Empty Nest: Enjoying the best years of your life, Part 2

Yes! Really!

As an empty-nest mom you really do have some of the best years in front of you. I won’t deny, there may be some challenging and sad days during your empty nest survival stage. After all, this is a new phase of life, a transitional period so there are many emotions running in all directions.

BUT, now the kids are not at home and you are not needing to give them 24/7 attention. You have successfully prepared those little birds to launch into the adult world! Yea you! It’s time to celebrate with a joyful heart on a job well done.

During this series of posts I will share with you easy tips to make your new empty nest years truly the best years of your life!

In Part 1, I shared with you about rekindling the spark with your husband and reconnecting with God and your spiritual connections. http://kimsteadman.com/2013/07/empty-nest-enjoying-the-best-years-of-your-life-part-1/

I remember thinking to myself that although I was a sad that our son was headed off to college, I was excited about the new possibilities. My problem was I was very frustrated about figuring out what my possibilities were. I had poured 4 years of myself into work in order to advance in the company & make more money for the college fund. By the time graduated I was on an emotional empty tank.

I had to take a very serious look how I was using my time.

Tip 3: Reconnect with yourself once the nest is empty

Take a very serious look at your personal values. Clearly define what is important to you and be sure to make sure those things are in your life.

1. Do you enjoy creativity? Arts? Writing? Crafts?
2. Do you crave excitement? Rock climbing? Running in marathons? Skydiving?
3. Are you longing for new relationships? Perhaps it’s time for you (and husband) to find new friends. Look for new and interesting places to go where you may meet folks with similar interests. Don’t be afraid to say “Hi” and strike up conversations.

Tip 4: Reaffirm relationships with your kids once they’ve left home

Your kids may be gone from your nest, but this doesn’t mean you won’t ever see them again! Look for ways to connect with your kids even though they are away.

1. Send them a “care kit” to let them know you are thinking about them.
2. If they are on Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) connect with them there. You will feel better knowing they are ok – just remember, no nagging =)
3. Text or email your kids. Remember, control is the key. Don’t be the worry wart mom texting every hour. But, knowing that you have that way to connect with your kids can give you some assurance that while they may be gone from the house, they are only as far away as a push of the button.
4. Call your kids. Oh, my..yes TALK to them on the phone!
5. Send your kids cards, yes, old fashioned snail mail!

Did reading this help you come up with some ideas of your own to survive your empty nest? I would love for you to leave a comment if so!

Kim Steadman is the COOP (Chief Online Operating Person) for The ReFeathered Nest- A place of encouragement for moms entering the Empty Nest Zone who find they need to Re-Purpose and Re-Design their lives now that the kids have flown the coop. Kim can be found on Twitter at @kimsteadman1 and on Google+ at +Kim.