Updated: November 12, 2020
Originally Published: April 8, 2015
When September rolled around, I could hardly believe my luck: all five of my kids were finally off to school full-time, and I was left with a glorious 35 hours of uninterrupted time each week. For the first time in 17 years, I was poised to revel in the sweet, sweet freedom of quiet days ahead, filled with endless possibilities.
I had spent the last decade juggling the chaos of motherhood and building a freelance writing career from scratch. Picture this: I managed to conduct phone interviews from the hood of my running car while my little ones napped inside or negotiated contracts from my closet while the preschooler watched cartoons next door. If I could thrive under those conditions, surely I could flourish now that I had all this newfound time!
I envisioned invigorating days packed with writing, networking, and perhaps even launching new creative projects. I thought that with the kids in school, my productivity would skyrocket, and all my career-related limitations would vanish.
But as September came and went, I found myself sputtering instead of soaring. For the first time in years, I lost my writing spark. I’d sit down at my desk, staring at the screen, and… nothing. I even toyed with the idea of getting a “real job” that required a polished wardrobe and a daily commute.
I figured maybe I just needed a break to focus on home projects or to have some fun. But let me tell you, I didn’t exactly thrive in the homemaking or leisure departments either. Sure, I indulged in a few glorious naps (who doesn’t love a good nap, right?), but those ambitious home projects? They sat untouched, gathering dust while I somehow managed to gain a few pounds from exercising less than I did when I had no time at all.
At first, I was baffled by this unproductive slump. I had been granted the time I had longed for, yet I felt like I was squandering it! Upon reflection, though, things started to click. Yes, the constant demands of motherhood were often stressful, but they also provided my days with structure and purpose. The chaos of family life had kept me on my toes, giving me that adrenaline rush that fueled my creativity.
Six months later, I’m slowly finding my groove again, or at least a new version of normal. I’ve picked up my writing, started to exercise regularly, and even planned a few home projects for this month. It seems I just needed time to adjust to this new reality. I’m learning that it’s okay to accept a slower pace and enjoy the quiet moments without feeling the need to fill every second with productivity.
Perhaps this part-time empty nest is the start of a new era. I’m realizing that after 17 years of motherhood, I deserve this break to breathe and rediscover what I truly enjoy. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, you can check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, motherhood has its challenges, but as my kids grow more independent, I’m learning to embrace the slower pace of life. I’m allowing myself to enjoy the downtime and appreciate the journey, knowing that it’s okay not to fill every moment with tasks.