When baby birds fledge and leave the comfort, warmth, and guaranteed food source of their birdhouse or nest, they literally take a leap of faith. Somehow, they are prepared and ready to move into independence in a few short weeks. The mother bird flies away too, separately, content that her job is done.
When our children leave the nest after being nurtured, cared for, educated, and guided for many years, we as parents are understandably sometimes jolted by the new reality. Somehow, our role and purpose have changed, and it can be disorienting. We can feel a sense of loss or even grief and depression. But it can also be a wonderful new phase of our lives.
Freed from the responsibility, we can evolve. We can maximize this time in our lives. We can take up a new hobby, travel, volunteer, or learn a new skill.
If you are feeling a little stuck in trying to move to the next phase of life, therapy can help. Together, we can travel this new highway, talking about feelings, dealing with new realities, and sharing new understandings of why we feel the way we do. Reach out, and we can approach the future together in a healthy and productive way, savoring the successes and honoring the memories as we build new, more mature relationships with our children.