In Honor of Mother\’s Day: What\’s the Best Advice Your Mother Ever Gave You? By Natalie Caine, M.A. NABBW’s Associate for Life in Transition Do you wonder what your kids would say to that question? It might be fun to ask them on Mother\’s Day. Here is a short list of what advice was given to women, by their mothers, from my circle: Help others even if you feel shy. Go for it because the clock is ticking. Hold your own hand. You don\’t have to see it. Pray anyhow. Open the door for others. Try again and again. Save money as soon as you make some. Nothing lasts forever,... Read More

Staying Inspired During Life\’s Challenges By Natalie Caine, M.A. NABBW’s Associate for Life in Transition How do you keep going when you  feel like you are immersed in challenges? Here are some suggestions: Call someone you trust. Ask them if you can POUR your heart out. Consider what you think a dear friend would do if her or she were in your shoes? Exercise. Get outside and walk noticing what is in FRONT of you as you walk. Trust that, “This too shall pass.” Give yourself the gift of a few simple PLEASURES, like movie day, a day at home or ordering in food. DOODLE Read... Read More

Celebrate Love This February. Specifically, Choose to Focus on What You Love About Yourself By Natalie Caine, M.A. NABBW’s Empty Nest Expert Focus is important. I enjoy choosing a focus for each month. With February around the corner, it is natural to choose to focus on love. It\’s always a great focus. But for today, let\’s not focus on ludus, or eros, which are the Greek terms for romantic and sexual love. And let\’s not talk about agape, either. That\’s the Greek term for family love. Instead, let\’s focus on self-love. But before you start thinking I\’m... Read More

The Holidays Are Upon Us: How Are You Doing At Projecting an Image of “Warmth and Welcome?” By Natalie Caine, M.A. NABBW’s Empty Nest Expert Thanksgiving and holiday time brings out the shine, goodies and beauty, as well as my black stretch pants.   I love the holidays for its anticipation, creativity, memories of loved ones, sentiments, and new traditions. When we travel and gather, like a decorated room, we mix and match.  We move our lives around, like chairs, and hope for comfort and connection. I know holidays also bring expectations and disappointments from the mundane... Read More

What Do You Worry About? By Natalie Caine, M.A. NABBW’s Empty Nest Expert Changes, like empty nest, bring up past losses and worries. Your inner critic may have a feast saying things in your head that aren’t true. Recently, our group shared what worries them. Perhaps some of the items on their list sound familiar to you. How about: Not hearing from my kids for weeks Not feeling important/needed Lose of interest in my partner Lack of passion No sex drive at this stage of life Being lonely Finances not being enough for my future Health limitations that will make me feel old and not able... Read More

Is Empty Nest Necessary? By Natalie Caine, M.A. NABBW’s Empty Nest Expert In my group, sweet Susan said with a slight laugh, “Loss is necessary but is empty nest?” We were talking about the cumulative losses over our lifetimes. Susan was having a sad day. Her bottom line essentially boiled down to this, “I tried for months to get pregnant, then put up with enforced bed rest in order to stay pregnant, then once he got to age two I had to raise him by myself, etc.,  Yet no one told me loss is necessary and he will leave, and won’t put a thank-you note in my mailbox. Experts... Read More

Intensity in the Empty Nest By Natalie Caine, M.A. NABBW’s Empty Nest Expert   As we ease out of Summer, and into Fall, many of us will agree that we\’ve been through an intense time. That\’s why it is now time to take a few minutes for ourselves, and why it is especially important to review our core values. For me, when I remember that I am more than what I am in the midst of living, then I can be present with perseverance and hope. Wondering where to start? Here are some suggestions: Review your talents. Check out how you are doing with your self-worth. Don\’t allow... Read More

Empty Nest — The Count Down By Natalie Caine M.A. NABBW’s Empty Nest Expert   Packing them up, checking the list, finalizing details, as your children are almost in the dorm. You are shocked that this life you have had with your precious one has gone so fast. Empty nest is not for long because they do come back, but for now, that is not what you are thinking and feeling. It is so normal to feel tearful, even having the ugly cries. The role you love is instantly going to change when you come back home from that hug at the dorm. You know the role you played as a parent and who they... Read More

Get-Aways for Learning and Relaxation, As Well As, New Friendships By Natalie Caine, M.A. NABBW’s Empty Nest Expert Parents, Boomers, Empty Nesters, and Young Adults have asked me about Red Mountain Spa, Utah. Destination and resort spa in Southern Utah — hiking, wellness, Spa, red rocks, outdoors — is where I will be teaching LIFE IN TRANSITION, WHAT’S NEXT, April 9th-16th. I am also offering private sessions for the week so you can go deeper with your needs. Below is an overview of the workshop: From the Inside Out It\’s time for you to gather input from inside... Read More