So, the kids are out of the house, huh? It’s just you, a quiet home, and an entire box of wine calling your name (no judgment here).
I get it—this is one of those bittersweet moments in life that they never fully prepare you for. The moment your kids walk out that door, everything changes. You feel a mix of pride, a bit of panic, and—if you’re anything like me—a fleeting desire to move into their dorm just to keep things normal.
But here’s the thing: this new chapter? It’s all yours. And guess what? There’s so much joy to be found in it, even if it doesn’t feel that way at first. The world calls it “empty nest syndrome,” but I like to call it “empty nest bliss.” Yes, I said bliss. There’s a whole lot of joy, self-discovery, and peace that comes with this stage of life. You just have to embrace it.
Let’s get into how you can go from hearing echoes in an empty house, to celebrating the incredible gift of solitude. Trust me, this could be your best chapter yet.
1. Redefine Your Space (And Your Life)
First things first—take a look around. This is your space now. No more stepping on Legos, no more worrying about whether your kid will eat the vegetables you lovingly prepared (spoiler: they never did), and no more piles of laundry multiplying like rabbits.
Now is the time to reclaim your home and make it work for you. Whether that means converting your kid’s old room into a yoga studio, an art space, or just a quiet reading nook, go for it. This is your time to curate your surroundings into a place that reflects you.
And while you’re at it, start redefining your life, too. The person who spent years being “Mom” is still there, but now she’s got some serious time on her hands. Use it to explore new hobbies, reignite old passions, or even just indulge in a little more you time. And don’t feel guilty about it! You’ve earned every second of peace and quiet.
Pro Tip:
Decluttering your space can feel liberating. Let go of the stuff that no longer serves a purpose (I’m looking at you, outgrown sports gear) and create a space that brings you joy. Marie Kondo would be proud.
2. Revel in the Peace and Quiet
Let’s be real—there were times when you probably fantasized about a quiet house. No slamming doors, no loud music, no endless chatter. Well, now you’ve got it! And while the silence may feel strange at first, let me tell you, it’s a beautiful thing.
Take this time to really soak in the calm. Remember what it’s like to hear your own thoughts? Yeah, it’s been a while. The quiet gives you space to breathe, to reflect, and to be fully present with yourself. It’s a luxury, not a curse.
Now, if the silence is too loud for you at first, that’s totally normal. Start small. Take long walks, play soft music, or start meditating (it’s easier than you think!). Soon, you’ll begin to crave that peace.
Pro Tip:
Make “me time” a regular thing. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea in the morning or taking an uninterrupted bubble bath in the evening, savor these small moments of solitude.
3. Rekindle Old Friendships (And Make New Ones)
One of the best parts of this stage of life? You’ve got time again. And not just for Netflix binges (though, that’s important too), but for rekindling those friendships that may have taken a backseat during the busyness of raising kids.
Call up that friend you’ve been meaning to have lunch with for, oh, the past decade. Or maybe join a local book club, take a painting class, or try something totally out of your comfort zone. Making new friends at this point in life can be surprisingly fun—and trust me, you’re not the only one looking to connect.
Remember, your social life isn’t on pause just because your kids aren’t around. In fact, it can be richer than ever. Now, you get to hang out with people simply because you enjoy their company, not because your kids are on the same soccer team.
Pro Tip:
Joining groups that align with your interests is an easy way to meet new people. Whether it’s a hiking group or a wine-tasting club, it’s a great way to enjoy your hobbies and make connections.
4. Rediscover Yourself
Here’s the thing—being a mom is one of the most incredible, life-altering roles there is. But before you were “Mom,” you were you. And now, you’ve got a golden opportunity to rediscover that person.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to write a book, start a business, or travel solo. Now’s your time to do it. You don’t have to rush or have it all figured out right away, but start exploring. What lights you up? What makes you feel excited to get out of bed in the morning? This is your time to live for you.
Remember, this isn’t about “filling the void” left by your kids moving out. It’s about reclaiming the space that’s always been yours.
Pro Tip:
Set a small, personal goal each month—whether it’s taking a new class, learning a skill, or just reading more books—and watch how those little victories add up.
5. Embrace the Freedom
Okay, I know we’ve all had those moments of “empty nest panic”—where the loneliness creeps in, and you wonder what in the world you’re supposed to do now. But let’s flip that narrative for a second.
You. Are. Free.
No more school schedules, no more driving carpool, no more worrying about whether your kid is actually doing their homework. This is freedom in its purest form. You can wake up whenever you want, plan your days however you want, and focus on what makes you happy.
Take that spontaneous weekend trip. Stay out late without checking in with anyone. Enjoy your favorite hobbies or learn new ones without feeling guilty. This is your time to live as boldly (or as quietly) as you please.
Pro Tip:
Give yourself permission to try new things without the pressure of getting it “right.” Whether you want to dabble in photography or take up paddleboarding, just go for it!
6. Laugh at the Little Things
One of the best ways to enjoy this new chapter? Learn to laugh at the little things. The truth is, no one has this empty nest thing all figured out. There are going to be moments where you feel lost, confused, or even a little sad. But those moments pass. And before you know it, you’ll be laughing at how you ever doubted yourself.
The best part about being at this stage of life is that you’re free to be unapologetically you. So embrace your quirks, laugh off the small stuff, and enjoy the heck out of every moment.
Pro Tip:
Try keeping a gratitude journal or jotting down little things that make you laugh each day. It’s a great way to stay positive and remind yourself of all the good in your life.
7. Find Joy in Solitude
Ah, solitude—there’s nothing quite like it. Some people fear being alone, but I’m here to tell you that solitude can be an absolute gift. Being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. In fact, some of the most joyful, peaceful moments happen when you’re fully present with yourself.
Use this time to connect with your own thoughts, feelings, and desires. Whether it’s through journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in the quiet, solitude offers a unique opportunity to reflect and grow.
You’ve spent years taking care of others—now it’s time to take care of you. And that’s a beautiful thing.
Pro Tip:
Find a daily solitude practice, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. This could be a morning meditation, a quiet walk, or reading your favorite book. These little moments will help you center yourself.
Final Thoughts
So, my friend, welcome to the empty nest chapter. It’s not a time to mourn—it’s a time to celebrate! You’ve raised incredible kids, and now it’s time to turn your focus back to yourself. Whether you’re diving into new hobbies, rediscovering old passions, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet, there is so much joy to be found.
This is your time to flourish, grow, and embrace the freedom that comes with an empty nest. You’ve got this—and I can’t wait to hear all about the amazing things you do next.
Want to dig deeper into your feelings of the empty nest? Grab your copy of “The Joy of Solitude: a Women’s Guide to Empty Nest Bliss” eBook!
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