Skip to main content

About Me

 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 have the precious gift of time to explore who I am beyond the roles I've played for so long. I stand at the intersection of motherhood, teaching, and my many passions, ready to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. This transformative journey is not just about adjusting to a quieter home, but about redefining my purpose and finding my Ikigai—the reason for being that ignites my spirit.

In this quest for meaning, my love for books and art has become a guiding light. Each page I read and every piece of art I create serves as a window to new worlds, offering inspiration and enrichment. The pages of a book often whisper insights that resonate deeply within me, sparking the desire to write and share my own stories. Likewise, engaging in creative endeavors helps me channel my emotions and experiences into something tangible, fostering a sense of fulfillment that I had previously set aside. As I dive deeper into these creative outlets, I'm discovering not only my hidden talents but also a renewed zest for life.

Sustainable living has also become a cornerstone of my newfound identity. With more time to focus on environmental issues, I am dedicated to creating a lifestyle that aligns with my values. This journey has led me to explore the ways in which we can coexist harmoniously with the planet, from mindful consumption to cultivating a deeper appreciation for nature. It’s a path that not only enriches my life but also allows me to contribute positively to the world around me, infusing my days with purpose and intention.

Through this process of self-exploration and intentional living, I hope to inspire other Empty Nesters to embark on their own journeys toward fulfillment. Embracing new beginnings can be daunting, but it also holds the promise of rediscovering the self that has long been waiting in the wings. My story is just one of many, and together, we can unlock the potential that lies within us as we seek our Ikigai in this exciting new chapter of life.


WHO AM I?

Mother

Teacher

Wanderlust

Lover of books and art

Creative textile Artist

Lets find out.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Finding My Ikigai: Crafting a New Chapter in Mexico

"As we walk into the future with purpose, our ikigai will reveal itself. "  The Dream That Keeps Growing For as long as I can remember, I’ve had my eye on something just beyond the horizon — something that combines all the things I love into a new and meaningful chapter. I’ve always believed that retirement doesn’t mean the end of making a difference — just the start of doing it in a new way. And although I have a few years to go, I am thinking ahead.  This was my first year as an Empty Nester, and as my blog suggested when I started writing, I have been on the search for the next chapter, my Ikigai. I started out unsure of what the future would hold for me, or how I would navigate these new uncharted waters. For the past 26 years my principal role has been Mom first, teacher second, and always a wanderlust at heart.  Here’s what I know for sure: I am retiring in Mexico. I want to continue to make a difference. I love traveling, art, and crafting. I thrive when brin...

Embracing a new philosophy in 2025!

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. ...