AARP Rewards Online Community Empty Nest Contest 2025

Hi @AARPTeri !!  While practicing the Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning as an empty nester with the goal of turning my married daughters' bedrooms into a guest room and office, I came across a lonely yoga mat in one daughter's closet.  Instead of throwing it out, for a few weeks now I have been taking some downtime to do downward dog and other yoga poses in a community class sponsored by the school district.  I am still in the clumsy phase, but am having lots of FUN and meeting people of all ages in my town that I may have not been able to cross paths with otherwise.  And yes my health, attitude and flexibility is improving, slowly but surely!!! Now let's see if I can fit into some of those trendy yoga clothes!!!

Never felt the empty nest thing, my daughter was gone so much in High School doing stuff that it felt the same to me, but my wife felt it.

My nest has become very empty. Reasons I won’t share. I reconnected with my 4 sisters. I am spending quality time with my 4 sibs. Looking forward to both Thanksgiving and Christmas to rejoin and reunite with the family I had to put aside for too many years.

     As I sat in my living room on one of the first quiet nights my house has known, I felt as empty inside as my house had become. Since both of my kids moved into their own homes just a year apart, the lively weekend of the past, full of sporting events, birthday parties, sleepovers, school dances, and gatherings, abruptly came to a halt. Gone were the sounds of giggling girls and boys playing video games. The only sound I heard was the ticking of the clock over the mantle, reminding me that the crazy, difficult, tiring, wonderful years have gone by much too quickly.

     My house was the frequent meeting point of my kids and their friends for late night snacks and just hanging out. I loved having them all safe under my roof, but I was tired and longed for a quiet, orderly home. That quiet can become deafening when it finally does come. I was heartbroken for an entire year, even though I was proud of my successful, independent offspring.

     I have settled into a new normal and now actually enjoy the peace, tidiness, and newfound time to myself. But in that challenging first year of an empty nest, the only comfort I had, besides helping my children in their new homes, was taking advantage of the extra closet space they left behind. I now host family dinners whenever possible to get everyone together and give them a break from cooking chores. At the end of the day, it doesn't bother me so much to say goodbye when they leave. As long as I know they are happy, I will be just fine.

I’ve gotten back into an old hobby —reading a book a week.  I eat whatever I want without hiding in the pantry. I had a piece of chocolate cake for breakfast and there was no one there to judge me.   I clean the house and it stays clean.  I vacuumed three days ago and there are still lines in the carpet.  I took up pickleball a year ago and play 3 times a week and I love it. I’m fortunate to have a pickleball court in my community.  I’m planning my first trip to Europe.  

Finding new hobbies, ways to help my community and classes to take to keep my mind active!

The quiet was deafening,  once I became adjusted to the new pace of "suit yourself ".  I looked around and decided that I wanted to do something useful for a total stranger.  I became a puppy raiser for a guide dog service.  Having a 8 week puppy has filled my days with activity,, joy and yes frustrations.  Returning the dog for additional training is a low point, but if the dog makes it through and gets matched up to a client.  Realizing the change this puppy makes not only in the client's life but their family members as well.  It couldn't happen without puppy raisers giving the puppies a strong foundation of guide work.

Once I was on my own, I began a quest to hike in every state park and historic site in Missouri. There were 95 places on the list! It took me 16 months to complete.

I got lost more times than I can count. GPS guided me down gravel roads, had me ford shallow creeks, and led me to a state park boundary that had no entrance.

One morning my key fob stopped working. Who thinks to carry extra batteries for their key fob while they are on a road trip? Kudos to those of you who do. After someone gave me a lift to an auto supply store, I replaced the batteries and was on the road again.

I encountered vultures roosting in sycamores and bald eagles soaring over the Mississippi River. I had a ripe persimmon fall on my head. I slipped in the mud and fell flat on my face doing the Jingle Bell hike. I got back up with the help of my hiking stick and wiped myself off with a few napkins I had in my backpack. So what if I looked like something that rose out of the swamp. I wasn't leaving until I rang every bell on that park's list!

On the Ozark Trail at the fringes of yet another state park, I climbed up to a cave. I used my phone for a flashlight, but the cave became too narrow to go any further. On the way back down, I slipped on loose rock and almost fell off a cliff. What saved me was my hiking stick, which gave me enough friction to stop my slide and regain my balance. 

Many places were remote. It didn't surprise me when I found a fresh bear track, but it made me uneasy. Not long after seeing the bear track, I heard rustling in the underbrush nearby. I wanted to turn around and run. Instead, I froze. My fear turned into laughter. It was an armadillo.

Even though there were a few close calls, my journey was filled with wonder. I am looking forward to my next challenge wherever it takes me.

Revel in Downtime:

For the first time since 1982 when I was pregnant with my first child, I have an empty nest.  I haven't spent money or time on myself for over 40 years.  It is such a strange experience for me.  I purchased a new pair of shoes, but it took me a couple of months to throw out my old old tennis shoes.  I've purchased new underwear and a few new tops.  And it is starting to feel good.  I can watch a program on TV or read a book without being disturbed.  I almost don't know what to do and have to get up to walk around a little bit because it is such a new experience.  But I love it.  I didn't think I would, but I am loving my free and peaceful time!  I know this isn't very exciting, but for me it is a whole new world!

I absolutely love the freedom! I love not having to get up in the mornings and get ready for work. I love not having the stress of working. Some people miss work, but not me. I have time to swim, go to exercise class, volunteer, and walk my Belgium Malinois. When my husband and I travel, I don’t have to get time off approved from HR. Please pick me.