Empty Nesting Tuesday~ Igniting Old Passions~Races

 *Good day, BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS. On Tuesdays, I will be sharing how I am Empty Nesting. Since this is new to me and it has been a rough season of getting accustomed to, I want to document things I did to cope and grow my best in this NEW SEASON! I hope to inspire other new empty nesters, prepare those heading that way, and inspire those who have been in this season a long time.* 

Happy Tuesday!!! It has been a good day today. I started my day with my quiet time and then headed out for a nice, BEAUTIFUL, almost felt like a fall morning!! There is hope on the horizon. 🍂 I saw a leaf fall off a tree and ran to catch it!! Is it not just a sprinkle of heaven for me.... Hope a New Season is ahead!

I brought it hope to press!! THIS IS A NEW PASSION of mine!! I got a new pressing kit to press flowers and such. I can't wait to press this and frame it!!

Here are some other images I got today on my walk!!!

Look at that HUGE LEAF!!! It really was a perfect morning walk. Cool, crisp, and refreshing. Walking IS A PASSION that I have always had and also did when I had a NEST full of kiddos. But of course, life would get busy and while I did make it a priority at times, there were many times it was shelved to do things for the family. 

Walking has become a MAJOR PART of filling my days during this season of EMPTY NESTING. It helps me mentally, spiritually, and physically. 

When I was in my late 20s, one of my passions was speed walking in 5 Ks that had a good cause. I decided this summer to do one a month. I had such a wonderful time, and it really kept me motivated in the summer when I wanted to hole up inside my little nest when temperatures were super HOT and when I felt lonely! Having something to keep me accountable to stay fit and be committed to participating in was just what I needed this summer.  I met new people! Kept moving! And seen some incredible views.            

In other news.....one of the luxuries of Empty Nesting....even though I miss our kiddos so much....IS MORE AVAILABLE time. I can afford and take more time for self-care. I am not selfishly saying this. I am very low maintenance, but it is nice to get some things done for yourself every now and then.

Today, I went to get my hair deep conditioned at a salon and shined. I have VERY LONG hair. My hair is inches past my bottom. So, taking good care of it is important. I go twice a year. 

It was so refreshing, I am ready for the cooler months ahead, which can make my hair brittle!!!  Here is a "selfie" of the finished product!!!

One area I have struggled with as an Empty Nest Homemaker is scheduling and balancing my days. I was always (still am) a very routine person and thrive that way. I always had a cleaning system, meal plan, and calendars I lived by when the kids were home. I homeschooled, so our days were planned out to the dot, of course, with flexibility. But I knew when things needed to be done and I had certain days, like in the old-fashioned days, that were themed. I had a weekly cleaning day, baking day, shopping and errand day, library day, yard day, project day, and so on. 

I do not know why, but little by little those schedules changed just like, ONE SEASON TO THE NEXT. I find myself at times feeling aimless. So, I have been thinking about this lately and trying to create a plan that helps me with this. 

ANY TIPS?? I do write out my to-dos daily. I think maybe one thing is that my house does not take long to clean anymore as it did with kids underfoot. No more schooling that my days are structured around or afternoon activities.  Sometimes I can feel like my purpose is gone. WHICH I KNOW IS A LIE! But it is a real emotion and thought I have. I want to document this to help others and to look back and know how I felt during this season. 

Anyhoooo.... I am off to warm up that yummy soup from yesterday!!! Isn't soup better the next day?! Do you agree?! 

Please, share your empty nesting tips and encouragement for myself and others BELOW if you are an empty nester!!! Have a super day!

Linking up with My Slices of Life Talk About It Tuesdays!

With Love, 

Chrissy T