Each season has its ups and downs, but the season of the empty nest is like no other. While some celebrate the return to a calm, peaceful existence that screams freedom, others struggle to find their sense of purpose and try to fill the void that screams what feels like the loss of their family. But when the kids have flown the coop, what feels empty and aimless can be an opportunity to build a legacy. Filling the empty nest is not about filling our schedules to fill our empty hearts but about methodically and intentionally thinking through our goals and making space to work toward them.
Look to the Past
The emptiness we feel can cause us to be stuck in the past if we are not careful. This unique season of our lives is not intended to fill us with grief over what we have lost and no longer have. As we look to the past, we can consider the legacy we have built to this point, examining the foundation we have laid and how best to build on it now. We can learn from the past to live more intentionally in the present and shape the future. We can fill our nest with fond remembrances of the past that shaped us, course correcting to make sure our family mission and vision are still intact.
Look to the Present
If we live in the past or look too much into the future, we might miss the present. Look afresh at what is around you. Building on the past, there are new ways to relate to one another and to consider how we have been building our family and personal legacies. Rather than busying ourselves to distract ourselves from the familiar way of life we miss, we can consider what our lives should look like now. How should we invest our time? What passions are inside us that we could not participate in before due to a busier lifestyle? Perhaps there is no time like the present to have space to craft the legacy we always wanted but could not carve out enough time to do so.
Look to the Future
Families do not stay close naturally. Building our family legacies requires effort, and so does relating to one another. Find new ways to connect with family members who are likely to be in very busy seasons. What new traditions or opportunities can help to maintain closeness and work toward the legacy you still want to build?
The empty nest is not an end. It is a new opportunity to fill our lives with what matters most. It is a clean slate to plan and prepare for the next chapter of our lives. Those who have left our nest are still looking to us to see how to build their lives. Don’t drop the ball. You are still building a legacy that can last for generations.
We would love to help you craft a legacy in your early or golden years. Please let us know if we can help you with your planning. Feel free to contact us to schedule a free consultation.
