Embracing the Empty Nest

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​​"Give the ones you love the wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay." Dalai Lama

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As the summer comes to an end I am drawn to the many pictures posted by friends and colleagues of their children going off to elementary school, middle school and high school. It brings back so many memories of the days when being a working mom to my four kids meant intense activity with little down time and so much chaos and joy. Now that my last "baby" has left the nest, I am wondering how I will cope with my sense of loss. It is so quiet in my house that it feels strange.  I should be prepared by past experience. But being prepared is only part of the challenge. In an effort to bring more positive thoughts together, I use an "embrace the empty nest" support list:  

1.  Use this opportunity to see how capable your children are without you 24/7.
2.  Reflect on the job of motherhood and your strengths and weaknesses.
3. Keep the wonderful "nest" strong as the job is never over.
4. Recognize the value of motherly advice;  they're never too old for it.
5. Know when to keep your mouth shut and let them experience college life.
6. Use the quiet time to work hard at anything and everything.
7. Connect with your suppressed inner talents.
8. Breathe deep and take care of yourself.
9. Find something greater than yourself.
10. Enjoy a new chapter of life when coming home from school may take longer, but is still filled with milk and cookies!