Hello World! Welcome Friends! Just a quick update, we are safe and dry from Hurricane Harvey. I’m planning on doing a full post regarding our experiences and the ongoing effort to help those who lost everything. But, for now, let’s get to things centered around life.
Photo by Michael D Beckwith on Unsplash
The last one (or the only one) of your kids leaving for college can be an overwhelming experience. You are not just leaving your child, but also a phase of your life you loved so much. And yes, your home for the next few months is going to seem too quiet and way too empty.
However, life goes on and going through this time of change shouldn’t make you feel bad – it should make you feel strong and eager to experience the rest of your life. At some point, a new chapter is going to begin – the chapter of focusing on what’s ahead of you, rather than what you’ve left behind. There are so many happy moments just waiting for you to live them. You’ve done your job, and now is time to give yourself some rest.
To help you get started, here is a list of things you should consider doing right after they leave, so you get some sort of routine.
- Volunteer – there is no better feeling than helping someone who is hurting. Volunteering is a great way to move past this heartache and do a good deed.
- If you’ve been neglecting your health lately, this is a great time to get back on track. Get some exercise, walk, run, do yoga or pilates, start a healthy eating plan etc. Also, catch up on your sleep schedule, get your nails done, spend some time in the nature, enjoy those long baths without anyone banging on your door and savor every single moment. Your body has been through a lot over the last two decades – it deserves some time off.
- Travel – even though this is probably the biggest cliché, now is the perfect time for you to plan the trips and visit all the places you wanted to.
- If you live in the city, and you are tired of all the rush and the noise, this is the perfect time to escape to one of the over 50s resorts and spend time with people your age who can probably relate to what you’re going through.
- Show some love to your home as well – declutter your closet, kitchen, living room and your life. Getting organized is a great emotional booster
- Learn a new skill you’ve always wanted to, such as painting, pottery, photography, sewing – whatever. This is going to help you get those creative juices flowing.
- Write a book or even start your own blog. This way, you will find your voice and share various stories with others that will help them with their experiences – just like this article is helping you for example.
- Do your best to straighten your bonds with your kids and your spouse. After all, your kids are now all grown up, which can take your relationship to the next level – a close friendship. When it comes to your spouse, let’s face it – while the kids were around, you both were a lot more focused on them then you were on yourselves. It is time to remember why you got married, what are the things you love about each other and your marriage, and to rekindle the love you feel.
- Get active on social media, develop some new friendships and improve ones you already have by hosting all kinds of reunions and activities. Also, make sure to spend some quality time with your parents, siblings, grandkids, nephews and nieces, uncles and aunts – cherish every moment you have with your family.
- Get a new pet – this is also one of the best ways to get over any heartache. You will once again get one small creature to love spend time with.
- Finish that shelf you started building, read that book you’ve never finished, have a movie marathon with your spouse, make that garage sale you’ve always wanted to – clear your surroundings and your mind, this way you will find true happiness.
I hope this list helped you see just a hint of countless possibilities you have in front of you. Don’t let this time get to you in a bad way. Instead, make it a stepping stone into a new and fun phase of your life. Your kids are still here, and they still love you – it is just that they are a bit further away.
P.S. If you are feeling that you can’t get through your sadness on your own, note that there is nothing wrong with searching for professional help.
Click the link below for my last post:
I’d love for you to join my email list! You’ll receive a notification straight to your inbox once a week on Monday which will include links to party posts and my home project posts! Simply enter your address below.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
Great ideas, and so glad to hear you are safe, Kathryn! Take care.
-Yavette
Thank you, sweet Yavette! I hope you are doing well.
This is my first time visiting your blog. Found you on another blog but you had me at “empty nest”. Hubby and I are empty nesters plus we moved away from the kids and grandkids which makes my heart ache even more. I’ve done a couple things you mentioned which has helped such as volunteering, painting, and more reading. Hubby and I need to do that movie marathon, I like that idea! Thanks again for your tips, I feel like I’m not the only one struggling.
So happy to meet you, Bev! Thank you for popping by for a visit. Hope you have a lovely weekend.