10 Reasons Why I Love My Empty Nest Freedom

I woke up today and realized that it has been one full month since I became an Empty Nester.

Wow, it’s hard to believe how quickly time marches on!!  That said, this first month has been filled with making it through the holidays (alone).

As I sat this morning doing some reflection, I came up with a quick list of what I am discovering having an empty nest.

1. The bathroom is always clean! No longer do I have to go in and clean up after showers or nag for the kids to go back and do it themselves.  When people visit, I don’t have to panic about what crusty object they are going to find on the bathroom sink.

2. Menu Options have increased … Significantly, and guess what? Every meal that I have made has been enjoyed without complaint (super cool)!

3. I have a new awareness of self-care. Taking care of me has become a priority. I have started doing that on a daily basis. I’ve even started doing yoga a couple time a week!!

4. People just stopping by is no longer a reason to have an anxiety attack! Because there is no mess… that’s a great feeling. I don’t find bits and pieces of trash stuffed in the sofa cushions or the plants because someone was a little to lazy to walk all the way to the trash can. I feel like I’m living in a show home, or as a complete bachelor! I LIKE IT!!

5. I was asked to go for a drink at 9:30 on Saturday night — and I went!!  It has been YEARS since I have had the freedom to just up and take off to do something fun for me on a whim.  Similarly, I enjoyed a fun childless weekend with my mom and sisters shopping, visiting and just hanging out.  These are all new experiences for me.

6. The laundry doesn’t pile up!  I don’t spend time having to wash things that just got tossed on the floor because they didn’t feel the need to put them away!

7. I can clean my kitchen after a meal in less than 5 minutes!  Although it does seem funny to only run the dishwasher once a week or so instead of almost daily.  It’s almost not worth using the dishwasher.  BUT I will persevere! LOL

8. No more alarm clocks and school schedules.  It is really nice not having to wake up everyday to the sound of an alarm so that I can get kids up and off to school.  It’s the most fun so far on super cold days, when I can just enjoy an extra cup of coffee looking outside at the snow and being grateful that I am in!

9. No Nagging, Whining and Fighting – I always get my own way!!! Enough said 😉

10. The Freedom to Discover ME Again.  Probably the most important thing is having the time, energy and focus to discover what it is I enjoy doing, without having to check in with anyone to make sure that it’s okay.

Now, don’t get me wrong… Of course I miss the kids, some days more than others and I do get huge waves of loneliness and sadness.  But, this is the next step in the journey we call life.  It is a step that I have been mentally preparing myself for, and it is a step that I was ready and wanting.

There is a point when the focus needs to turn back to you.  I would love to hear your thoughts, maybe we can compare stories, and exchange ideas?  I saw this book on Amazon, and will be ordering it.

I love the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and I think The Empty Nesters will come in handy over the next little while.  That’s my link in case you would also like to grab a copy.

Talk soon,

P.S. – Please take a minute to connect with me: Facebook | Pinterest | Google+ | LinkedIn

P.P.S. – Get More Tips n Tricks from AHWH sent directly to your inbox, that way you’re sure not to miss anything.