Look around, things have changed, your routine has changed, and your obligations are different now. But you’re still the same person inside, and that person needs YOU, now more than ever.
After nearly 20 years of hustling and caring for others, the house feels bigger, quieter, and more spacious.
You’ve just watched your baby head off to college, and you swear your brain prepared for this moment, but it’s very clear that your brain forgot to invite your heart.
Your heart is heavy. You’re grieving, it’s a big change, and it’s going to take time. Time to adjust, time to reflect, but time might have also brought an uninvited guest with a forecast of brain fog and tumultuous mood swings (surprise: It’s menopause).
Cue Empty Nest and Menopause…
Ready or not, Empty Nest and Menopause tend to happen right around the same time. And, this can feel like the universe is telling a cruel joke;
And the punchline is You.
You may or may not take solace in knowing that Empty Nest is not clinical diagnosis, and Menopause it’s not a disease. No, they are simply natural life transitions that make you feel categorically unwell and totally insane.
“I missed my kids so much I took to the bed, ordered Jimmy Johns from the bed and binge watched Netflix from the bed.” – Leanne Morgan, empty nester and comedian
Whether you are happy or sad or just not sure how you feel; the truth is, you now have a little space to breathe. So just breathe, and take whatever time you need to adjust to this next chapter of life.
While you’re adjusting, take a moment to celebrate your wins.
You’ve done your job! Your children are out of the house, and now you are free to focus on YOU.
It’s YOU Time – Self Care Required, Dancing Optional
Be gentle with yourself. You are still processing these changes.
“Every day is a new beginning…” And every day is a chance to start with one or two small changes.
When you’re ready, start with one area of your life, your mornings.
Try the following 6 simple steps to create your new morning routine—that’s finally just for YOU.
6 Simple Steps to Design Your Morning Your Way
1: Wake Up on Your Terms (Not to Screaming or Snooze Alarms)
Long gone are the days of being yanked from sleep by small humans or school bells. You can now rise like a queen from a memory-foam cloud.
Set an alarm gently. Or don’t.
Go ahead, give yourself permission to start your day without chaos or immediate decision-making.
That includes not checking your phone before you’ve even located your glasses.
2: Move Your Body—Even Before You Get Out of Bed
Movement doesn’t have to mean a high-intensity tire flipping anything. It can mean:
- Stretching in your pajamas while whispering, “yep I’m basically a yoga instructor”
- Take a walk outside while listening to your favorite tunes
- Start a living room dance party for one. (go ahead dance like no one’s watching– it may be cliché but it’s still super fun!)
The point? Get your body moving even if it’s before you step one foot onto the floor. Your joints will thank you, and so will your mood.
For some helpful guided prompts, try these slow and easy morning moves.
3: Feed Your Brain – Pinterest Quotes Count
Brain fog is real. (If you’ve ever found your phone in the silverware drawer, you already know.)
So give your mind a little love:
- Journal a few lines—no pressure, no perfect sentences needed
- Read something inspiring (yes, Pinterest quotes count)
- Sit in silence and sip something warm like the jasmine green tea.
Check out this Self-Care Journal, it’s spiral bound which I love and it has weekly reflections, a way to visually rate your energy, list your ‘not to do’s’, and prompts you to reframe thoughts. You can buy this Daily Self-Care Journal for Women here!
4: Eat Breakfast —A Real Breakfast
This is your time to eat something delicious and possibly hot.
Note: No more standing over the sink eating the crusts of someone else’s toast.
You deserve a real breakfast. With utensils. Seated.
Think of it as a morning date—with yourself.
Check out this recipe for protein-packed Chocolate Chip Protein Waffles.
5: Add Luxury —One Thing That Feels Luxurious
A luxurious morning doesn’t require a villa in Tuscany. It could be:
- A spritz of your favorite scented room spray
- Five minutes with your feet up and your eyes closed
- That luxurious lip balm you were saving for a “special occasion”
Indulge a little. It’s your turn to treat yourself with the little things that bring you joy.
6: Keep It Simple —Don’t Overstuff Your Routine
Start small. Your new routine should feel like a soft hug, not a military drill. If all you do is stretch, sip coffee, and sit in silence before 9 a.m.—you’re still winning.
You’ve spent years serving everyone else’s schedule.
Now you get to design your own rhythm—one that actually works for the woman you are now.
This Season Is Yours—Mornings Included
You’re not just building a routine. You’re reclaiming your morning. Your time. Your energy. Your you-ness.
And sure, some mornings will still feel weird or wobbly or too quiet. That’s okay.
This is a process of becoming the new you—one cup of coffee or tea, one good stretch, and one glorious “no” to nonsense at a time.
So go ahead. Do your morning your way; make it your happy place.
Words of Inspiration & Wisdom
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV