Can a career full-time mom consider herself retired when the last child leaves the nest? Thinking of myself left behind in an empty nest saddens me to the core. Retirement seems hopeful...
Love this essay Stacy. On many levels it resonated with me, from being the youngest and considering my mother’s feelings when I left for college years ago, to the weight and impact words have in our lives particularly when we vocalize them by choice in reference to who we are, very important as you have beautifully reflected upon. Retired versus empty nester — retired is a celebration of choice to move to a new phase of life. Agency.
A dear friend retired a number of years ago and when a neighbor asked what she did, instead of saying she was retired she claimed her new noun - artist. Why wait to ever have someone else define what we know ourselves to be? I soon changed my LinkedIn to “ writer”. Thank you for sharing your journey from full time to retired. Well deserved!
Beth, thank you so much! Thank you for taking the time to read this and respond so thoughtfully. I love your phrase: “she claimed her new noun…” Looking forward to seeing where our new nouns take us! <3
Oh Stacy, the most important work is that of mother. I'm two years into my "empty nest" phase (a phrase I detest) and it's like a time of grief. But God had other plans for me - calling me as a pastor. You absolutely have the time now to devote to something else - maybe something you always wanted to do. Your life has entered another phase and it's perfectly normal to be confused now. I will be praying for you during this transition.
Thank you, Dawn, for your kind and thoughtful words, and prayers. Always touches my heart to know someone is praying for me! This transition is a time of feeling some grief, and it's nice to feel understood and supported. Blessings!
This totally resonates, Stacy. I felt the same frustration when the doctor asked you what you did before “home” as it frankly doesn’t matter. The life of a mother’s work still is disrespected as women are consistently gaslit in so many ways. Why on earth would the doctor need to know this? It tells, assuming him, nothing about who you are which is a woman who provided unconditional love, safety, lessons of life, nourishment, and more, to become well-rounded individuals who will go on in the world as well adjusted adults. These adults who have learned from you what is right and wrong and how to be decent to others in a cruel and unforgiving world.
You are in for the next best chapter of your life and I’m glad to know you! 💗✨
Love this essay Stacy. On many levels it resonated with me, from being the youngest and considering my mother’s feelings when I left for college years ago, to the weight and impact words have in our lives particularly when we vocalize them by choice in reference to who we are, very important as you have beautifully reflected upon. Retired versus empty nester — retired is a celebration of choice to move to a new phase of life. Agency.
A dear friend retired a number of years ago and when a neighbor asked what she did, instead of saying she was retired she claimed her new noun - artist. Why wait to ever have someone else define what we know ourselves to be? I soon changed my LinkedIn to “ writer”. Thank you for sharing your journey from full time to retired. Well deserved!
Beth, thank you so much! Thank you for taking the time to read this and respond so thoughtfully. I love your phrase: “she claimed her new noun…” Looking forward to seeing where our new nouns take us! <3
Oh Stacy, the most important work is that of mother. I'm two years into my "empty nest" phase (a phrase I detest) and it's like a time of grief. But God had other plans for me - calling me as a pastor. You absolutely have the time now to devote to something else - maybe something you always wanted to do. Your life has entered another phase and it's perfectly normal to be confused now. I will be praying for you during this transition.
Thank you, Dawn, for your kind and thoughtful words, and prayers. Always touches my heart to know someone is praying for me! This transition is a time of feeling some grief, and it's nice to feel understood and supported. Blessings!
This totally resonates, Stacy. I felt the same frustration when the doctor asked you what you did before “home” as it frankly doesn’t matter. The life of a mother’s work still is disrespected as women are consistently gaslit in so many ways. Why on earth would the doctor need to know this? It tells, assuming him, nothing about who you are which is a woman who provided unconditional love, safety, lessons of life, nourishment, and more, to become well-rounded individuals who will go on in the world as well adjusted adults. These adults who have learned from you what is right and wrong and how to be decent to others in a cruel and unforgiving world.
You are in for the next best chapter of your life and I’m glad to know you! 💗✨
I completely relate to this! Retirement does fit, and now I’m trying on “Writer” as well.
Beautiful, I love the sound of it!
Thank you, Shelley, for such a thoughtful comment. I’m touched to know this resonated with you and I am grateful for your support and encouragement!