How to Thrive with an Empty Nest

There's no better way to move past heartache than by helping those who are hurting or in need.

Even though right now we’re in this weird time where we’re not traveling as much, now’s the time to start planning trips to places you’ve always dreamed about visiting. Planning, gathering information, and dreaming about future getaways can be almost as much fun as the actual trip!

This is the perfect time to expand your skills in the kitchen, try out new recipes, and discover new cuisines.  Now you can use all those ingredients your kids didn’t like! 

There’s nothing like decluttering to clear the mental cobwebs and give you a new perspective on life.

Decluttering your home can help lighten the load on your brain, elevate your mood, give you more clarity, and allow you to concentrate on the things that really matter.  

Rekindle a love of painting, write poems, or learn a new skill like photography, woodworking, calligraphy, knitting, or sewing — the list is endless! 

 Have you always dreamed of being an author?  Now’s the time to write that book. You’ll be surprised who is waiting to hear what you have to say. In a similar vein, why not start a blog?  It’s a great way to find your voice and share your story with others who can benefit from your experience! 

Plant a flower, herb, or vegetable garden. Or bring new plants into your home. Getting your hands in the dirt, nurturing your plants, and seeing them thrive reconnects your soul with nature.

Do you have a love of decorating, writing, photography, cooking, health and travel? Pour it into a blog and business. It’ll be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.  

Spend time in nature every day, catch up on your sleep, and take long baths (without kids banging on the bathroom door!).

This is also the perfect time to see your doctor or naturopath to make sure your hormones are in balance and to become more mindful of the ingredients in the products you’re using in your home. 

Every day, write down at least 10 things for which you’re grateful. You will be happiest when you  focus on what’s going well in my life, rather than what’s not.

Invite someone over for dinner.  If you’re concerned about social distancing, you can always entertain out on the patio. 

 Join groups with positive, high-vibe people–or come find me on Instagram. You can meet some of the nicest women online, but also reach out to our team!

Deepen your spiritual practice by spending time in prayer and meditation every day, reconnect with your faith, and read books or blogs that promote positivity, grace, and spiritual growth. 

Master the latest gadgets, apps or trends in technology.  (Your kids will be so impressed!)

This is a great time to begin taking daily walks or hikes, add some strength training to your routine (so important as we get older), or get some exercise DVDs from Amazon and work out at home. 

 It’s amazing how changing your hair style or color can refresh your outlook on life!  You can also learn new makeup and hair styling techniques on You Tube.

 Even better, clean out your closet and pare it down to a capsule wardrobe.  Refreshing your sense of style can help you see yourself in a new light and, in turn, help you approach the world in a more positive way.

 Just rearranging the furniture or switching out pillows and rugs can make everything feel new again. 

Getting to know your children as adults is one of the most rewarding things about being a parent. 

 If you relegated your marriage to the back burner while you focused on your kids, it’s time to reconnect with your partner and rediscover why you fell in love in the first place! 

Take online classes, finish your degree, or pursue a brand new profession. 

It’s so easy to neglect our friendships while we’re busy raising our kids. Why not reconnect with a friend at the local coffee shop or via FaceTime? When was the last time you had an uninterrupted conversation? This is your chance.

Meet with a financial advisor. Make sure your affairs are in order and you’ll have enough money to retire.  If you don’t have a will, see an estate attorney and get that done, too. 

 Whether you get to see them in person or via FaceTime, kids or grandkids will be a favorite mood-lifters!

Connect with your parents and siblings.  Or, if you’re spread out across the country or world, start planning a family reunion for next year.

Delve into your family’s ancestry. You might find the entire process fascinating–plus, it was fun to share your findings.

Adopt a pet.  Or pet sit, or become a foster pet parent.  Animals are an amazing source of unconditional love.

This is your chance to open all those books that have been piling up on your nightstand.  Reading has the ability to carry us away to another world, helping us forget our troubles for a while.