Are you noticing that the energy has suddenly shifted out there? Whether you are stuck in traffic behind a school bus, shedding a tear as you share an embrace on the college campus or noticing the stillness in your home as the kids head off to school, there is a feeling that is often uncomfortable. Even though my kids are finished with college and I’ve fully adjusted to the quiet of an empty nest, I feel it too. It’s what I refer to as “autumn anticipation grief” and it is connected with saying goodbye to the glory of summer’s long days, sunshine, gardens and warmth. It happens every year without fail.
I was beginning to have my own pity party on Monday morning when it dawned on me that I could either wallow in the unpleasant feeling OR choose to do something about it. Reviewing my schedule and the weather forecast for the week, I discovered that my appointments were entirely phone sessions through Wednesday. That brought a split second decision to pack the car and head off to my virtual office at my parent’s cottage in Lakeside on Lake Erie. Aside from the appointments on my calendar, my only goals became making sure I took many nice long walks and a swim in Lake Erie before heading home again. It would be a time of retreat just for me.
While in Lakeside, the bliss returned. Going alone gave me a chance to meet some fantastic new people. I even enjoyed a few deep discussions about how others get through the grief of saying goodbye to summer. Just about everyone agreed that choosing action is a healthy plan (except for when action takes the form of gorging on pie or wolfing down a quart of ice cream). I’m pleased to report that I kept away from both pie and ice cream during this retreat too.
Many empty nesters I know take time to schedule new activities to keep growing, learning and connected with their families. When George and I were new to the empty nest in 2008, we celebrated by planning a weekend away at The Inn at Honey Run in Millersburg. It gave us time to talk about what we wanted for the rest of the year and to plan ahead for times we could spend with children too. We also got clear about our careers, retirement goals and a few projects we wanted to accomplish around the house. That weekend gave us rocket fuel for the 5 years of marriage that followed.
Wondering where to start to address your autumn or empty nest grief? I’d recommend working on connecting with your partner in a deeper way. Everyone’s different, but taking time to be away from the ordinary routine gives you space to have important conversations as well as intimacy in all forms. Give it a try!
Improving yourself as action is always a good investment too. Whether it means joining a book discussion group, scheduling preventative wellness appointments, taking a class or joining a group, remember you are worth it. By investing in yourself, you also signal to the universe that you are ready to handle more abundance in your life.
Perhaps you know someone who is experiencing “Autumn Grief” as the kids head off to school. Keep and eye on them and invite them to do something fun.
If you live in the Cleveland area, take action by joining me on Wednesday August 28 at 7PM in Westlake for an evening of positive healing using Emotional Freedom Techniques, also known as “tapping” or acupuncture for emotions. Here’s your chance to shift your mood up – satisfaction guaranteed or your money refunded. Registration and details can be found at https://augeftwithbetsy.eventbrite.com
Need more fun and inspiration? Consider joining me for a marvelous retreat and luncheon experience on Sept. 14 from 9am – 1 pm. We will enjoy meditation, movement, artistic creation and a cooking demonstration in a beautiful natural setting, There’s a special rate now through Sept. 1, 2013. Prices and details can be found at https://fall2013energymakeover.eventbrite.com
Add a little more fun and relaxation by joining me for an afternoon bus tour to 3 beautiful wineries in the Vermillion area from 1-6 PM on Saturday Sept. 14. There’s a special price for retreat participants plus it is open to couples who want to reconnect for a little fun together. Tastings, food, beverages and more are included with your ticket. You can learn more at https://tic2013winerytour.eventbrite.com
Win a FREE RETREAT! I’m rewarding a worthy, action-oriented reader with a FREE retreat admission. Enter the contest by going to Indigo Connection’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Indigo-Connection-Betsy-Muller-Founder/177283722299618.
Post a short essay, video or convincing pitch about why you should be chosen for the free retreat ticket. Finalists will be chosen based on the number of “likes” to your entry post, so get your friends to help you by clicking on your submission.
If want to join me on Sept. 14, get your tickets before the price goes up on Sept. 1. I promise to refund your purchase if you should happen to win the contest. Stay tuned for more ways to take action to shake off those back to school blues.
