No Pants!Photo byKim Druker Stockwell

Below please see some of last week’s responses to this thread I sent:

“There's launching and there's nesting. Both have an affect on your home life. If you have experienced it, what are your thoughts? What do you know that might help others? Please share.”

Two things stuck out to me in the responses I received. One was the word “relief.” I think that is an apt term after so many years of the same schedule. And the other is the need to find a new rhythm or schedule or job. Makes sense. There are so many more sides to this story. None of the responders were single, for one. See what you think and please drop a comment in below.

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from a readerPhoto byDjamila

I very much appreciate this quote. I think of what a privilege it is to send kids off to college. And I had a lot of time with [my husband] pre-kids and it’s nice to get back to that -There’s a book called, Give Them Wings. Tell [them] about it.-DF Los Angeles, CA

It was a catch 22 for me. I was excited bc I didn’t have the daily schedule that I had to be responsible for the kids’ activities and carpool. I was happy to have that gone but then I sort of bounced off the walls. It was an adjustment. I had always wanted my own space and time and then when I had it I didn’t know how to use them. I started on things like the house, changes I wanted to make. I could have new things and not worry about the wear and tear…The other side..the amount of time with my husband…we were able to share time together without being restricted by someone else’s needs. At same time we needed to figure out our own time. He didn’t have the adjustment I had. -DS Maine

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An empty nest was a big change for me. I found I had to relax into it, find my rhythm. It was also a time of new beginnings, I could be spontaneous, attend more events, see our friends on a whim during the week. I have to say that in the very beginning dinner time was when I felt it most so we did make more dinner plans, go to a fav restaurant last minute and watch some fun TV shows. Now that I am into my third year of an empty nest, the rhythm feels good.

I love that you are doing this. I may add something more specific if it comes to me. I feel that dinner time was a bit lonely in the beginning. I think I may add that. -TA Boston

There are times I am so full of energy and there is no end to what I want to do and there are times I feel so blue and lonely. I guess it’s in my control how blue I let myself get. -AD New York

I do remember being relieved to no longer have to coordinate everything. I was traveling regularly for work then and also in charge of figuring out all the logistics for AJ when I was away, so much less to manage. And we had years of practice being empty nesters during the summers, which AJ spent with my parents in Kentucky. -MS Belmont, MA

“Empty nesting is a time to try new things again “.

Many people often look at their spouse and say now what when the kids leave. Make it a time to travel and go on dates again. -KV Buffalo, NY

As one with a wide range of children ages 38 (outstanding step son ,Aaron came into my life when he was 4 and I was 30), a 27 son Erik and a 21 year old university student, Jessica I can say I am in a great place!

I enjoy all three of my young adults and love to hear about their adventures and support them in their life challenges.

It’s now time to reconnect with hubby and have date night and new experiences !

Although every stage of life has its ups and downs this stage has yielded freedom that I have not experienced for decades.

Careers are wrapping up and a new nesting is occurring of where to live, hobbies to explore, friends to visits , adventures to be had.

Enjoy the journey -MR Brookline, MA

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Coming soon:

NOTE Maven interviews are shifting to people who have started brand new careers or passions in midlife. There are so many exciting stories coming your way….

New Maven Interviews!

Emily Burnett, and her story: A mess with money. One woman’s journey to debt and back. Twice.

Premium readers can enjoy her take on how to reign in and teach young adults budgeting and harder: how to teach parents to do the favor of reigning in their kids.

Cai Cai Fritzinger. Start a clothing store on the North Shore of Boston? She has and it’s a home run. We will discover how and why she made this big life change!

Premium readers will enjoy a special discount from Cai Cai’s store, the Copper Shed. And more.

Please join my Substack blog: Women's Survival Guide www.womenssurvivalguide.substack.com

and more..

xo k