Breathe

For a long time, I found myself stuck in survival mode as a parent. I was determined to make all the right decisions, give my daughter opportunities I never had, and be present for every activity and milestone. It was a constant push to do it all, and I barely stopped to breathe.

But then, everything changed when I became anEempty Nester. For the first time in what felt like forever, I took a deep breath—really took one. It was as if I’d been holding my breath for years. In that moment, I realized just how fast I’d been moving, almost like I was hyperventilating through life. Slowly, I began to exhale—not just physically, but emotionally, too. Letting go of survival mode felt like releasing a weight I didn’t even know I was carrying.

Now, as an Empty Nester and a coach to my young adult, I’ve discovered a new way to parent. It’s not without its challenges, but it’s different. Decisions aren’t solely mine to make anymore, and that shift has brought a sense of peace. Coaching my daughter as she navigates her own path has given me the space to breathe deeply, to trust her journey, and to find balance in my own.