AARP Rewards Online Community Empty Nest Contest 2025

 When we finally became members of the "empty nest" it was much more difficult for me than my husband.  His work hours kept him away for many events that the kids participated in, although he came to everything he could.  It was very difficult for me to not have somewhere to go, some meeting to attend ... However, eventually, I began to realize I had time for myself ... time to join a yoga class, go for that hike, bike or kayak trip with my friends because I didn't have some extra curricular activity to attend for the kids.  

Kids finished college and settled in two different states and when we finally decided to downsize, we headed south to be closer to one of them.  We still enjoy doing things we love that we never had time for when the kids were at home, but we also have started attending activites the grandkids are in.  It's a better balance now because we don't have work interfering.  

Life is so good!  We are blessed.

My husband and I are not quite empty nesters yet. We are enjoying having our two adult sons with us for now. Once they do leave the nest we have plans to change a few things, but for us the biggest change will be when my husband retires next year. The freedom we will have with both of us retired will be wonderful and I'm looking forward our time together.

The house became too quiet so I began volunteering. I am busier then ever and enjoying it. My spouse has filled her empty schedule spaces with friends and activity. We also are enjoying our winters in the warm climate of Florida where we have made many new friends. We seem to be doing more, meeting more people, and going more places. An empty nest can give you an opportunity to enjoy your world.

I love it, LOVE the empty nest. I am living my dream life. The kids are through college and working. I am downsizing to smaller home in a warmer state. I can hardly wait to spoil grandkids. I have traveled to many places since the kids moved out. 

Time! All of a sudden I find there is more time to do...whatever. Less chauffeuring, laundry, making beds etc. 

One of my biggest dreams in becoming an empty nester (I am almost there), is just getting to be with and reconnect with my wife (she's the most amazing person I have known). We have shared so many dreams together over the years, it will be nice to act upon them. ANY of them. Travel to Europe again. Going rock and fossil exploring. Record music together. 

 Being able to enjoy weekend on my own timetable, without worrying about thinking of activities that everyone will enjoy.  With only one daughter that wasn't hard, but only worrying about doing something myself and my husband will enjoy is easier!

It's really nice not to have my life dictated by when the school year ends or begins! Summer ,Winter, Spring or Fall our life is our own!

Weekly I get together with friends and colleagues to socialize and explore new activities.

   My husband and I are not empty nesters yet, and I'm not sure we will be able to become so, because we have one child with health and emotional challenges. That said, I like to share my daydreams with him about our possible retirement someday, and he shares his; it makes me appreciate him more too I think!

    And it definitely strengthens our relationship to share hopes for our futures and see that we are still,  after all these years together, on the same wavelength.