Empty Nest Ikigai

The first sunrise of 2025,  "Hatsuhinode"  is believed to bring good luck in Japan.  This year, I've fully embraced the Japanese philosophy of W abi Sabi.  I am letting go of the idea of waiting for perfection and embracing the imperfections of my life as perfectly-imperfect.    This year, I am fully embracing my life where it is now, and not waiting for “when.” It is a liberating feeling and I am excited about the possibilities. I have always been a little unpredictable and a little more of a free spirit, so W abi Sabi seems fitting. In Japan, I've learned a lot about their way of life. The peace and tranquility here are hard to ignore. It's the people and their lifestyle that make it special. It makes sense that they have a term like Wabi Sabi . It describes their unique state of being.  The idea of Empty Nest Ikigai came to me when I said goodbye to my youngest daughter at Haneda airport and she left for college in August 2024. ...

 My name is Lorena, and I am an American teacher living in Japan, I moved here in 2016 with my daughters. Both my daughters are off pursuing their own dreams and living their best lives in USA, this is my first year as an empty nester, I know based on my life experiences that this year is going to be full of many new adventures and lots of growing pains. I decided to use this blog to document the journey.  Living in Japan, has given me the opportunity to live freely and taught me to be more present in the moment, slowing down and appreciating the little things. It has helped me make sense of life and focus on what really matters.  I want to share my unique perspective and hopefully my experiences will be inspirational and possibly open up new possibilities As I navigate this new phase of life known as the "Empty Nest," I believe it to be a fertile ground for growth and self-discovery. No longer tethered to the daily responsibilities of parenting, I suddenly...

Lonely, no problem, reach for a BOOK!    This year I have noticed that since my daughter left the nest, I have been reading more and more. I believe that I have read over 60 books this year, and most of them since summer. I find that audiobooks are the best fit for me. I can multi-task while reading.    For me, anytime I am sewing, I am either listening to a book or music. However, with so many books on my “must read” lists I find myself reaching for books over music these days.      Books can feel more like friends, when you live alone. So, I am constantly wanting to find out more and check in with my make-believe friends. Moving forward I am going to track and share my reads on my blog. And since there are so many books to list for 2024, I am having a hard time narrowing it down.    Moving forward I plan to share my current reads and reviews on TheStoryGraph. I know that ...

Do not underestimate the need for hobbies      Although I am a new Empty Nester, I have been paying close attention to my friends and their journeys. One friend comes to mind in particular. When her adult children were off at college, she realized that she didn't have many hobbies or interests beyond her work and children. As mothers, that is what we do, we dedicate our lives to our children and if we are lucky we might also have a career outside our home.          My friend soon discovered that she did have interests, and started to pursue them.  She quickly filled her time with a variety of activities.  As I watched her I took notes.  Although I was years away from being an Empty Nester, I knew the day would come, and I wanted to be prepared .  I started to take inventory of my interests and hobbies and I realized quickly that I would be okay.  I have a plethora of interests and hobbies, what I have alway...

 Visiting the island of Oujima with my daughter for the winter break is just what I needed, Although it was a long drive from home it was worth it. This is our second visit to i + Land Nagasaki. This little island is about an hour away from Nagasaki and definitely off the beaten track. As soon as you pull up, and park you forget that you drove. The hotel has a regular shuttle between the different buildings and free electric bikes-no car necessary.     I + Land Nagasaki, is made up of several different hotel buildings, spread out on about a mile of land on the island. The resort is kid and dog friendly and in spite of how that sounds it is very peaceful. The highlight of course are the different reading rooms throughout the property and the three onsens. Restaurants and lounges are located throughout the property and then there is also an indoor pool and lazy river. We came here with the intention of just relaxing and sett...