The transition to an empty nest can be a difficult one, particularly for women who have spent much of their lives focused on caring for their family. However, this new stage in life can also be an exciting opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and fulfillment. Here are six things that you can do to ease through the transition of empty nesting:
Focus on Personal Growth
With the kids out of the house, you now have the opportunity to focus on your own personal growth and development. This might mean pursuing new interests, trying new activities, or taking on new challenges. It’s a time to focus on yourself and what you want to do with your life. This was a lot of the reason we started this Isn’t She Amazing Community. I was over 50 when I ran my first marathon, went skydiving, climbed Mt. Fuji, trekked to Mt. Everest Base camp, doubled up on my humanitarian travel to places like Sierra Leone, Cambodia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Malawi, Honduras, Democratic Republic of Congo and many more developing countries.
Rekindle Relationships
The transition to an empty nest can also be a great time to reach out to old friends and family members and rekindle relationships that may have fallen by the wayside. Make plans to spend time together, whether it’s through a visit, a phone call, or a video chat. I have reconnected with college friends and even celebrated my 69th birthday with my college roommate and her husband (and Lorna, of course). And while I adore being with my grandchildren, I also love traveling with our grown kids.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether it’s through a local charity, a hospital, or a school, there are many opportunities to put your skills and expertise to work for a good cause. I founded a non profit organization called Be the Change Foundation, training and equipping women to be entrepreneurs. Another fun connection was a partnership with Generosity Feeds as we organized food programs for kids who struggle with hunger. The options for you are really limited only by your imagination.
Travel
Empty nesting provides a newfound freedom, and many women over 50 take advantage of this by traveling and exploring new places. This can be a great way to see the world, meet new people, and gain new experiences. We do all these things at Isn’t She Amazing, so make sure you subscribe to our newsletter and attend our local and online events. We are here for you.
Embrace Technology
Ha! This one can get tricky. But, technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected with loved ones, and women over 50 should embrace this. Whether it’s through video calls, social media, or other forms of technology, staying connected with your children and grandchildren can help ease the transition of empty nesting. Join our “Find Your Amazing Happy Hours” listed on the events page.
Find a Support Group
Finally, you could consider joining a support group of women in similar stages of life. This can provide emotional support, camaraderie, and a sense of community during this time of transition. Starting a book club or a dinner club, or a movie night with the girls can be a fun way to transition as well.
In conclusion, the transition to an empty nest can be a challenging one, but with the right support and mindset, women over 50 can turn this new stage in life into a time of growth, self-discovery, and fulfillment. Whether it’s through personal growth, rekindling relationships, volunteering, travel, technology, or finding a support group, there are many ways to ease through the transition of empty nesting and find joy and fulfillment in this new stage of life.
Action step: Call a friend and meet for lunch to discuss options!
