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Empty Nest Interrupted

    

  

I made it to the halfway point of my first year of Empty Nesting, and guess what, it flew by, so fast that it snuck up on me. I have been so busy with work and all my personal pursuits that it's time to clean up Maria's room and prepare for her return.

It is crazy how time keeps moving forward and when you look back you can actually see how far you have come. That is something that I enjoy about life's journey. Sometimes we are so busy living our lives we don't always see it happening. 

Sometimes, I like to timestamp my life and take inventory. Ichigo Ichie—the practice of being fully present in the moment—is something I strive to live by. I know I won't be able to recreate these days, so I’m committed to living in the here and now, embracing the journey as it unfolds.

The magic that has transpired in the past few months fills me with pure happiness. I’m incredibly grateful to be in Japan, living this life. In this time, I’ve made so many discoveries about myself and the world around me. I can hardly grasp just how fortunate I am. 

My Discoveries so far . . .

Hobbies take up as much time as you give them. Up until now my hobby time has been sporadic, whenever I could fit it in. Now I can start something and leave it and come back when I feel like it. I can have more than one project happening at the same time. 

Friends are important, and sometimes we have more than we realize. Somehow I have managed to keep my social calendar filled. Dinners, coffee, hikes, thrift shopping, crafting, so many ways to connect with different people. It's been rewarding. But have also stayed in touch with friends in the states. Sometimes writing letters, sharing stories or sending Japanese care packages. 

Eating out is cheaper than cooking at home for one. Of course, I don't eat out every night but after a long day, it's nice to go and eat, and reflect on my day, maybe write a little and enjoy. And guess what there is no clean up. When I do decide to cook, I take it to work and share with my co-workers it is hard to cook for one. I can only eat leftovers for so many days. I enjoy sharing. 

Creating routines makes the days go by faster. Without knowing it, I have created a schedule that has kept me busy. I work Monday through Friday and go to the gym before work. This is probably the biggest mind shift empty nesters make. When you have kids, they drive the schedule. My parenting days were filled with dance classes, sports, playdates, school and family functions. When you are an empty nester, the calendar is wide open.  

As an Empty Nester this is how my weeks filled up. 

Mondays and Wednesdays I have afterschool sewing clubs

Tuesdays I alternate between work meetings and teaching Japanese Adults English 

Thursdays are my massage days

Fridays are my self-care visits to the onsen and dinners with friends. 

Weekends I host one "Crafternoon" a month for my friends and keep my weekends open for relaxing and doing whatever I feel like. That might mean a pajama day or a weekend getaway-it depends on what I feel like. 

Before I knew it my days were filled. On so many days my days were long, and I came home with just through energy to take a shower and go to bed, so I could do it all over again.

Although these months of self-discovery and time to pursuit my passions, nothing compares to coming home to a home cooked meal (by my daughter) a hug and someone to talk to, I have missed my baby girl. But at least now I know, not only can I survive, but I can also thrive. ❤️





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