Oh I remember this feeling, all too well..

The empty nest…

My eldest had fallen in love. My youngest had also fallen in love.
Both were in long-term relationships, and the house was quiet.
My world very quickly spiralled out of my control, as the next stage of their lives had begun.

I would tidy their spaces, even though they hadn’t used them.
I would drive to work and cry often, as their favourite songs came on the radio.
I would sit at home and watch the movies that we used to love watching together.
I would visit my friends for a change of scenery, only to feel like my family life was ending, and theirs were just beginning.
I would feel guilty, as I’d go over their lives, assessing what I could’ve done differently, or better.
I would feel helpless, as they no longer came to me first, for help or advice.
I felt stupid for feeling like this and selfish for just wanting a bit more time. I was 38, I was too young for this. I didn’t know what to do with myself, as everything I did was for my girls. I didn’t even know who I was, other than Mum.
I felt isolated, lonely and empty.

Then, one day, I decided that enough was enough!
I needed to drag myself out of the darkness; it was time to get better. I slowly learnt to look at my relationship with my girls differently.
My role as a mum needed to change.
I was no longer their care provider, but I was still a major figure in their lives…

So, I started to heal myself.
I began meditating, taking care and loving myself again.
I listened to inspirational people, read motivational books, listened to self-help podcasts, and began to re-learn who I was, on a much deeper level.
I saw Life Coaches and Hypnotherapists, reconnecting with my true self and growing as a person. I became empowered as I got my confidence back and went from strength to strength, knowing that my girls were watching every move I made.
I was their role model and their educator and I became the best version of me that I ever had been. 

At the time, I was told that I was having a breakdown.
I was even told that I was simply experiencing ‘women’s problems’ or ‘the change’.

Well let me tell you that they were wrong! 

After my own experience, and speaking to many other women who had been through something similar, I now know that this was a transition.
A time to reflect – realising that I did my best with the resources I had available to me at the time.
This was growth.
This was enlightenment.

This, to me, was the truest and purest form of an awakening.
Womanhood being reborn.
Reconnection with universal energy, my inner magic and a complete embodiment of my core spirit.
This was a reminder of what I am capable of, and the beautiful women that I had created.
Making this the most magical moment of my life.  

All my love to you ~ the Empty Nesters
Suzie Gill

For support, please visit: theopenbircage.co.uk/lovecorethink/