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How Baby Boomers Can Feather Their Empty NestBy Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. and Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D.As your kidults move out one by one, does the thought of creating a moregrown-up nest sound good? Can you visualize the possibility of moresimplicity and less chaos? Think about what it would be like to clean out thedrawers, give away the memorabilia your kids don't want, get rid of all thestuff they're outgrown and make your home totally yours again.If you decide to make a change, it will be an ongoing process filled with bothpositive and negative emotions. This transition signifies the end of animportant chapter in your life - the house full of family and activity, of growingchildren and all their antics. You may mourn the loss of many things, materialand otherwise - valuable pieces of history relegated to the attic or sold for some ridiculous price, the hard discs of your past life, memories triggered bystuff. Yet, you'll grow to feel content, surrounded by what is most important toyou – perhaps the photo albums that trace your family history, souvenirs fromyour travels or your treasured books - and all the precious memories that youcarry around in your head.Soon, you may find yourself anticipating the changes and getting excitedabout making a fresh start. Altering your surroundings at home can stimulateyou to modify your outlook on life. This shift can give you the impetus toexplore new areas and discover adventures outside your familiarity. As youconsider feathering a nest that works for you, here are some ideas to help getyou started. Remember that any process takes time and, by definition,involves flexibility.1. It is never too early - or too late - to begin gathering information about thechanges you plan to initiate. What do you need to learn more about? Speakto as many people as possible who have already explored or gone throughthis experience. Surf the net and be on the lookout for books you can read or seminars you can take to learn more. Talk to anyone who is in a position toinform, educate and help you.2. As the Greek sages told us centuries ago, know thyself. Increase your self awareness by examining who you are now and who you want to become.Are your old dreams still meaningful to you? What else are you committed tonow? What 'contracts' have you made with yourself or your significant other that impact your choices today?
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