I just want to remind you, love wins every day. I remember one freshman day, I had the “want me’s.” So I called my daughter, “I know I am being a pest today trying to reach you and you are busy. I am fine. I just want to hear your voice or get a text,
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Melanie called my office, as have others last week and this, “How long will I be crying? What can I do?” The memories still are fresh for me when I hugged my daughter goodbye at the dorm, dropped off my rental car, and then flew, alone 3000 miles to a silent house. Now I love
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First of all, I am a foodie. Therefore I am not empty. Empty in the tummy is a no no for me. When my daughter and I were visiting colleges in Chicago, Rick’s restaurant did not disappoint. His menus are framed in my kitchen. CONGRATULATIONS to TOP CHEF WINNER, RICK BAYLESS. His winning doubles his
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“Don’t worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Robert Thurman I read that to a group and their hands went up. “I don’t know what is next for me?” The wobbling of not knowing seems to
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Parents ask me, “How do I figure out what is next for me?” One thing that helps is talking about your interests and then following up in a week. Schedule the follow up on your calendar before you hang up the phone. I too need inspiration and clarity outside of myself. I notice women have
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A mom called today saying she would rather have the two new experimental swine flu shots then be packing up her son for college. She always faints when a needle comes into her vision and gets rashes after the shots. She went on to say, humor has gotten her through challenging times but not this
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What was your reaction to ask for help? I don’t know anyone who would really help me? I don’t know where to begin with the help I need. I am so uncomfortable telling someone I am hurting. Believe me; you aren’t alone when it comes to sorting your feelings and then asking for help. Vulnerable
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I think the place people get stuck the most in finding “What’s Next,” is saying they don’t know what to do. I for sure can relate to that response. Key is to say it and keep going. “I don’t know what I want to do and I will try……” You get to go and try
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I think the overall vote for a giveaway would be… So what came to you when you read that? You can post it here or privately email me, Natalie@emptynestsupport.com Here is a list of things I have heard from empty nesters when I ask them that during a consultation or group. 1. Fear of trying
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Change is inevitable. Get support. Over the six years of my speaking with parents across the country a big question is, NOW WHAT? You are on a journey of grieving the role you loved and shifting into a new role. How do you find what’s next for you? 1. Talk with your friends about your feelings
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Parents are dealing with hellos and goodbyes this summer. Relatives and friends are coming to visit.Children are coming back home.Change is inevitable as I always say, but that doesn’t mean we like it. Melissa called today confused with wanting them to come home and not wanting to deal with their differences. She knows it is
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Graduations are ending. A new reality sets in for parents. It is getting real that in eight weeks or so, children will be taking the leap away from home. A dad called saying he feels desperate to have fun this summer with the family. Conflict is that his children don’t feel desperate or even available.
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Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org