Empty Nest Mothers: The Rookie Athletes of Life Transitions

Bobbi: 0:29

I'd like to share this metaphor with you, if I may. So in sports, where dreams are realized and legends are born, we witness the journey of a rookie player. Okay, now, this is a metaphor that holds valuable lessons for us. So imagine a rookie stepping out onto the field filled with hope and ambition, ready to conquer the game. Yet we understand that this fledgling athlete cannot be expected to effortlessly score a touchdown in their very first game. Am I right? It would be unfair to hold them to such a high standard. Now I would like you to pause for a moment and reflect. If we can acknowledge this truth in the realm of sports, why then, do we sometimes find it so challenging to extend the same compassion and understanding to emptiness mums When their child leaves the nest and embarks on their own journey? I think we often forget that this new phase of life is just as much of an adjustment for us as it is for our child. I think that we could do well in asking ourselves why would we choose to place undue pressure on other mothers to achieve emotional milestones within a matter of days or weeks? Because it, just as an athlete's body requires training and practice to perform at its optimal level, so too does our minds. Our mind is a muscle, and its strength and resilience can be honed and refined with time. Now, my personal thoughts on this are that we need to embrace this truth and recognise that emotional goals, much like athletic achievements, require patience, dedication and a willingness to learn and grow. I'd like you to. If you will, picture yourself in the shoes of an athlete. So you embark on a training regimen committing to hours of practice, you're conditioning your body and you're refining your skills. You understand that progress is gradual and that setbacks are a natural part of the process, right? You know that in this realm of physical growth, it is widely accepted that progress takes time. So, likewise, we must adopt a similar mindset when it comes to nurturing our emotional well-being. Please, mums, give yourself the gift of grace. Grant yourself the necessary time and space to strengthen that emotional resilience, because, just as an athlete needs to build endurance, you too need to cultivate the strength to navigate this new phase of life. I want you to remember that your pain is valid. The emotions you experience during this transition are genuine and worthy of acknowledgement. It is essential to honour your unique journey and understand that comparing it to others is neither fair nor productive on yourself. This is your path and you must walk it at your own pace, embracing both the challenges and the triumphs that lie ahead. Making someone else's journey, your journey is not going to be productive for you. Take solace in the knowledge that you are not alone. Seek out support networks such as the Inspired and Dynast Mums Facebook group and other resources that can provide guidance and understanding. Aim to surround yourself with people who empathise with your circumstances and can offer valuable insights from their own journeys. Share your stories, your fears and your hopes, because I so believe that together we can create a space where your voice is heard, where you feel seen and understood. You really deserve for others to meet you where you currently are at the moment, because when people do that, you'll be able to strengthen your own emotional wellbeing. Take a deep breath. This is your time to shine. Embrace the lessons learned from the field and the camaraderie of those who understand You are capable, you are resilient and you are not alone. Keep moving forward and embrace the beautiful evolution that awaits you, but remember, seek out those who wish to meet you where you currently are. That's it from this Five on the Fly. I'll connect with you next time. Ladies, from emptiness to personal best, let's fly, mom fly.