I’m officially an empty nester. I’ve known since May my daughter was going to be living on her own, but it was daunting when she came to pick up some of her things to take to her new home. The next morning, I walked through the house and could see and feel the empty spaces.
One of my books for morning reading is Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach. Recently, she wrote about her family vacationing years ago at a beach resort and one afternoon there was a surprise activity for the children: a ride on an elephant around the hotel parking lot. Her little girl was delirious with excitement and that night as she tucked her daughter in bed she said, “Some mornings you wake up not knowing what will happen during the day and you get to ride an elephant!”
Delirious with excitement. We were designed to be that way, but life can bury the child in all of us over years of trying to make it through the day. I don’t wish to simply make it through the day, but instead see what the day has to offer. The weekend is here and I purposefully didn’t make any plans. I want to leave plenty of space for these two days to unfold on their own. If I was sitting on a beach near a hotel with activities for a child, you know me well enough to know…I’d have to ride the elephant.
Photo by Geran de Klerk on Unsplash
Letitgocoach 
Hugs…I find empty-nesting to be quite intimate and different with each generation. (My eldest and youngest are 17 years apart. Don’t ask. 🥰🥹) I pray the empty spaces move and grow into what you need.
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Thank you Michelle! 💖
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I’m sure this is a big change for you, even if you did know it was coming. I know you, and you’ll not only get through it, but make something wonderful of the time and apce you discover. In exactly the right time. 👍
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Thank you lovely for your love and support. My daughter said something very similar as she was leaving. She said, “Mama, I really want you to make it your own.” I think a giant disco ball may be in order. 😂
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All for the disco ball!!! If I were anywhere near you, I’d come down and we could dance together!! 😅
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Hi Barb,
I hope there was an elephant on your weekend, or a zebra, or perhaps a butterfly.
Whatever it was and whatever it will come, I am sure you will embrace it and be grateful!
Thank you for the inspiration! Blessings!
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My son left for college today… feeling those empty spaces. Love and lightness to you. 💛🌟
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Awww, hugs to you Collette. My daughter still has a key to the front door if she needs it. I don’t ever see a time where she wouldn’t have that key. I’m going to use this season to make the house a little bit more like my own. Much love to you my friend. 💖
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It is a shame how easily we outgrow our childlike wonder and exuberance!
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I agree Ann, but it’s still inside of us. At our age we might need a bulldozer to dig it out, but it would be worth it. 😊
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My kids are away with their dad this weekend and I’ve been enjoying my childlike fun = eating ice cream for breakfast at 10:30am! LOL By the way, I’d be riding the elephant too!
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Hey Janie! This made me smile. My daughter used to fuss at me for making cookies at night. She knew they were for the next morning to have a few with my coffee. 😂 I don’t hear that today! 🍪☕ I know you would ride the elephant. 💖
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Congratulations! Yes, there are empty spaces, but it just means that love fills the house. I love your line too that we were designed to be delirious with excitement, “but life can bury the child in all of us over years of trying to make it through the day.” Some great advice, I’ll start looking for the elephants to ride!
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Thank you Brian and you’re right. I feel the love left in those spaces. I’m happy you enjoyed it and hope you see an elephant to ride! 🐘
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Simple Abundance is a favorite! All the best to you. ❤ Thank you for your post.
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Thank you for your kindness and for sharing. All the best to you and it’s my pleasure! 💜
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There is a time and place to embrace the wonder and fun that a child enjoys, and that as an adult I think it is nice to rediscover. There is a freedom there and it feels good to chuck that heavy coat of adulthood weighing me down – and swim in the rain or do what impulse brings back simple happiness.
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Children are fearless. If you ask a child a question, they’ll give you an answer full of innocence. As we age innocence diminishes, but what would it be like if we viewed life through a child’s eyes for a day? Thank you for stopping by David! 🙏
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