Embracing the Empty Nest: Unleash Your Next Chapter as an Open Nester

Introduction: Navigating the Transition to an Empty Nest

I've been in several discussions and read through many posts and comments about women feeling that they have lost their purpose, don't know who they are, wondering how to fill their time, how to gain new friends, etc.

It's normal to feel like you lose friends along the way as your kids get older because you're not required to take them everywhere. Let's face it, people, in general, aren't good at staying in touch like when our parents were raising us. It seems like you have certain friends throughout different seasons of your life and only a few close ones are with you through ALL the seasons.

Transitioning through different stages of life, specifically parenting, can be difficult at times. Friends and family prepare you for becoming a mom, navigating the toddler years, surviving the teenage years, but no one really talks about preparing for that season where your kids start living their own lives independently.

Don't get me wrong...raising kids that are independent, excited about their new journey and eager to start their adult life is a mark of success in the parent handbook. You can be happy for them and also miss (or maybe even mourn) a stage that has ended.

During the first few months my kids were gone, it was hard to get used to the silence in the home, the front door not opening multiple times a day, not having someone to eat dinner with, etc. My husband started traveling more with his job, so that made meals a "party of one" a lot of the time. Grocery shopping and preparing smaller meals was a challenge, too! 🤪

Embracing the Open Nest: A Positive Mindset Shift

Yes, this can be a difficult transition, but if you are struggling with the things I mentioned above, I challenge you to FLIP THE SCRIPT!

Why do we focus on the EMPTY nest? Why not look at it as an OPEN nest...
OPEN to new opportunities
OPEN to exploring new hobbies
OPEN to learning new skills
OPEN to filling your time with things you neglected

You're life is not over. You have skills and talents that can be used to impact others. You have every reason to wake up each morning with a purpose. As an empty nester, I'm sure you have more time in your day, so you might as well make the most of it. Make the decision to switch to a positive mindset and start figuring out who the new you might be.

Rediscovering Yourself: Exploring Hobbies and Passions

Who is with me? Are you interested in being an OPEN NESTER? Now, more than ever, there are opportunities for you to research and find endless possibilities. Maybe it's a new hobby, investing in personal development, getting back to the gym, reconnecting with friends, starting a business, taking classes, etc. Come on, Mama…you can literally do whatever you want.

Building Connections: Creating a Vibrant Social Circle

Through many of my consults and random conversations with mid-life mamas and empty nesters, I find myself suggesting these 5 things:

1. Schedule time each week to do something just for you. Get your nails done, go to a movie, take a drive...just unplug a bit and give yourself time to think, breath and process.

2. Get involved in your community. There are plenty of business groups, exercise groups, and places to volunteer that will allow you to meet new people.

3. Pick one thing you want to start doing and focus on doing that consistently. This could be a class at the gym, revisiting an old hobby, learning to bake, etc.

4. Take initiative to offer an opportunity for women to gather in your area for a social event. There are so many women that feel the way you do and have common interests. Create a Facebook event and invite locals to a coffee shop, happy hour or even a walk on a trail in your area to get you out and moving. Be creative!

5. Don't be afraid to say NO. Stop doing things that no longer fill your cup or cause you more stress. Your time is precious and it's ok to start focusing on you and a new journey!

And...I can't forget this! I always say...you are never going to find new people sitting at home, hiding behind your computer or watching tv every night. If you want to see change, you have to make the change happen.

I challenge you to flip the script. Instead of focusing on the emptiness you might be feeling, put your focus on the open opportunities that are in front of you. Embrace the change and discover the new you!

Introducing: 100 Journal Jar Prompts for Embracing the Empty Nest

All the conversations I've had over the past year prompted me to create something for midlife mamas and empty nesters.

Before you were a wife, a mama or a career-driven powerhouse, you were someone that I am confident had aspirations, dreams, goals and stories to tell! Many of these things may have been pushed aside or even forgotten. I know our kids often see us as "just a mom" and don't fully know all the different parts of us or who we used to be. I created a digital download geared towards women exploring who they were, memories of motherhood and possibilities for the future. If you feel so inclined, please check it out here:

100 Journal Jar Prompts: Embracing the Empty Nest

On sale now for $27

I hope you stick around and more than anything, I hope you got value from what I shared. I’d love to hear what resonated most with you. Please leave a comment or share this post with another mama!

Until next time...
xoxo ❤️- Tammy