4 Ways to Manage Empty Nest and the Menopause

For many of us hitting the peri-menopause and menopause often coincides with our children becoming older and more independent or leaving home altogether, which can leave us with a real sense of loss and purpose as to who we are and what role we have now. It can be hard to come to terms with the fact that all the energy we have poured into raising our kids and what a massive part of our life its been, is now changing dramatically. We always knew we were preparing them to forge their own life and that they naturally would fly the nest but it doesn’t make it any easier when they do.

1. The Quiet Grief nobody talks about

Motherhood becomes your identity, it defines you as a person and your life. An emotional rollercoaster of pride, sadness, school runs, packed lunches, after school activities and agony aunt all rolled into one. When the rhythm of daily life changes its natural to feel a sense of loss despite feeling excited for their independence. It means you gave your best and invested your heart, time and energy into your family. Now some space has been created, space for you. You’ve been given back the time and freedom you so longed for during the last decade, and its an exciting time.

2. Redefining Purpose

It’s time to redefine your identity and discover a new sense of self. Your purpose hasn’t gone, it’s evolving and expanding beyond being a mother. This is the time to think about 

The passions or interests you put on hold, didn’t have the time for, while you were raising your family.

What kind of woman do you want to be now, what inspires and lights you up.

How do you want to spend your time, what would you like to do with your days.

3. Reconnecting with Yourself

Revisit old passions and hobbies, what did you use to get excited about before it fell by the wayside when you had kids. Pick one and let it ignite the spark again.

Try something new. Now you can explore things you’ve always wanted to try but never have had the time to, such as yoga, travel or even starting a new business.

4. Mindset Shift from Loss to Freedom

Instead of seeing empty nest as an ending, see it as a new beginning. A chance to breathe, to dream and to

design a life that aligns with the person you are now. Focus not on what you are losing but more on the opportunities that are opening up to you, of growth, freedom and discovery.

Freedom to travel outside of the school calendar.

Energy to pour into your passions

Space to deepen your relationship with your partner, or yourself.

The joy of watching your children thrive in their independence, while you are too.

You are not losing your purpose, you are expanding and developing it.

Hope

Many women feel adrift when their kids leave home and the hormonal changes that come with the peri menopause and menopause only heighten these feelings. The key is to allow yourself the time and space to feel the loss but not to stay there. Choose to embrace a new identity not only as a mother but as a woman with dreams, passions and unique gifts with the time to explore them.

Final Thoughts

Empty Nest Syndrome may feel like you’re losing yourself but it’s a chance to meet yourself again. Reclaim the person that you are, not the woman defined by motherhood. Now you have the time to really nurture your own dreams and step boldly into a new chapter. So ask yourself today:

• What lights me up now?

• What dreams did i put on hold that I am now ready to explore?

Come and rediscover yourself with Positive Soul. The nest maybe empty, but your life is not.