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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I got a sweet email from a dad after we spoke on the telephone. All of his children are away and usually they forget to acknowledge Father’s Day. He knows they love him. He knows their brains work differently – he understands. Plan one is for him to do something to celebrate that day and
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Congratulations to all of you! “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer Tips of the Day – 1. Carry extra Kleenex. I passed out cotton handkerchiefs to my immediate family while we were waiting for the ceremony to begin.
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A father shared with me on the telephone that in two months, his son will be thousands of miles from home. He notices that moms are better at chatting and repeating their feelings. He sees articles about moms saying goodbye, but little support for the dads. He is hurting because he too loves his son,
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That is what I am hearing from parents and non-parents across the country who are burnt out from the decades of a career they use to enjoy. It reminded me of the line, THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE. A lawyer told me she now wants to teach high school if she
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Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org