What Do You Do With an Empty Nest?

What Do You Do With an Empty Nest?
By Nancy Kelsey Smith

Many of us of the baby boomer generation find ourselves at a major transition point in life. Up until recently our days have been full of the noise, chaos and energy that comes with raising a family. There may have been times when the days seemed too full and the noise too loud and we wanted to run away and hide. But we were busy, always busy and we definitely felt needed.

When that last child flies from the nest, life as we have known it for such a long time comes to a screeching halt. Everything seems to change overnight. All of a sudden we have less people to shop and cook for and we wonder if it is worth it to even bother trying to cook for one or two people. The house that used to be so full of noise is now strangely silent. True, we would have given most anything for that quiet once upon a time. Now, however, it does not seem all that desirable.

Who are we now that we are no longer the custodian of our flock? We can learn the answer to that question because we now find ourselves with the time necessary to understand who we are at this new point in our lives. We can try all kinds of things that did not seem possible or practical before. We might take classes and learn a new skill or immerse ourselves in a hobby that has been shelved for years. We might even take up some new interests. We are free to join exercise classes, book clubs and to volunteer our time.

The empty nest does not mean that our useful life is over, it only signifies the beginning of a new chapter in our life story. If you are a new member to the empty nesters' club it is perfectly understandable that you might need to allow yourself a little time to grieve over the ending of that last chapter. Not too much time though. There are too many new things to do and experience. Life is here waiting to be lived.

Nancy Smith is one of the owners of RobbinsSports.com, an online retailer specializing in basketball backboards and punching dummies.