with Natalie caine

Are Their Changes In Your Empty Nest?

I have read and received phone calls about crowded houses. Has someone moved back in? Are they are on their way?  A grandmother called me saying her daughter and grand child need to come home due to job loss.  A college son will be moving home for the summer until he finds work. His dream
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Empty Nesters Ask, “Why do you think I am crazy?”

Reinventing yourself seems to be more common these days despite the economy.  Speaking with mothers and fathers, I am hearing focused, driven parents who want something now for themselves. We all can relate to that wanting.  These are the shifts they have made in their daily living: (1) Joining a gym and getting a trainer to
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Thinking Of Going Back To Work In The Empty Nest?

I know the news is depressing. Still, parents are asking if it is a good time to go back to work. Yes. Start the process.1. List what would be fun to do part time or full time2. Interview someone in the field asking, “What frustrates you during the day. What has surprised you about this career?”3. Brush up
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A Practice for Empty Nesters

“To look at something as though we had never seen it before requires great courage.” Henry Matisse Isn’t that a fun idea? I think I will try that when I am in my winter garden. I planted tomato seeds in tiny containers in my garage, covered in saran wrap. They are just sprouting. It is
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What Helps To Keep You, Empty Nester, Uplifted?

For me, when I feel isolated, shut down, discouraged, weepy and have curled under my blankets with Kleenex, I soon rise to what I know lifts me….the arts. Sometimes I feel like I am pulling a ball and chain with me but I just keep going. Sing, dance, write a paragraph or more, watercolor, look
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Empty Nesters – Partner with Yourself

The election is over and the inauguration is around the corner.  Big changes, hopes, and celebrations are being planned. It got me thinking in a different way about saying good bye to the roles we have been playing and hello to new parts of ourselves. Let’s partner with ourselves.  Let’s remember to be the kind
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New Year In The Empty Nest

Your children are back to school and in their routine, how are you unfolding your blank sheet of a day and night? Parents tell me they are uncomfortable sharing that information.  They feel embarrassed that: 1. They aren’t motivated.2. They want ideas of how to have meaning in a day.3. Jobs aren’t fulfilling but necessary4. They have ideas but
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Empty Nest Is Filling for the Holidays

Will you be able to be present with whatever presents you give or receive?  Now is the time to laugh, hug, and have little surprises fill our homes.  We set the tone and I actually like taking on that role. As I have shared with you before, I get present because I like being a
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Changes in Behavior for Empty Nesters

Holiday Stress in the Empty Nest

I notice this year, more than others that traditions no longer work for some families. Children are far away. In-laws have rights, too. Divorce means sharing. Grandparents and parents have died. Military families are separated. Illness causes limitations. Economic challenges affect travel, menus, and gift giving. How do you still have a celebration? 1. Lower
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Empty Nesters After The Election

Some wake up inspired and applauding; others fearful and disappointed. You, as parents, have been in all those feelings before, but for different circumstances. News brings up memories and feelings. We are a community here. We will come together no matter what the ups and downs. We will be here to celebrate good times. Change,
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Intensity in the Empty Nest

It has been an intense time. It is a time to review our core values. For me, when I remember that I am more than what I am in the midst of living, then I can be present with perseverance and hope. – Review your talents. – Check out how you are doing with your
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