What To Do When the Nest Empties

What To Do Now

All those things you’ve put off over the years because you didn’t have enough time. Here’s a short list that might interest you.

1. Redecorate. Yep, now is the time to get that new furniture, paint away the fingerprint-stained walls, and get things you don’t have to worry about being ruined by unthinking kids.

2. Take up a hobby. Now is the time to learn an art or craft or start a collection. In fact, set up a little hobby corner just for you.

3. Focus on your health and fitness. Now is the time to get strong and healthy. Embark on a fitness program so you’ll have the energy to tackle those mountains of dirty clothes that your college kid will bring home to dear old Mom. Seriously, instead of sitting around and feeling blue, move your body. It will raise your endorphin level and make you the cheerful happy Mom a kid wants to come home to visit.

4. Take a class. Broaden your mind and keep those brain cells active. Work on another degree. Learn a new skill. Community colleges a abound. Even if you’re in a small town or rural setting, online courses in everything are offered.

5. Set aside time to read. Catch up on your favorite genre or read in a new one. Get an ereader device or a cell phone app. You can grab a library full of low-cost and even free ebooks in every genre and nonfiction category there is. Sign up for my free subscription newsletter. I offer a free and/or bargain ebook every month.

Joan Reeves aka SlingWords: The Word Slinging Adventures of Joan Reeves