My empty nest is NOT boring, because I am in it. Although, there are times when I just need to get out of the nest and explore. And I don’t mind riding solo!
Inspired by The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, I took myself on a date this week. The idea is take time to nurture the creative spirit within and to allow playful inflow.
“As artists {I’ll add midlife women} we must learn to be self-nourishing. We must become alert enough to consciously replenish our creative resources as we draw on them – to restock the trout pond, so to speak. I call this process filling the well.” Julia Cameron
My date
For me, replenishing my creativity requires a drive in the country to The Antique Rose Emporium. As I drove the pastoral countryside, I had to remind myself it was time to shut down the thoughts about the chaotic world and get caught up in the moment. So, I cranked up the radio and sang at the top of my lungs. I can only get away with that volume riding solo.
Even if I visit the Antique Rose Emporium’s magic gardens a hundred times and see something that I’ve never seen before. I walk around shooting pictures and wondering how the gardeners created the spaces. I always leave with a renewed enthusiasm for my garden and a sense of peace with the world…. And on this trip $100 worth of new plants!
How does the idea sit with you?
The idea of going on a date alone is somewhat intimidating.
Being alone, or lonely, is a very scary thing for midlife women experiencing an empty nest and trying to figure out their purpose in this season.
On the flip side…
What if having the ability to sit alone at a restaurant and enjoy a meal is actually empowering?
How does the idea sit with you?
Community
I’m not suggesting that you don’t need family and friends.
There is plenty of evidence that community is basic to our happiness. Out of the six basic human needs; Significance, Love/Connection and Contribution require community.
What I am offering is the benefit of being able to entertain, nurture and restore yourself. Once you learn this skill, boredom and loneliness loose their power over you.
Could it be fun?
Coming up with ideas for weekly dates can be just as creative as the date itself. Here are a few of mine…. A trip to a junk store, drive in the country, try out the new coffee shop, roller skating, a bike ride, etc.
Are you waiting for your partner to have the time to get out of dodge? What about taking a solo trip somewhere on your bucket list?
What have you been putting off because you don’t want to do it alone? Maybe you are the perfect date for the occasion?
Need a little nudge out of the nest?
You might agree that taking yourself on a date could be empowering, but your mind is working overtime to warn you of all the reasons it’s a horrible idea.
Being lonely sucks, but at least it is familiar.
I’d love to help you discover your inner shenanigans and the wings to rise above the resistance.
You might just discover that you enjoy your own company just as much as you enjoy your family and friends.
Schedule a free consultation by clicking on my calendar link and choosing a date/time that works for you. This is an opportunity for you to ask me all the questions you have about hiring a life coach and a chance for you to talk through an issue that you are struggling with.
Here’s to getting behind the wheel, blasting the music, singing at the top of your lungs… or whatever you need to do to fill the well!
~Tiffany
And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!