The empty nest is coming for most of us. Although it is an unpredictable reality given the instability of the economy. Many kids have either returned home or have never left. Hopefully, the lot of us have provided the tools to empower our next generation to become better prepared, independent, capable adults. There has been a well kept secret about the empty nest by many notorious empty nesters in my circle.
This secret is kept because it has been known to offend old thinking and create unnecessary labels for many empty nesters. Drum roll please!! Many empty nesters want their young to leave the nest. In fact, they’re ecstatic. Full of untold joy and glee. And why should they not enjoy this part of life? They have earned the empty nest and moms especially have spent many a days and nights fawning over their precious young.
If you too are almost there and feel the onset of joy not only for your current unfolding situation, but also that of your child going off to college, starting that internship and/or that job. Why not live your best life? Why not do you as the youngins say.
For eons, quite literally, you have done the job of a team of people. You have ran your household and the lives of everyone one in your care and have exemplified what it means to be a fully present parent. Over the years, knowledge, mannerisms and skills have been taught to forge better humans. Let’s not forget the love that has been poured into our children.
Moms, in the past we were overcome with sadness when the nest became empty because the investment into your children’s lives probably seemed like an abrupt disruption from the norm that became our life. You and I both know this day was coming sooner or later. And it’s here before we even see it. The years just fly. One day we have a toddler, then he’s a teen and before you blink, you have an adult.
The job of the adult you raised is to move on and to connect unique opportunities to skillsets learned. You have done your job as a parent. Now you can go forth, sans guilt, and do the things that call to you. You can truly start crossing items off that bucket list.
Get excited about this aspect of your life. Embrace every facet of growing and rekindling your sense of identity. There’s nothing like a puzzle piece that seamlessly fits into the slot remaining. The worse thing about that last puzzle piece is not fitting or having the darndest time maneuvering it into a space that is not meant for it. Your empty nest space has been specially carved for you. This is your season. It’s your time. Don’t be afraid to show and share your joy. Let’s make it normal and acceptable for mothers to start whatever they hope to begin at this phase. The time to start living has never been more appropriate. You’ve lived for everyone else. Why not try living for you, living on purpose for a change?
