The Kids Are Gone. Where Do You Come In?
After the empty nest, women describe an inner revolution. Decades for everyone else. Now what about you?
The last one moved out and the house went quiet, and somewhere under the quiet a question started knocking.
Where do I come in?
You gave it all to them. The years, the lunches, the rides, the worry, the holding it together when it was falling apart. You’d do it again. But you look up at 50-something and realize you’ve been last on your own list for so long you forgot you were on it.
That’s not selfish creeping in. That’s you coming back online.
Women describe this moment like an inner revolution, and that’s the right word. Decades of putting yourself dead last, and now this knock that says, what about me. Don’t apologize for it. Don’t shove it back down because it feels greedy after a life of giving. The knock is the most honest thing you’ve felt in years.
Here’s what I tell the women I work with. Your wants count now. Not after everyone’s settled. Not when it’s convenient. Now. You raised humans. You can spend a dollar on yourself without a committee meeting in your head.
Start answering the knock. One want, out loud, this week. Then go get it.
You spent thirty years showing up for them. Show up for her.
Ready to put yourself back on the list? She Travels Simple helps mature women simplify, travel, and finally answer the knock. Come find out where you come in.
Rita
