Approaching an empty nest is a strange feeling. You almost feel like you’re losing a piece of yourself. How do you find yourself again as you approach an empty nest? You’ve spent your life caring for others, and the time to be on your own is moving faster than you ever anticipated. I’m a mum of 5 boys and have one remaining at home, my 14-year old. I am only 41, so I really hadn’t thought the empty nest would be upon me so soon.
So, how do you learn to accept that the only responsibility you have…is you? Your children have their own responsibilities and don’t really need your input? I mean, let’s face it, once you’re free, responsible, and independent as an adult, the last thing you need or want is your parents’ input on your life. And well, the ONLY time you should provide input or assistance, is if they ASK you to. The question here my friends, how do you find yourself again as you approach an empty nest?
Find Your Purpose
You may think that the hardest part of being an empty nester is not having as much physical responsibility as before, but it’s actually figuring out what to do with all this time you now have to fill! One way to find purpose is through volunteering. Consider joining a group like Women’s Voices Now which helps women share their stories and make peace with their pasts. This can be a great way for empty nesters who are seeking purpose in their lives to give back while exploring new things
Make Life Wonderful as an Empty Nester
Being an empty nester can be difficult to adjust to at first, but it can also be full of excitement and newfound freedom. You can explore and do things that you were unable to with children in tow such as:
1) Plan trips
2) Get involved in your community
3) Coach or volunteer with kids or adults
4) Read books like Harry Potter (or others about children growing up)
5) Make new friends
Empty Nest Syndrome and How To Cope With It
Empty nest syndrome is a term used to describe the feeling of sadness, anger, and loneliness experienced by parents who have children that have left home to start their own independent life.
A parent’s empty nest syndrome could be triggered by many different things. For example, when your children start to grow up and they no longer want to play with you or when they move out of the house and you are suddenly alone in the house with nothing left but memories.
The best way to cope with empty nest syndrome is to find new hobbies that you can enjoy doing on your own. It doesn’t matter what new hobby you choose as long as it makes you happy again. You should also talk about your feelings with other people in order to get a better perspective on what is happening in your life.
Empty Nesters Can Find Happiness Again
Life as an empty nester is a time that should be focused on joy and relaxation. It may take a few months to adjust to the new lifestyle, but it will be worth it in the end. If you are interested in learning how to be a happy empty-nester, try these ideas.
1) Relive Your Childhood
-Find places from your childhood that evoke memories of those carefree days
2) Work On Your Body And Mind
-Exercise at least 3x a week
-Try yoga or meditation at least once a week
3) Spend Time With Friends And Family That You Haven’t Seen In A While
-Take advantage of being able to see friends and family more often
Life as an empty nester is a time for you to find happiness again, perhaps in a new way. It’s a time for you to focus on the things that make you happy and enjoy life more.
So don’t be sad about it! Instead, use your free time to do those things that will make you happy and fulfilled. For me, I am looking forward to fully immersing myself in my business, travelling ALOT, learning how to base jump, and having a regular uninterrupted routine of exercise, meditation, and self-care. And I don’t have to accommodate everyone’s picky eating choices…I can cook absolutely anything I want.
Why Finding Yourself Again Matters
So much in life feels out of our control. What you eat, how you look, what mood you are in. You can be your own worst enemy when it comes to sabotaging your self-image and feelings of worthlessness. But there is one thing that is always within reach: yourself.
You can find yourself again, nurture yourself and love yourself to the degree that you were never able to before. It will require the help of a therapist if need be or just some time alone. You might have to weed through years of bad habits for this one to take hold but it will happen if you’re patient enough for it to take root.
The Importance of Self-Awareness
In today’s fast-paced society, it is difficult to be self-aware. It has become a challenge for people to find out what they truly want and what they should do with their lives. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Life coaching and mindfulness techniques can help you develop your self-awareness so that you can take control of your life and live it on your terms.
Self-awareness is the ability to understand oneself deeply, which affects how we interact with others and our environment. It also determines how we experience emotions and how we respond to them – not just in the present moment, but also in past memories or future plans. With higher levels of self-awareness comes greater satisfaction with life, better relationships with others, and a clearer sense of who you are and what you want.
My Personal Experience with Finding Myself Again
I have to admit, over the last few years I have thought about the fact that my boys would one day all move out and have lives of their own. However, this never really sunk in until recently when I very rapidly went from having 5 teenagers/adults at home, to just the one. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised given there were only 4 years between my first and fourth children, nonetheless, here I am and a little taken by surprise.
I came to the conclusion that these can be exciting times. My son and I can move into a smaller place and start a whole new chapter. I decided to start a vision board and begin journaling and putting it out to the universe so that I am very clear on what I want, and I am going to make damn sure I get it. I am now practising the art of meditation, yoga, pilates, and I get a solid deep 7 hours sleep every night since discovering deep sleep hypnosis.
What is Self-Discovery?
Self-discovery is the process of becoming more aware of who you are and what you want. It can be a journey that is taken alone, or you can do it with a friend or partner holding each other accountable to your mission. This might mean joining a support group, taking some courses related to self-awareness, or reading self-help books.
Self-Discovery Process – What Does it Involve?
The self-discovery process can be quite challenging. It is important to understand what you want in life and what your goals are. The first step of this process is to take time for yourself and learn more about yourself.
You need to look deep inside yourself and discover the qualities you possess, how you function in different environments and things that interest you.
It is important, to be honest with yourself when reflecting on your life so far because it will help you identify what your goals are and where they lie.
The Life Changing Benefits of Self Discovery
My experience with meditation, shamanism and all the other spiritual practices has been life-changing. I would recommend them to anyone who wants to find themselves again.
The benefits of self-discovery are endless. From greater consciousness to a greater connection with oneself, there are many reasons why people would want to explore their spirituality.
How To Find Yourself Again After The Children Leave
There are many ways that people deal with an empty nest: Some people may find themselves again through yoga, others through meditation, and some through reconnecting with nature.
There is no one way to find oneself again after the children leave home. It’s important to remember that everyone deals with certain situations differently, and it’s even more important that you not compare your process to someone else’s.
With so much free time, an empty nester can focus on their passions and interests. They have the chance to “get up in the morning and do whatever they want.”
They can volunteer, take classes, travel, write a blog post or book. Having more time is great for creativity and doing things for oneself.
The best way to live as an empty nester is to make sure you are not too involved in your children’s lives. You should come up with new hobbies and interests that will keep your brain stimulated and give you a sense of purpose. This is important because if you don’t, then you might end up feeling lonely or miserable
Let’s connect
If you would like to chat about anything mum related, or if you have an elite student-athlete that would like some help as they are transitioning into higher education and beyond, you can find me at Brooke Hamilton Industries on all the socials or feel free to take up one of my 15-minute complimentary coffee chats for a good old yarn.
Remember, a journey of self-discovery can be the most rewarding journey you have…if you let it be!
Brooke Hamilton x
