| As your kidults begin to pack up for college, | | | | anyone who is in a position to inform, |
| does the thought of creating a more grown-up | | | | educate and help you. |
| nest sound good? Can you visualize more | | | | |
| simplicity and less chaos? Think about what | | | | 2. As the Greek sages told us centuries ago, |
| it would be like to clean out the drawers, | | | | know thyself. Increase your self awareness |
| give away the memorabilia your kids don't | | | | by examining who you are now and who you want |
| want, get rid of all the stuff they're | | | | to become. Are your old dreams still |
| outgrown and make your home yours again. | | | | meaningful to you? What else are you |
| | | | committed to now? What 'contracts' have you |
| If you decide to make a change, it will be an | | | | made with yourself or your significant other |
| ongoing process filled with both positive and | | | | that impact your choices today? Now that you |
| negative emotions. This transition signifies | | | | do not have the daily responsibilities of 24 |
| the end of an important chapter in your life | | | | hour, hands-on parenting, will you have more |
| - the house full of family and activity, of | | | | time for yourself? Do you expect to work, |
| growing children and all their antics. You | | | | play, volunteer, or continue to explore your |
| may mourn the loss of many things, material | | | | options? Keeping a journal will provide some |
| and otherwise - valuable pieces of history | | | | structure as you brainstorm, set new goals |
| relegated to the attic or sold for some | | | | and put your plans in motion. |
| ridiculous price, the hard discs of your past | | | | |
| life, memories triggered by stuff. Yet, | | | | 3. Once you have created the dream, let your |
| you'll grow to feel content, surrounded by | | | | priorities determine what is realistic. Are |
| what is most important to you - perhaps the | | | | you alone in making the decision? Is this |
| photo albums that trace your family history, | | | | change financially feasible? Are there work |
| souvenirs from your travels or your treasured | | | | or personal issues to take into |
| books - and all the precious memories that | | | | consideration? Are there others in your |
| you carry around in your head. | | | | household whose needs you will consider? |
| | | | |
| Soon, you may find yourself anticipating the | | | | 4. Understand that emotional reactions at |
| changes and getting excited about making a | | | | times of transition are both common and |
| fresh start. Altering your surroundings at | | | | normal. Allow yourself to express and accept |
| home can stimulate you to modify your outlook | | | | your feelings as they emerge. Although you |
| on life. This shift can give you the impetus | | | | may regret what you have given away, you will |
| to explore new areas and discover adventures | | | | also feel relieved about less clutter. |
| outside your familiarity. As you consider | | | | Perhaps you will vacillate between enthusiasm |
| feathering a nest that works for you, here | | | | about how your new digs reflect the current |
| are some ideas to help get you started. | | | | you and sadness about what you have left |
| Remember that any process takes time and, by | | | | behind. Your interest in exploring new |
| definition, involves flexibility. | | | | opportunities may fluctuate with your fears |
| | | | of the unknown. |
| 1. It is never too early - or too late - to | | | | |
| begin gathering information about the changes | | | | As you begin feathering your grown-up nest, |
| you plan to initiate. What do you need to | | | | be mindful of what you need. Have confidence |
| learn more about? Speak to as many people as | | | | in yourself and trust that you will maintain |
| possible who have already explored or gone | | | | in your life what is truly meaningful. While |
| through this experience. Surf the net and be | | | | drawing from past experiences, traditions and |
| on the lookout for books you can read or | | | | values, you will create a present for |
| seminars you can take to learn more. Talk to | | | | yourself that is rich and rewarding. |