Welcome, dear listeners, to another episode of "The Mindshift Show," the podcast dedicated to empowering mid-career women and empty nest Moms to reshape their lives and mindsets for the better. I'm Pamela Bloomfield, your host and transformational life coach. I help empty nest Moms transition from uncertainty to a life filled with joy and vibrant purpose guiding them to exciting new chapters.

Today we’re diving into a topic that resonates with many of us: “Embracing the Unknown.”

As empty nesters, we often find ourselves at a crossroads. The house is quieter, the routines have changed, and there’s a newfound sense of freedom. But with that freedom comes uncertainty. Today, we’ll explore how to embrace this new chapter with open arms and a sense of adventure.

Let’s start by acknowledging the mixed emotions that come with an empty nest. It’s natural to feel a sense of loss, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Remember, this is your time to rediscover who you are beyond being a parent.

One of the first steps in embracing the unknown is to shift your mindset. Instead of viewing this phase as an end, see it as a beginning. A beginning of new experiences, hobbies, and passions. Think about the things you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time for. Now is the perfect moment to pursue them.

An empty nest Mom recently connected with me. I’ll call her Sarah to respect her request. With my help, she embraced the unknown and found joy in unexpected places. Sarah and I crafted a roadmap based on my intellectual property and the unique, one of a kind process. When her youngest left for college, Sarah said she felt a huge void. But she decided to take up painting, something she actually loved in her youth. It started as a hobby, but now she has her own little art studio and even sells her work online. Embracing the unknown has added vibrant spark back into her life.

It’s amazing how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to such rewarding experiences. Embracing the unknown can lead to personal growth, especially for us empty nesters.

When my children left home, I too experienced a whirlwind of emotions. I recently shared my story about how heart-wrenching it felt after dropping my kids off at their universities. As a mom of two, I had a double dose of emotions to handle. Guess what? It happened both times.

Some of you might relate to this: each time my husband and I dropped our children off at college, shared hugs and kisses, reminded them to stay connected, and exchanged heartfelt ‘I will miss you’ messages. But as soon as we turned the corner in our car, the tears started flowing. I looked over at my husband, who was behind the wheel doing his best to hold it together, but he had to look away.

To all my listeners, I want you to know that it’s perfectly okay to feel a flood of emotions. It’s okay to cry, to feel lost, sad, and happy all at once. I’ve used my years as an empty nester to write books, meet new people, journal, set new goals, and trust in the journey ahead, knowing that there’s a greater plan for me.

Remember, it’s okay to embrace these feelings and the unknown. Together, we, you and I can navigate this new chapter and find personal growth along the way." You know the facts – experience teaches wisdom. Well, I have the experience and that is my expertise. Yes, my experience is my expertise which means I can help you to figure out your big “What’s Next” question that has been taunting your mind.

One important aspect of this empty nest phase is to stay connected with your loved ones. Just because your adult children are out of the house doesn’t mean they’re out of your life, or should be. When feasible, plan regular visits, video calls, and family gatherings. These connections will keep your bond strong and provide a sense of continuity.

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