I'd like to think that as I go through my journey, I am leaving behind reflections of the peace, strength and kindness that I try to live my life by.
Lately, I have had the joy of seeing those reflections in my daughters. In the choices they make as young women. In the way they treat others with kindness. In their expressions of love. Having both my daughters home for Christmas is, as always, a bit of a balancing act. Trying to stay flexible with their plans as they coordinate all the visiting they need to do during break. Having divorced parents adds to those challenges, especially for my older daughter who only gets home from college every few months. I do my best to be supportive rather than demanding of how she chooses to spend her time while home--I know she feels pulled in many different directions and I don't want to add to that pressure. In the past she has struggled with trying to please everyone else and tended to neglect her own needs and wants. It's been nice to see a healthy change in her this time. She seems to be finding her own balance and fitting in more of what she needs for herself. Next Christmas the challenges will likely be increased as my younger daughter will also be home from her first semester at college! My plan--stay flexible and supportive.
Facing the empty nest stage of my life has inspired many moments of reflection. I might not be starting a solo trek across a desert, but I do feel like I am at the beginning of a vast adventure. One which I have choices to make as well as many unknowns to explore. Keeping an open mind and heart, I am hopefully optimistic that through this part of my journey, I will leave behind reflections of my life lessons so far in healthy and positive ways.
Peace. Strength. Kindness.
