Empty Nest Ikigai

A year ago, I was mentally preparing for my empty nest , counting down the days until my daughter would leave for college on the other side of the world. Looking back now, I realize just how BIG that moment was. She flew from Japan to New York alone, starting the most significant chapter of her life without me. And she did it! We both navigated this biggest transition, miles apart across different continents— but together in spirit. 2024 Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan  Finding My Ikigai: The Starting Point 🖊📚💻 I began this blog to document my journey into empty nesting while searching for my ikigai . For those unfamiliar, ikigai is about finding your purpose by discovering what you love, what you're good at, how you can make a difference, and how you can turn that into a livelihood. Thankfully, I had my hobbies, friends, a fulfilling career, and the beautiful, safe country of Japan to keep me grounded. Over the past year, I’ve endeavored to capture my experiences, and ...

Mission Accomplished: 14 Flights, 5 Weeks, and Endless Lessons on the Road Five Weeks, Six States, and So Much More Mission accomplished! After 14 out of 16 flights, I’m heading home from an incredible five-week journey through Mexico and the U.S.—my first scouting tour for Wanderlust-Travel LLC 2026. I visited incredible places, built new connections, and revised my Oaxaca itinerary for next spring. And while the journey was rich with adventure, it also came with unexpected challenges—especially with my health. 😷 When Travel Tests You (And Teaches You) The hardest part? I got sick in Oaxaca. What started as a sore throat quickly turned into a fever and body aches—my first run-in with COVID. Thankfully, I’d already tried most of the local cuisine before losing my taste and smell. Going to Oaxaca without your tastebuds would seem like a punishment. It is the foodie capital of Mexico after Mexico City.  What got me through? My daughter —she is my number one supporter. S...

"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...

A Dream Takes Flight: My Artisan Adventures Begin in Oaxaca My heart is so full it feels like it might burst. That I could begin a new career planning artisan adventures for “my people” seems too good to be true. Deciding that it would be Oaxaca was the easiest part. It is a top destination for people who love art, good food and want to experience a typical Mexican town. Overall I feel like it is safe and there are many options. Adding My Own Spark I've been weeks in preparation for this visit knowing this isn't a new and unique thought—my goal is to infuse my personal flair. I have spent hours looking at tours currently available and I feel I can do my own thing cheaper. I am taking notes and making plans—it's exhilarating. I am also preparing myself mentally, to be flexible and know I will have to follow my instincts, but with a lifetime following my personal compass I am up for this challenge.   My Ikigai: Passion Meets Purpose My Ikigai. Do what you love and what you...

This year, as I chart my way into new waters,  in search of my ikigai , I decided to pursue my passion by finding like-minded friends and  start a craft club for adults.   My goal  was to find people who are open to learning and/or sharing creative outlets.    I truly believe we all have a creative side that needs an outlet. I've explored mine throughout my life in different ways: teaching, hosting my daughters' friends for different projects, and of course my own creative pursuits. Hosting craft nights for my daughters and their friends is a cherished memory.  Now, my daughters have their own craft nights with friends. When they send me pictures it makes my heart happy and it makes me wonder, do we ever really outgrow crafting with friends? The answer is NO! When I ask people if they have hobbies they always say no or they are quick to say they aren't creative. But what I have discovered is we are all creative in our own wa y. I think the t...

        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 m...

Sashiko: The Japanese Art of Slow Stitching Since moving to Japan, I’ve discovered so many wonderful traditions, foods, and customs, but my favorite of them all has been the discovery of sashiko . I’m not quite sure how I stumbled upon this beautiful art form, but the more I have learned about it, the deeper my appreciation has grown. There’s something captivating about the rhythm of the tiny stitches, the meditative process of sewing, and the stunning indigo fabrics that have now become a part of my collection. It’s more than just stitching—it’s a practice, a way of slowing down, and an invitation to embrace the mindfulness of mending/creating. What is Sashiko? At its core, sashiko is a traditional Japanese form of hand-sewing that involves stitching simple, repetitive patterns on fabric. The word “ sashiko ” translates roughly to “little stabs” (刺し子), a perfect description of the delicate, precise movements used in the craft. Sashiko originally emerged out of the necessity of mendin...

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...

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...