Our family’s Beginning of Empty Nest Day (BEND???? as in bend in the road?) is August 12, 2017, two days from the time of this writing.

After months of feeling excited and prepared for our youngest’s departure, the harder emotions have finally bubbled to the surface and tears of sadness and grief erupt frequently. Each and every one of these emotions is, of course, a normal part of being human. I feel grateful for the bitter sweet roller coaster ride, since it means I’ve had the opportunity to be a mother.

On the other end of the spectrum, I remember hearing author Elizabeth Gilbert talk about her mother’s unvarnished and open elation when she dropped her kids off at school as an example of there not being one right or wrong way for mothers to feel during this transition. I’m simply taking each day as it comes, knowing that as soon as I get used to feeling one thing, it will all change.

Despite my intermittent tears, I am also filled with a sense of optimistic anticipation. The mindfulness-based strategies I’ve learned and implemented over the past several years have set me up to truly look forward to this next chapter. If you are also on the brink of empty nest-hood, are YOU looking forward to this next stage of your life?

Motherhood has always been my number 1 priority, and will continue to be. But as the road bends and our children step into their own lives, I think part of our jobs as mothers (and fathers) is to model what fulfilled living and life-long learning looks like.

It’s time to turn some of that care-giving energy towards yourself—your own inspirations, passions, and self-care!

My bout with breast cancer in 2009 accelerated the realization that time is fleeting, life is short, and I’d better make the most of the present moment. That lesson has motivated me to not only cultivate habits and systems to prioritize and implement actions that help me meet my personal goals in a positive, joy-filled manner, it has also become my life’s work to share these strategies with others.

I want to share them with YOU in a workshop I’m holding on Tuesday, September 12, from 6:30-9:30 pm titled

Surviving and Thriving In Your Empty Nest: Mindful Tools to Stay Fulfilled, Focused, and Moving Forward

In this workshop you will receive:

• Mindfulness strategies to help you clarify your passions and purpose.
• Creative ways to make time for fulfilling, soul-feeding activities.
• Practical tools to weave intention into your short- and long-term planning.
• Tips on how to prioritize high value actions that move you toward your goals.
• Empowerment to move your inner dialogue from “Can I…?” to “How can I…?”

All in a loving community of support…

Spaces are limited since I’m holding the workshop in my home. At just $47, this workshop will fill up quickly. Register today to secure your spot!

Yes please! Sign me up!

If you can’t make the September 12th date but are interested in the workshop, contact me and we can explore other options. If you have a group of friends who are interested, I’m happy to schedule a private workshop for a minimum of five participants in the Washington, DC, metro area.

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