The day my youngest left for university, I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. Sure, I was proud of her, but as a single parent, I was also lost. Who was I without my kids to fuss over? And just when I thought I was starting to adjust, my son left, quite unexpectedly, to drive across the country.

I was devastated. British Columbia might as well have been on another planet. The thought of him being so far away, in a place where I couldn’t just hop in the car and visit on a whim, broke my heart. I spent weeks walking around, listening to his songs, feeling like a piece of me missing. 

Who was I without my kids to fuss over?

But life has a way of pushing us forward, doesn’t it? It took some time, but I eventually found my way back to myself – and dare I say, I’m happier than ever. Here’s how I did it:

Yoga: I’d been teaching yoga for years, guiding students through their asanas and pranayama. But when my nest emptied, I felt a calling to dive deeper into the practice that had always grounded me. I immersed myself in advanced training, exploring the subtle nuances of alignment and the rich philosophy behind the ancient texts. My classes evolved from simple physical instruction to journeys of self-discovery. As I led my students through more complex sequences and meditations, I found myself healing too. Each class became a reminder to stay present, to find strength in vulnerability, and to embrace change. Ironically, as I focused on guiding others, I discovered new depths within myself. The very practice I’d been teaching for so long became my lifeline, helping me navigate the emotional waves of missing my son and adapting to my new reality. Who knew that after all these years of teaching, yoga still had so much to teach me?

Meditation: I’d always incorporated brief meditations into my yoga classes, but now I felt drawn to explore this practice more deeply. I embarked on a journey to learn from various teachers and masters, each offering unique insights and techniques. From silent Vipassana retreats to dynamic Tantric meditations, I tried it all. Each approach brought its own challenges and revelations. Slowly, I learned to quiet the constant chatter in my head – including the worry about whether my kids were eating properly or if there using the natural remedies I packed for them. This diverse meditation journey not only helped me manage the emotional turbulence of my empty nest but also added new dimensions to my yoga teaching. It’s amazing how sitting still can take you on such a profound inner voyage.

Breathwork: Did you know we’re all breathing wrong? Learning proper breathing techniques was a game-changer. I began using simple breathing techniques combined with meditation and positive psychology. It helped me manage stress and anxiety, especially on those days when I’d find myself staring at old family photos, wondering when I’d next see my children in person.

Journaling: I started small, just jotting down a few thoughts before bed. It evolved into a daily practice that helped me process my emotions and rediscover my dreams. Remember those? 

Continuous Learning and Growth: This was the game changer. As I settled into this new phase of life, I realized that my journey was far from over. In fact, it felt like it was just beginning. I became almost insatiable in my quest for knowledge and self-discovery. I started signing up for courses and workshops that piqued my interest – everything from Ayurvedic nutrition, Pranic flow, from NLP Tapping to.Heart Coherence methodologies. Each course opened new doors of understanding, not just about the world around me, but about myself.

One particularly transformative experience was a series of purpose-finding workshops led by a renowned spiritual teacher. Through deep introspection exercises and guided visualizations, I began to uncover layers of myself I didn’t even know existed. I discovered that my purpose wasn’t just one thing – it was multifaceted, evolving, and deeply connected to how I could serve others with my unique gifts.

I began to uncover layers of myself I didn’t even know existed.

This continuous learning not only kept my mind engaged and my spirit energized, but it also gave me new tools to share with my yoga students and meditation groups. I found that the more I learned, the more I wanted to share. My classes became richer, my relationships deeper, and my sense of purpose clearer.

I came to understand that finding purpose isn’t a destination – it’s an ongoing journey of growth and discovery. And surprisingly, this journey has been one of the most exciting adventures of my life. Who knew that at this stage, I’d be learning, growing, and evolving more than ever? It’s as if the empty nest created space for my spirit to truly soar.

Through all of this, I’ve learned that spirituality isn’t about floating on a cloud of enlightenment. It’s about getting real with yourself, connecting with others, and finding meaning in the everyday moments. It’s about realizing that your purpose isn’t tied to just one role in life, or to your kids being within arm’s reach.

I came to understand that finding purpose isn’t a destination – it’s an ongoing journey of growth and discovery.

Don’t get me wrong – I still miss my kids like crazy. The ache for my son in BC never fully goes away. But now, when they come home to visit (or when I finally brave that cross-country flight), they’re meeting a mom who’s rediscovered herself. A mom who’s committed to aging with courage and continuing to grow in wisdom. 

So if you’re staring at an empty bedroom and wondering “what now?”, know that this is just the beginning. Your next chapter is waiting to be written, and trust me, it’s going to be a page-turner – even if some of those pages are tear-stained video calls to the West Coast.