HOW TO NAVIGATE AN EMPTY NEST OR STATUS CHANGE
I was ready to divorce my husband over where to relocate our gas line for a stove during our kitchen remodel. We were headed to our own middle-aged version of This Ends with Us (just in the title, not the plot). Except our version went this way:
My husband tactfully said, “You know, “this is not about the stove.” And those six words set me on a path to figure out how to navigate an empty nest.
SHARED FEELINGS
Sidenote: Some of you may relate to these feelings with the loss of a spouse or close friend. And some of you may share similar feelings about retirement. These tips and suggestions work for all stages and ages.
Please share your ideas or suggestions in the comments.
My youngest was nicknamed the baby. My baby. Well, my husband’s baby, but he’s more mine, not really, but you moms and aunties know what I mean.
The baby is always the baby of the family.
Back to the empty nest status (or retirement) change.
Lately, my days are occupied by thoughts of what we are going to do in the evenings when there is no homework, tennis practice, or a last-minute school project.
IDEAS TO NAVIGATE AN EMPTY NEST
Here are a few ideas for the weekends or weeknights in the summer.
A friend suggested we start the day with a project or errands as something to tackle together and then make plans to grab drinks or see a movie (in a theatre).
- after dinner walks with Elliott
- One hour of a favorite series
- Tennis (pickleball) after dinner
- organize something together
- start a home project or plan a remodel
OTHER IDEASfor empty nesters
This list includes ideas for everyone.
- Bible study
- Volunteer
- Attend church with friends
- Organize a game night with other couples and friends
- Watch parties for sporting events
- Cooking Class
- Volunteer with friends
- Try a new restaurant with friends
- My husband coordinates concerts and ski trips with his fraternity friends and neighbors.
Please share how you navigated the first year as an empty nester or a new retiree.
I should mention that we had our kitchen renovation intentionally scheduled around our youngest’s leaving for college. In hindsight, this might be what sent me over the edge with my emotions about … the placement of a stove.
The renovation also was a great distraction as we navigated this next chapter.
Thank you for stopping by today! If you love very short stories, visit these one-minute reads!
And these reminders for my empty nest husband!
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Before my day ends, I write in my daily calendar things I want to accomplish the next day. It is very satisfying to cross things off the list. My son got me set up with a Together app on my phone, I take at least 8000 steps daily. I also listen to podcasts on my phone on my walks. There are always things to do in the house and yards no matter how big or small, just write it in on your calendar and feel how satisfying it is.
We are still a long way from being empty nesters.