I have been speaking with parents for years and I too travel the transition of an empty nest. My daughter is a happy college graduate. “What can help me?” That is a question often asked and for good reason.“Is this normal?” Each life is unique and a container. Containing memories, actions, hopes, losses, surprises
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I know that statement is obvious and when you read it, hopefully it serves as a reminder to keep a perspective. Knowing who you are and who your child is, can be an entry into a better relationship as they prepare to leave or have left home sweet home. Eloise isn’t organized. She
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I chose this photo as an exercise for being in the moment. When you are inthe moment and open , more choices and creative ideas come to you, as wellas quieting the voices in your head and calming your racing heart. Stress isnormal. Chaos and anxiety arrive. What can help you? Open the
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You didn’t warn meYou hyped me upYou disappeared. If you cared, you’d remember, signals save. You didn’t warn me. Fallen SteppedFaded I count on signsOr I wouldn’tClimb
Spring cleaning triggers a part of you that wants to toss the old, clear out your space, and then pick a new, to decorate and bring in beauty. Beauty feeds your peace and your creativity. A plant, like rosemary, chamomile, or basil in your home can calm you. We forget to take in the scents
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When my nest emptied and the tears stopped occupying my thoughts, I started taking photos. I had no idea how much I would love grabbing a camera, especially at sunrise, walking out the door to my yard or neighborhood, and teaching myself about photography. Two years ago, I finally stopped using my throw away camera
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My cat is the model of being persistent. I think that is why I chose her, and she is a cuddler. I, too, am persistent. Sophie, my cat, leaps to get water in vases more than her bowl. It doesn’t matter how jammed the water is with my garden flowers, she pushes her face to
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These three photos show where I take an hour and a half drive to walk a place I call paradise. I feel refreshed, and get reminded of the bigger picture of life. ENDLESS and GREATER than my personality, needs, and woes. OK, I also fantasize about who lives here and what their life must be
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Susan called with excitement that her daughter got into the college of her choice. Now the family is leaping into details for their daughter’s move out of state and the celebration in June. A couple shared last week that they finally made a plan. They are renting a flat, rather than a hotel in Paris,
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Holidays bring gatherings and memories. I have received calls of what do you do if you have no family around for Easter or Passover and tears fall. Crying is a good thing. Let yourself feel what you need to feel whenever and wherever. Who wouldn’t be sad missing traditions that have changed. A woman shared
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I don’t know about men/ single dads, wondering why women don’t look at them anymore, but moms/ single women of a certain age and married women, talk about how no one notices them anymore. They try and have a sense of humor that their kids get more “looks” eyes meeting eyes, than they do. This
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During my weekend walk, I wanted to find a cloud that looked like a bunny. I did. You might need to use your imagination in the photo to see the bunny. Passover and Easter are festivals of Spring. I think it is also a reminder of endurance and freedom. Who doesn’t want to get outside
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Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org