As you watch your grown kids drive away, ready to start their own lives, you find yourself standing on the front porch of an empty house. The silence is deafening. So, what comes next?
To ensure the success of your next chapter, here are five pieces of wisdom to consider:
Acknowledge the feeling of loss.
When something new enters our lives, it often means letting go of something old. It’s completely normal to feel lost or directionless when your kids leave home. Allow yourself to cry, journal, and reach out to friends for support. Recognizing and processing your emotions is essential for moving forward.
Take a step forward.
You may find yourself unsure of how to reconnect with the world now that your focus is no longer on your children. Take the time to discover your current interests and take steps to pursue them. It’s possible that new passions will emerge as you explore different facets of yourself.
Rediscover your identity.
Reconnecting with your core values and exploring new interests can help you create this new chapter of your life. Reflect on the interests and values you may have put aside during your parenting years. Consider working with someone to explore these aspects of yourself further.
Reconnect with your partner.
After reconnecting with yourself, it’s important to do the same with your partner. Take the time to understand who you both are now and what you want your shared life to look like. Have meaningful discussions about your priorities, needs, and wants. Finding common ground may take time, but it lays a foundation for a fulfilling future together.
Maintain a connection with your kids.
Leaving your relationship with your children to chance can lead to misunderstandings and hurt. Instead, prioritize open communication. Respect their desires and priorities while expressing your desire to stay connected. Discuss what spending time together might look like and find ways to reach agreements as adults. Recognize and communicate your needs while also acknowledging theirs as you navigate this new phase of your relationship.
Approach this transition with a positive mindset, knowing that it has the potential to be the best chapter of your life yet.
Patti Cotton is a trusted advisor to CEOs and their teams, specializing in managing complexity and change. Contact [email protected] for more information.
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