Empty Nest Ikigai

"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. ...