Empty Nest, Full Heart: Finding Your Purpose After the Kids Leave

Today, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: Empty Nest Syndrome. I’ve been there myself, and let me tell you, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. It sucks!

When my youngest left for college, I felt a mix of pride, sadness, and...honestly, a little bit of ‘What now?’ The house was quiet, the calendar was open, and I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. Sound familiar?

Well, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely in the right place. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about the common feelings and challenges of becoming an empty nester, how to turn that sense of loss into an opportunity, and some exciting possibilities to fill your time and rediscover your purpose.

Plus, I’ve got a free gift for you—my Journal Prompts for Empty Nesters.

Transcript

Podcast Episode 2 Script – "Empty Nest, Full Heart: Finding Your Purpose After the Kids Leave"

Air Date: January 13, 2025

Welcome to Aspire and Achieve with Annie! I’m your host, Annie Lewellyn, life coach and fellow midlife woman who knows the ups and downs of life transitions all too well.

I’ll dive into the challenges and opportunities of navigating midlife—whether it’s rediscovering yourself after an empty nester, healing from grief, rebuilding after divorce, or embracing retirement.

Each week, I’ll share personal stories, practical tools, and a little humor to help you turn your struggles into strengths and create a life you truly love. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s take on this journey together.

Let’s get started!

Hello, and welcome back to Aspire and Achieve with Annie! I’m so glad you’re here for another episode of the new season. Last week, we talked about setting intentions to start 2025 with purpose and clarity. If you missed it, be sure to check it out—and grab the Setting Intentions Workbook while you’re at it!

Today, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: Empty Nest Syndrome. I’ve been there myself, and let me tell you, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. It sucks!

When my youngest left for college, I felt a mix of pride, sadness, and...honestly, a little bit of ‘What now?’ The house was quiet, the calendar was open, and I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. Sound familiar?

Well, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely in the right place. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about the common feelings and challenges of becoming an empty nester, how to turn that sense of loss into an opportunity, and some exciting possibilities to fill your time and rediscover your purpose.

Plus, I’ve got a free gift for you—my Journal Prompts for Empty Nesters. These prompts are designed to help you reflect on where you are and dream about where you want to go. You can grab them in the show notes or on my website.

All right, let’s get into it!

Let’s start with the elephant in the room—the emotional whirlwind that comes when the last child moves out.

For years, your schedule has revolved around your kids—school drop-offs, sports games, family dinners. Then, one day, the house is quiet, and you’re left with a mix of emotions.

Some of the most common feelings include:

• Sadness: You miss their presence and the daily interactions.
• Loss of Identity: You’ve been ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad’ for so long that it’s hard to remember who you are without that role.
• Guilt: You might wonder if you did enough to prepare them for the world.
• Fear: What if they struggle? What if they don’t need you anymore?

These feelings are valid, and it’s okay to grieve this transition. But here’s the good news—it’s also a time of immense opportunity if you’re willing to embrace it.

When my youngest left, I won’t lie—I spent the first week binge-watching TV and eating snacks I didn’t even like. But eventually, I realized I had a choice: I could let the emptiness define me, or I could use it as a chance to rediscover myself.

Here’s how you can turn this loss into an opportunity:

• Reframe Your Perspective: Instead of seeing it as the end of an era, see it as the beginning of a new chapter. Your kids leaving isn’t a loss; it’s a testament to the amazing job you did raising them.
• Reconnect with Yourself: What did you love to do before kids? Maybe it was painting, hiking, or writing. Now’s the time to dust off those hobbies and rediscover your passions.
• Set Personal Goals: Whether it’s traveling, starting a new career, or improving your health, setting goals gives you something to work toward and look forward to.

Now that you’ve got a little extra time on your hands, let’s talk about the possibilities—because there are so many!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Learn Something New: Take a cooking class, learn a language, or dive into a new skill like photography or gardening.
• Volunteer: Giving back to your community can be incredibly fulfilling. Consider mentoring younger parents, helping at a local shelter, or joining an organization you’re passionate about.
• Start a Side Hustle: If you’ve ever thought about turning a hobby into a business, now’s the time. Maybe you love crafting, baking, or consulting—whatever it is, explore how you can monetize it.
• Travel: Whether it’s a weekend road trip or an international adventure, exploring new places can reignite your sense of wonder and excitement.

The possibilities are endless. It’s about finding what lights you up and running with it.

Finally, let’s talk about starting anew. This phase of life is a blank canvas, and you have the power to design it however you want.

Here are some practical ways to get started:

• Set Intentions for This Chapter: Think about how you want to feel and what you want to focus on. We talked about setting intentions in the last episode. Set an intention such as, “I will embrace this time to grow and explore.”
• Focus on Relationships: Reconnect with your partner, strengthen friendships, or even build new connections.
• Invest in Self-Care: This is the perfect time to prioritize your health—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Schedule regular workouts, meditate, or try that yoga class you’ve been curious about.
• Get Creative: Tap into your artistic side by starting a journal, painting, or trying a new craft.

Remember, starting anew doesn’t mean forgetting the past. It means honoring where you’ve been while embracing where you’re going.

Today, we talked about the emotions you may experience as an empty nester, how to reframe your perspective, exciting ways to fill your time, and actionable tips for starting anew. This chapter isn’t about endings—it’s about new beginnings.

Don’t forget to download your free Journal Prompts for Empty Nesters. These prompts are designed to help you process your feelings and dream about your next steps. You can find the link in the show notes or on my website at annielewellyn.com.

Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode of Aspire and Achieve with Annie. I hope today’s discussion on becoming an empty nester gave you the inspiration and tools you need to move forward.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with a friend who might benefit from it. Your support means the world to me!

And don’t forget to check out the free resources available on my website at annielewellyn.com—they’re there to help you on your journey.

If you're feeling stuck or uncertain about your next steps, I invite you to book a free 60-minute Purpose Reboot Session with me. Together, we’ll explore where you are, where you want to go, and the best options for getting the support you need to move forward with confidence. Visit AnnieLewellyn.com to schedule your session today!

Join me next Monday at 7 am when we’re diving into an important topic: Finding Confidence After Divorce. I’ll share my personal journey through two divorces and offer practical steps to rebuild your self-esteem and move forward with strength.

Until next time, remember: You’ve spent years caring for others. Now it’s your time. Embrace it, explore it, and most of all, enjoy it. Remember: life’s challenges don’t define you—they shape you. You’ve got this!