Kittens grown into cats, beans sprout, tides change and ca ca happens.
It’s not just about being an empty nester, it’s about LIFE—finishing something really big and saying “Now, what’s next????”
I remember this feeling vividly! During life’s transitions it is so important to take care of ourselves. We must take the time to tap into our heart and focus on what it is we are passionate about because our passion and purpose are closely linked! Sometimes our identity becomes our children and we lose site of ourselves.
The Lowest Point
My personal low point happened to be when I realized my chicks were actually gonna take flight. The day I had occasionally dreamed of but more often times dreaded was rapidly approaching. Then WHAT?? What about me? And Oh yeah, What about them? Had I done a decent job? Had I appropriately packed their parachute?–armed them for the wild blue yonder? YIKES!
Certain transitions in life can leave us feeling empty and cause us to innately search for something to fill that emptiness — i.e. excessive drinking, working, gossip, shopping, eating, exercise, gambling, drugs, etc…. I was in a panic while attempting to avoid a false void-filler, so I consulted a therapist who told me I had “left my self WAY behind” and it was my turn to think of me.
Think of ME? Seriously???
Time for Some Self Examination
So, I allowed myself the luxury to ponder this seemingly SELFish, ultimately unSELFish act of SELF examination. I highly recommend doing this especially during times of difficult transitions.
What else could give me that rush I get from charging those fabulous shoes at Nordstrom or the euphoria I get from polishing off an entire family size jar of Nutella, or downing the 2nd or 3rd glass of wine? Where could I get that same surge without the self-loathing that follows those false fillers? My definition of passion and purpose—what gives you that same high without the after gunk?
After months of prayer and pondering (and occasionally partaking in some false fillings), I learned my personal surge comes from meeting and talking to out-of-the -ordinary people about their out-of-the-ordinary passions. Why do they love what seems so strange to the norm? I know it’s a weird juxtaposition that my passion happens to be others’ passions—so that’s why I decided to fly the coop and meet these fascinating people.
Time to Fly
So here I am, 3 years later with a VLOG of my adventures. I hope you come fly the coop with me—I never met a strange bird I didn’t love. I promise they will make you laugh (sometimes with them and sometimes AT them), they will challenge your notions of acceptance, and hopefully they will inspire and show you it’s ok to chase your passion no matter what anyone thinks! Don’t leave your self “behind!” What is your passion?
I’m almost there! I thought two of my three kids were moving out in August, but they stayed home instead. 🙁 It was quite traumatic. But I manage to travel quite a bit and meet new dogs everywhere I go. 🙂
MC, thanks for reminding me. I’ve heard you tell this story before — and loved it then, as I do now. My kids are on the verge of flying the coop and I’m at a loss. I’ve succumbed to several fillers and the regret that comes after. Still trying to find my passion (it seems to change often). I love following your adventure and it gives me hope that I’ll find mine.
They grow too fast! You look like you are having a ball!