Empty Nest, Full Heart: Embrace Your New Beginning

The Nest Empties and so does your Soul

I was walking into my bedroom when the thought first occurred to me. My heart sunk. If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you’ve heard this story. If not, here ya go.

I had the flashback–it was me, my husband and our two little kids (at that time 5 and 2). We were all in bed watching my favorite…er, I mean THEIR favorite show–Tinga Tinga Tales. This was our little family tradition–we hung out a bit before all the crazy dash to get ready for the day. In my flashback, I saw us-enjoying the morning, snuggling in bed. And then I shook my head. This wasn’t 2011, this was today. And I only had 3, no wait TWO years before my oldest graduated from High School and left for college. That’s when my heart sunk

What on earth would I do? I LOVED my mom job!! And I no longer liked my JOB job…so in a couple short years, the thing I loved more than anything would be on it’s way out (with my son not far behind), and I would be left with an empty house and a lukewarm career.

I know that isn’t the thought of every new empty nest mom. Some think the day their kids leave for college will feel like freedom. More quiet mornings. A clean kitchen. Time to finally focus on, well, us.

But when the door closes behind them, what follows often isn’t celebration—it’s silence. Not just in the house, but in their heart.

If you’re anything like me (or the hundreds of women I’ve connected with), the first days of the empty nest feel less like a vacation and more like emotional whiplash. One minute you’re cheering them on at graduation. The next, you’re staring at a quiet dinner table wondering, “Now what?”

Common struggles of the Empty Nest Season

This chapter sneaks up on us. I was an older mother, so I waited to have kids and was so ready. I enjoyed every single minute of it. Being a mom is no easy task. We give our kids everything–our energy, time, and hearts, typically putting ourselves on the backburner. It’s no wonder that when they fly the coop, we feel a little lost.

And no one talks about that! I mean, sure we hear how much we will miss them, how lonely it is from one friend, or how exciting it is from another. But no one talks about OUR personal loss of purpose. The loss of ourselves. We put who we are on the shelf for a bit while we raised these kids. And now we’re expected to say good-bye to them and pick right back up like it was 2006 and Pink is singing “Who Knew” on the radio.

Well, my friend if you have no idea what’s next, you are not alone.

Here’s what I hear most from my new empty nest mom friends:

• “I don’t even know who I am anymore.”
• “I’ve spent so long taking care of everyone else—how do I take care of me?”
• “It’s like I got fired from my favorite job.”

Sound familiar? If it does, please know—nothing has gone wrong. You’re standing at the threshold of a transformation, not a dead end.

This is your invitation to begin again

The truth is, motherhood never ends—it just evolves. And now, you get to evolve too.

Our kids and parenting role has been filled with seasons. The will they ever sleep season, the lock everything up that a three foot tall tiny human could get into season, the I can’t believe they are graduating! (from kindergarten) season. We won’t talk about the lock themselves in their bedroom, put down that phone or the, that’s right, you know EVERYTHING, season.

And if you truly think about it, every season came with bad and good. And with almost every season, I swore I would be sad that that was the end, but then I would fall in love with the next season and prove myself wrong time and time again.

And this season is no different. With them, you have so much more to look forward to. But, there is no denying, you will likely see them less often than you did. SO if you don’t do something FOR YOU, well, let’s just say it, there could be a big hole left in your life.

You will be spending ALOT of time with YOU, during this chapter. And if you create something special now that your kids have flown–that is going to be amazing. But if you don’t, well, I think you know.

The important thing to remember is this season is not an ending.

Think of this moment not as the final chapter… but as a long-awaited plot twist. A chance to rediscover who you are, what brings you joy, and how you want to live your story from here on out.

Because here’s the beautiful thing: You still have so much life ahead. And this season? It gets to be about you.

Ready to Begin? Three ways to step into your Next Chapter with Purpose.

✨ 1. Reconnect with Yourself
Take 10 minutes today to journal—not about your to-do list, but about your dreams. What did you love before motherhood? What excites you now? Even small sparks matter.

✨ 2. Try One New Thing This Week
Now take that list and schedule one of the these dreams into your calendar–A class, a walk in a new neighborhood, a new hair color—something that reminds you life is still full of firsts. Joy is waiting in the unfamiliar.

✨ 3. Find Your People
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Surround yourself with women who are walking the same road and are ready to cheer you on as you rise.

This is your empowerment Era

The empty nest isn’t empty—it’s open. Open to growth, joy, connection, and purpose. You’ve spent years pouring love into your family. Now it’s time to pour some of that love back into you.

If this message speaks to your heart, you’re exactly where you need to be. Follow along for more uplifting tips, practical inspiration, and heartfelt encouragement to help you thrive in this next season of life.

And please, share with a friend who needs it too.

👉 Subscribe to my newsletter, The Thriving Empty Nester, and let’s walk this beautiful path together—one step at a time.

If you are trying to figure this whole empty nest thing out, I have a Free Workbook to help you do just that.
It’s called From Empty To Empowered: 5 Truths Every Empty Nest Mom must Embrace before she can find her True Purpose.

Get it Here: