Empty Nesters

They’re gone. What’s next?

It is suddenly so painful to be faced with an empty house. That awful silence!

You miss the sneakers and socks lying about the den, the crumbs on the kitchen counter, and the wet towels on the bed.

Your stomach aches at 4 pm reminding you that your kid won’t be walking through the door like they used to do.

Where did ‘YOU’ go while you were an active mother?

You tell yourself that your job is largely done. Suddenly, you find yourself with more time and the realization with some regret that you have neglected yourself. The busyness and responsibility of being a mother is over. It’s time to look after yourself, but you really don’t know how.

As a mother, why is putting yourself first so difficult? Why does mothering have to be such an all-defining, all-absorbing role? Although you are deeply attuned to and can easily anticipate your child’s needs, it is easy to override your own.

Now is the time! You haven’t had any practice at it, so you don’t even know where to start!

Create a new definition that includes “you” being a person.

Having a new relationship with your child brings on potential change and unexpected grief. This change requires you to learn and develop a more adult way to relate to your child. Then, you can welcome the new you and become a friend of the old you.

Ask yourself what you desire. Muse about what you want to do with your life and who you may have wanted to be. Grieve the difference between who you wanted to be and who you are now.

This is not easy. Have courage. You can ask for help.

Reclaim your life, reclaim your voice…

Change is inevitable. After your children leave the nest, life becomes different for you and for your relationships with your children. Be brave and have courage!

While this is your journey to take, you don’t have to take it alone.

Call me at (516) 621-1898 to schedule your free 15-minute telephone consultation.