I always dreaded the day my girls would both go away to college, leaving me home alone with their dad. 🤣 Seriously though… I really did dread it. For 19 years, they had been my whole world. Every choice and decision I made, I considered how it would affect them. We did projects together, played games, shopped, talked, watched rom-coms, cooked, baked—you name it. I loved teaching them new skills and trying new things with them.

So when I thought about them leaving, all I could think was: what am I going to do? At least I knew I’d still have the cats to follow me around and keep me company (as much as cats will, anyway).

Well, the time finally came. Don’t get me wrong—I was (and am) so proud of my girls for going off to college, spreading their wings, and becoming the independent adults I raised them to be. And I wasn’t too much of a blubbering mess either. I knew they were both exactly where they needed to be.

At first, it wasn’t too bad. Honestly, it was kind of nice not worrying about feeding anyone except my husband (when he wasn’t working late). We were actually having fun again—just the two of us. It almost felt like going back to our early dating days… no interruptions in our conversations. 😊

But after a few weeks, things shifted. I wasn’t doing well. I felt like my sense of self-worth was gone. I kept asking myself: Now what? What’s the point of being here? I knew, deep down, that the future still held so many wonderful moments—my girls’ future weddings and (hopefully!) grandbabies, trips and projects, and watching my nieces and nephews grow up. But when your mind slips into negative self-talk, it can be really hard to pull yourself back out on your own.

I should also mention that just a month before the girls left, we moved two hours away from the beautiful house we had built and lived in for the past 12 years, and the community we’d been part of for almost 20 years. So, a lot of changes hit me at once. Honestly, I’m still not sure if moving made missing the girls easier or harder.

So, how did I find my way back to a good headspace? I reached out for help and started seeing a professional counselor. Trust me, it took several weeks to build up the courage to make that first appointment—but I am so glad I did. It helped so much, even after the very first session.

I’ve always been an open book (sometimes too open!) and I’ve always leaned on my friends to talk through problems. But there was something so freeing about talking to someone who didn’t know me, or anyone else in my life. I could just say whatever was on my mind without holding back.

So, even if you’re not an empty nester but you’re struggling with life, a tough situation, or your self-image—I want to encourage you to make the call. Life is way too short not to be happy and joyful. 💜