I have found myself lately in a new stage of life. Closer and closer to a true empty nester, with grown children. And a "retirement" stage job that allows me less stress. And less financial stress. And fewer social requirements. And with this new normal, I find myself really paying attention to the world around me, appreciating all of life's beauty.
I am four months into my new career, and I still love it. I work forty hours a week, work with amazing volunteers of all ages that are the most giving people I have ever met, and am challenged every single day. It is ridiculously fulfilling. And I can see myself working there for the rest of my professional career. It has been such a blessing!
The hubby and I have been trying to figure out where we want to be. Where we want to retire. We have looked at land, and at houses, and at fixer-uppers. But we have realized that in all that we have seen, we are giving up some of what we both want in our final home. So we have settled on staying here for a while longer. So I am going to downsize the "things" we have, freshen up some paint, and focus on creating a beautiful space here.
I am not sure how I feel. The idea of a new place is exciting! But I also LOVE this home we have created over the last 23 years. We have made it our own. The tree from when my mom died, all of the flowers from my mom's house that I transplanted, my fun herb garden border, my coffee bar... there are so many pieces I love here. Of course it is far from perfect. A TINY kitchen, no master bath, small bedrooms. But I really think that it is enough for us. So I think staying is the best answer for now. We can move when we are both retired. When we don't have ties here. When hopefully there are grandchildren to live near.
So with no rush to sell this house, and only working 40 hours a week, and no sports or school events to go to, I have come to a weird sense of empty nest balance. I have dinner with friends. I go window shopping with no intent to purchase anything more than an idea. I am redecorating the house. I am cooking amazing foods for my husband and I, making sure we are eating balanced meals and even packing lunches. And I am already dreaming of gardening season.
People can say what they want about getting older. But I am genuinely loving every bit. I love my new sense of independence. I love the freedom, to meet friends for dinner and drinks, to take a weekend to see my daughter, to play a quick game of cribbage with my husband after work, or to walk every aisle of my favorite store with no purpose. I literally go to work looking forward to my day. I take in each sunrise, bask in the crispness of the winter air, and marvel at all the beauty around me. I am thankful for every single day.
And I am ready to embrace the next stages as they come. This amazing life God has gifted me with has been more of a Blessing than I ever thought I would have.
