| As your kidults begin to pack up for college, does the | | | | position to inform, educate and help you. |
| thought of creating a more grown-up nest sound | | | | 2. As the Greek sages told us centuries ago, know |
| good? Can you visualize more simplicity and less | | | | thyself. Increase your self awareness by examining |
| chaos? Think about what it would be like to clean out | | | | who you are now and who you want to become. Are |
| the drawers, give away the memorabilia your kids | | | | your old dreams still meaningful to you? What else are |
| don't want, get rid of all the stuff they're outgrown and | | | | you committed to now? What 'contracts' have you |
| make your home yours again. | | | | made with yourself or your significant other that |
| If you decide to make a change, it will be an ongoing | | | | impact your choices today? Now that you do not |
| process filled with both positive and negative emotions. | | | | have the daily responsibilities of 24 hour, hands-on |
| This transition signifies the end of an important chapter | | | | parenting, will you have more time for yourself? Do |
| in your life - the house full of family and activity, of | | | | you expect to work, play, volunteer, or continue to |
| growing children and all their antics. You may mourn | | | | explore your options? Keeping a journal will provide |
| the loss of many things, material and otherwise - | | | | some structure as you brainstorm, set new goals and |
| valuable pieces of history relegated to the attic or sold | | | | put your plans in motion. |
| for some ridiculous price, the hard discs of your past | | | | 3. Once you have created the dream, let your priorities |
| life, memories triggered by stuff. Yet, you'll grow to feel | | | | determine what is realistic. Are you alone in making the |
| content, surrounded by what is most important to you | | | | decision? Is this change financially feasible? Are there |
| - perhaps the photo albums that trace your family | | | | work or personal issues to take into consideration? |
| history, souvenirs from your travels or your treasured | | | | Are there others in your household whose needs you |
| books - and all the precious memories that you carry | | | | will consider? |
| around in your head. | | | | 4. Understand that emotional reactions at times of |
| Soon, you may find yourself anticipating the changes | | | | transition are both common and normal. Allow yourself |
| and getting excited about making a fresh start. Altering | | | | to express and accept your feelings as they emerge. |
| your surroundings at home can stimulate you to modify | | | | Although you may regret what you have given away, |
| your outlook on life. This shift can give you the impetus | | | | you will also feel relieved about less clutter. Perhaps |
| to explore new areas and discover adventures | | | | you will vacillate between enthusiasm about how your |
| outside your familiarity. As you consider feathering a | | | | new digs reflect the current you and sadness about |
| nest that works for you, here are some ideas to help | | | | what you have left behind. Your interest in exploring |
| get you started. Remember that any process takes | | | | new opportunities may fluctuate with your fears of the |
| time and, by definition, involves flexibility. | | | | unknown. |
| 1. It is never too early - or too late - to begin gathering | | | | As you begin feathering your grown-up nest, be |
| information about the changes you plan to initiate. | | | | mindful of what you need. Have confidence in yourself |
| What do you need to learn more about? Speak to as | | | | and trust that you will maintain in your life what is truly |
| many people as possible who have already explored | | | | meaningful. While drawing from past experiences, |
| or gone through this experience. Surf the net and be | | | | traditions and values, you will create a present for |
| on the lookout for books you can read or seminars | | | | yourself that is rich and rewarding. |
| you can take to learn more. Talk to anyone who is in a | | | | |