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...

 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...

 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...

     When I said I would take you on a journey, I meant it. 24 hours ago, I left Japan for a birthday adventure in Thailand. I packed light, feeling confident and ready for the trip. I planned 4 days in Bangkok by myself, and then meeting up with friends in Phuket.  But, as luck would have it, things didn't go as planned. I drove to the train station, grabbed a coffee at 7/11, and waited for the Shinkansen (bullet train). The ride was smooth, five quick stops, and 70 minutes later I arrived at Fukuoka Station. As I went to pull out my phone to scan my wallet to the metro I realized I'd left my phone on the Shinkansen. I panicked at first,looking around at the hundreds of people exiting, and thinking I didn't have enough time to go back and trace my steps. Could I go on an international trip without a phone? Would I have to cancel my trip? But then I asked myself, "Would you rather take an amazing birthday trip without your phone or stay home?" The answ...

Ready for an Adventure? Discovering Tsuwano from Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Living and working in Japan has come with many unexpected perks — one of my favorites being the ability to explore beautiful, lesser-known towns during my free time. This week, I went on a spontaneous adventure from my home in Iwakuni to the charming town of Tsuwano in Shimane Prefecture. If you're near Hiroshima or Yamaguchi, it's a wonderful off-the-beaten-path escape that feels like stepping back in time. No matter how you choose to travel, it takes about 90 minutes from Iwakuni to Tsuwano. This time, I took the Shinkansen to Shin-Yamaguchi and then hopped on an express train — the perfect combination for a scenic journey through bamboo forests and into the mountains. What is a White-Walled Town? Tsuwano is known as a white-walled town — a term that refers to historic towns in Japan where traditional buildings are preserved with white plaster walls and black tiled roofs. These towns offer a glimpse into Jap...