Taking Flight on a New Norm

On a recent flight, I was glad to be sitting in my preferred seat - near the window. 

As the plane took off and rapidly ascended into the clouds, I began to reflect. Vignettes of my life flashed before me. I began to think of all the myriad of experiences I’ve had so far. Many of these experiences have brought me exhilaration, like the birth of my children. Some of these experiences have made me sad, like the passing of my father, while others have created resilience; like my journey as an entrepreneur.

As diverse as these experiences have been, the one thing they all have in common is that they’re mine! They have shaped and molded me into the person I am today. And, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change a thing. Naturally, there have been times when I’ve questioned how in the world things are going to work out. But, somehow they always do. 

At various points in life, we also find ourselves embarking on new journeys and experiences. This could be planned. For example, when you go from being single to being married; planned. However, when you get let go from a job; unplanned. There are also times when you feel adventurous and begin to travel to new places. Or, you relocate to another city to be closer to family, friends or just for work. 

At this point in my life, I’m preparing for a new phase; being an “Empty Nester.” I’m grateful to be a mom to two amazing humans. My son, who’s the oldest, is a rising college Junior, while my daughter, who’s the youngest, is headed into her Freshman year of college. I will have to adjust to a life much different from the past 22 years. No more car pools, back-to-school shopping, last minute runs to the store to pick up one thing or another for a class project or any forgotten items for the various extracurricular activities. No more providing three square meals a day and the must-have after school snack. And, my all time favorite, the weekly bedroom check will be no more. I’m convinced that the saying “cleanliness is next to Godliness” meant absolutely nothing to my children!

While I admit I hadn’t given much thought to what becoming an “Empty Nester” would mean to me, those around me seem to be amused at reminding me of my impending reality; it has forced me to think more about what this truly means. For me, it will mean next level moves for building my business, traveling more, having more time for personal development and getting in more reading. 

Don’t get me wrong, I recognize there’s going to be a lot of changes from my current way of life. But, just like I’ve been on a mission to follow my path, I want my son and daughter to do the same. I want them to one day have a moment, looking out of the window of a plane, and reflect on all their wonderfully diverse experiences. That’s what life is all about and I wouldn’t have it any other way!