The blog world is a wonderful thing. I knew there had to be more people out there like me! It even seems some people are dancing in the streets, delighted to finally empty their nest. Me, not so much, but the main theme we all seem to have in common is thinking about time for ourselves and what to do with it. So yesterday, as we were crossing things off the dorm packing list, I decided to make my own list. Call it a bucket list or whatever you like, but the goal is to build a list of any and all things I want to do with my time. Things I’ve always been meaning to do or thought about trying, but could never quite get up the gumption to make it happen.

Being single makes some of those things easier, because there’s no one to convince or cajole but myself. For the harder ones, well, I’m just going to put them down anyway. Middle-aged and single are two traits that I haven’t let get in my way yet, so why start now? The best tip I read was not only to keep the list fluid, but to put it in my phone so that when I think of something it goes right on the list. And since I have my phone with me all the time, it will be a constant reminder to get moving.

Even better, when I shared this idea with my daughter, her smile said it all. Funny how we are both at opposite spectrums of our lives yet we both know it’s what’s inside that drives us. Her independent nature, desire to succeed and self confidence has come from me ~ so why should I stop now?

And here’s one more tidbit I found to pass on: There are meet up groups for all sorts of people and activities across the US and I was pleasantly surprised to find one for empty nesters!

Here’s a link to get you started: Empty Nester Meetup Group