Empty Nest - The Single Mom Way
As a single mom, watching your children leave the nest is a bittersweet experience. On one hand, you are proud of the independent adults they have become and excited for all the opportunities that await them. On the other hand, you may be feeling a sense of loss and wondering what your own future holds now that your children have flown the coop.
It's important to remember that an empty nest doesn't mean your life is over. In fact, it can be a time of great growth and self-discovery. I’m looking at it as a new chapter, turning the page and feeling like the world is my oyster.
The truth is, I’ve not had an empty house for the majority of my adult life. I’ve been taking care of someone since I was 22 years old and now that my house has only one occupant, it’s a little weird. I wish I could say it was easy or that you naturally know what to do, but it’s one of the hardest things I’ve had to navigate. No one will be able to tell you how it feels and you won’t really know until you go through it yourself.
Here are some tips for making the most of this new chapter in your life:
1. Pursue your passions: With your children out of the house, you now have more time to devote to your own interests and hobbies. Whether it's painting, hiking, or learning a new language, take advantage of this freedom to explore the things that bring you joy.
2. Connect with others: Being a single parent can be isolating, but now that your children are grown, you have the opportunity to build new relationships and connect with others who share your interests. Join a club or volunteer for a cause you care about to meet like-minded people.
I’ve gotten solid advice from my friends and have been doing some research on the side. For one, I will get back to my spirituality and find a Buddhist Temple locally. I figure it will help me reconnect to that side of me and also help me meet new people with the same interests.
Another piece of advice I’ve received is to look into co-ops or find a new place with roommates. I immediately cringed at this idea because I don’t want to be that person who can’t be alone but hearing my friends out, they make some great arguments I can’t ignore.
Living with roommates can have a lot of benefits. Not only does it help you save money on rent and utilities, but it can also provide you with a sense of community and support. Roommates can be great companions and can help you navigate the ups and downs of life. They can also help you learn new skills, try new hobbies, and introduce you to new people and experiences. Living with roommates can be a great way to expand your horizons and build lifelong friendships.
3. Travel: With no school schedules or extracurricular activities to worry about, you can finally take that trip you've been dreaming of. Whether a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, travel can be a great way to recharge and gain new perspectives.
Now this one is for me! I’ve gotten the travel bug after having a few trips earlier this year and know there’s so much to see and explore. Eventually, I’ll do the international thing but for now, I’m starting with small cities that I’ve always wanted to visit like Nashville, Seattle, Sedona, and more.
4. Focus on your career: With more time and energy to devote to your work, you may find that your career takes off in new and exciting ways. Consider taking on new projects or pursuing advanced training to further your professional goals.
I know this doesn’t sounds as fun as the other suggestions but it does give you a sense of accomplishment.
Remember, an empty nest is not the end of your story. It's a new beginning, full of possibilities and opportunities. Embrace this new chapter in your life and make the most of it!