More Empty Nest Adjustment Strategies!
I was talking with my friend today about my summer plans now that my son will only be home for a short visit. It had not occurred to me that I would have more time for myself until we discussed my summer schedule. In the past I always provided my son with extra time for visiting and playing together throughout the summer. Now I would have a completely free summer. When asked what I would do after my work day, I came up with the following 10 activities:
- Focus more on my own health and physical fitness goals.
- Read books for fun.
- Make time for visiting with my friends.
- Take a couple of long weekend trips with my spouse.
- Go to the beach, breathe the fresh air, take a walk, and enjoy a great meal.
- Be a kid for a day and play.
- Organize myself without becoming overwhelmed and clean out two more rooms in my house.
- Give away 10 sacks of papers, brochures, and excess collectibles.
- Donate 5 bags of clothes that no longer fit to a local charity.
- Give 100 professional books to teaching colleagues.
My friend and I agreed that I would check back in with her in mid-August before the start of the school year. At that time, I would determine how successful I was in completing my list of accomplishments. Ideally, I would be able to report that I feel relaxed and refreshed after spending more time playing, pursuing my interests, and organizing myself with less clutter.
Relish the simple pleasures of life!
Yvette
Copyright © 2019 by GenParenting
Yvette King-Berg, is the Executive Director of Youth Policy Institute’s Charter Schools. She was the former California Charter Schools Association Vice-President of School Development and Outreach-Southern California. Ms. King-Berg has over thirty years of experience working with teachers, students, parents, and organizations in a variety of positions including Director, Assistant Director, Curriculum Advisor, Bilingual, and Title 1 Coordinators, classroom teacher (K-12) in Pasadena and LAUSD. She has been married for twenty-three years, and is the proud mother of her son, EJ, who attends UC Berkeley.