Solutions for the Empty Nest
The house is quiet as fuck now...
No more trippin' over bookbags in the middle of the floor. No more half-done chores. No more slammed doors or young siblings arguing outloud about stupid shit. No more playing sports in the kitchen. Just... calm. And maybe, for some of us, a bit of emptiness.
But the truth is: we are far from empty.
Our True Value
When the roots of a tree begin to decay, it spreads death to its branches.
– Nigerian proverb
Parents MUST maintain their own strength and purpose, even after their children are gone.
As empty nesters, we carry a wealth of knowledge, insight, and lived experience — the kind that only comes from years of showing up, loving hard, making mistakes, adapting, and doing the best we could with what we had.
We’ve navigated sleepless nights, tough conversations, changing diapers as well as careers; shifting identities; while, simultaneously, enduring and admiring the beautiful chaos of raising human beings. We were teachers, coaches, referees, chauffeurs, therapists, cooks, and crisis managers. And through it all, we’ve grown wise — often without realizing it.
Now, with more space and time, we get to decide what to do with all that wisdom.
What to do now?
Some of us are schoolin' younger parents. Some are starting second careers or passion projects. Some are finally discovering their natural-born talent(s).Others are traveling, volunteering, learning new skills, or simply rediscovering who we are when we’re not in “parent mode.” Whatever path you’re on, know this: Our experiences matter. Our stories matter. And our voices are still deeply needed in the world.
This ain't the last chapter — it’s the new beginning!
So RISE UP, Old'heads, because wisdom is wealth and he who learns, teaches.