My children are out of the house and I have more free time than I ever imagined that I’d have. I’m an empty nester…now what? This question challenged me for several years. When I became a parent, I didn’t consider what it would feel like to be an empty nester. The joy of having one child was contagious and I soon had 3 beautiful children to raise.
My daily routine of being a wife and mom while working full time became a normal life that I embraced. I thrived on rushing around from work, to practices and back home to make dinner. My days were full and there was never a dull moment.
Fast forward to 2016 when my youngest left for college and suddenly everything stopped. I had a lot of free time and this was something that was unfamiliar. In my middle age I was unsure of how to manage myself and my new freedom. Its 2021 and I have learned many lessons as am empty nester, now what do I do with my life?
Accept Change
When I finally found peace and was able to embrace that I’m an empty nester my mindset changed. I didn’t transition from being a mother but rather I changed how I saw myself as a person. I wasn’t just a mother but also a wife, daughter, sister, friend and entrepreneur. After many years I was able to hear my voice and seek out what made me happy and what brought me joy.
It didn’t happen automatically, it was a process. I had to stop and embrace the quiet so that I could focus on me. This discovery process was enlightening and invigorating. My morning routine now includes yoga and I have become a master at making smoothies. Although simple, these activities bring me a joy and peace that I hadn’t experienced before.
Unsure of how to start this process? Take some time to meditate on what brought you joy before you became a mother and write down everything that comes to your mind. Although some of these things may not bring you joy now, this process will help you gather your thoughts and focus on you.
Embrace Your Purpose
I identified my purpose and I had an awareness of who I was and why I existed. I was able to answer these questions with clarity and assuredness.
1.What comes easily to me?
2.What do I love to do?
Understanding and accepting these answers added meaning to my life and showed me how to impact the world around me. As I walk in my purpose, I have a clear vision on who I am and I operate accordingly.
When answering these questions, it may help you to write down a statement of purpose to make sure that your actions and decisions align with your purpose.
Become Unapologetically Ageless
My midlife journey has shown me how to be Unapologetically Ageless. Ageless is defined as not growing old or showing the effects of age. Ageless is a belief that empowers one to break boundaries, ignore constraints and celebrate change. I can do anything I want and my age will not stop me.
If I want, I can start a business, get another degree or travel the world. I am unapologetically ageless as I walk in purpose and strive to achieve my dreams and aspirations. You too can be unapologetically ageless as you embrace your midlife journey with a new enthusiasm.
Leave a Reply