January 2008 Archives

This month I have heard parents share that transitions are sorrowful. Some kids have just started college in January and others have returned. Parents experience mixed feelings of missing their children and wanting to stay in touch more often to the feelings of relief, having no interruptions and getting back into their own space and routine.

Parents feel loneliness and worry at first. Change isn’t easy but is inevitable.

I think planning something to connect with others whether outside your home or on the telephone really helps in the transitions. We heal with support.

Choose one new thing to try; knowing you can change your mind. I notice we over think a choice or situation rather than quieting that part of us and simply giving it a go.
Time to focus on you again and trust your children’s journey, as well as, trusting your gut reaction if there is a call for action.

We continue to live with paradoxes and help each other along the way.

Natalie
natalie@emptynestsupport.com
800-446-3310

Empty Nesters are:

? Taking piano lessons
? Traveling using miles
? Joining book clubs
? Finding exercise buddies
? Saying hello and smiling more in order to meet new people
? Asking for help
? Simplifying daily life by quieting the critic and pusher
? Getting organized
? Saving money
? Hosting wine and cheese parties
? Going green
? Mentoring children
? Exploring organizations to volunteer
? Using their library
? Sharing garden space
? Drawing at a museum
? Taking tours of their city
? Going back to school
? Taking art classes
? Becoming docents
? Moving-relocating
? Taking acting and singing classes
? Dancing for exercise
? Starting groups for knitting, writing, scrap booking, decorating, water coloring, building furniture, cooking
? Reading to children
? Traveling with groups
? Using a trainer
? Taking meditation classes
? Using a spiritual practice every day
? Journaling
? Making sacred altars
? Taking computer classes and Photoshop
? Starting home businesses
? Acknowledging their courage and compassion
? Saying no without feeling guilty
? Comparing themselves to others less often
? Pausing before emailing or calling their children
? Making new traditions and rituals
? Focusing on themselves rather than their children’s lives

I just wanted to share some of what empty nesters have shared with me. Please add your comments here or email me, natalie@emptynestsupport.com. Share what you have tried or might try. We are continuing to build a safe community of support.

Take care as you are on an exploration to unfold new parts of yourself.

Natalie
natalie@emptynestsupport.com
800 446 3310 toll free California time