Whether you had one or six little birds leave your nest, an empty nest is still an empty nest. It can feel quiet and lonely as you get used to your newfound freedom. Some wonder what they will do with their time, while others wonder what they will do with all this extra love.
We have compiled a list of our favorite quotes to help you find your way through this beautiful, emotional, transformative time.
1. “Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.”
—The Dalai Lama
2. “When mothers talk about the depression of the empty nest, they’re not mourning the passing of all those wet towels on the floor, or the music that numbs your teeth, or even the bottle of capless shampoo dribbling down the shower drain. They’re upset because they’ve gone from supervisor of a child’s life to a spectator. It’s like being the vice president of the United States.” — Erma Bombeck
3. “The biggest change for me as a mom was realizing I needed to put someone else before me. Now the hardest part about the empty nest is learning to put myself first. I know that I have raised my sons to be big, strong, independent men who love God, themselves and care for others. I have to learn to let them have space and learn without me.” – Kim Alexis
4. “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” ~ Matthew 7:8
5. “You are never too old to reinvent yourself!” -Steve Harvey
6. “Breathe, darling. This is just a chapter, not your whole story.” -S. C. Lourie
7. “Don’t let who you were talk you out of who you are becoming.” -Bob Goff
8. “Life is now less about how old you are and more about when you decide to live.” -Jon Acuff
9. “Take one day at a time. We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” -Maya Angelou
10. “The best thing you can do for your kids is to show them God working in you on a daily basis.” -Greg Groeschel
11. “If only I had more laundry to do” -Said no empty nester mother ever.
As you see your child fly out of your nest to make their own, it is okay to feel sad, to feel some grief. But it is also okay to let that pass and realize the new opportunity in front of you. One that is free from mounds of laundry and individualized meals.
Need help figuring out life as an empty nester?