of the funk, pull each other up and start enjoying life. Start to think about what you used to love before your kids entered your life and begin making plans. Little by little, you will find activities that are fulfilling and enjoyable — either together or on your own. Allow some freedom with each other so you can each begin creating some personal goals.
Recognize, however, that either of you may feel sad, lonely, depressed or anxious at different times about your little chick leaving the nest — and it could hit without warning. Be attuned to each others feelings and be supportive. Sometimes a simple hug can make all the difference, showing your understanding and support. And as you both adjust to being empty nesters, you will soon fall into a new routine together, along with new exciting personal goals.
Shake Up The Nest
Shake things up by changing your weekly routine. A friend invited you over? Accept the invitation. Want to take an impromptu weekend trip? Why not? Be spontaneous and just say yes! With more time on your hands, you can now appreciate new activities you couldn’t do with the kids home! Some fun ideas include:
- Working on your golf swing
- Weeknight restaurant nights
- Taking long evening walks
- Exercising at the gym or at home
- Entertaining with friends
- Movie nights
- Local winery visits
- Cooking together
- Spontaneous weekend trips
- Planning future getaways
- More time for you!
An Empty Nesters’s Perfect Timing
Little did my friend Sharon know the impact of her call. Her timing was perfect and sharing her experience as an empty nester was inspiring. Now it’s time for me to pay it forward. When you realize you’re not alone in your feelings, you can lean on others for support and new beginnings. Embrace this new chapter in your life and start thinking about what is important to YOU!
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