From Mom to Me: Finding Yourself Again After the Kids Leave

The Precious Gift of Motherhood

Have you ever cherished a gift so much that it became the center of your world? For me, that gift was my son, Joey. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I was captivated by him. After experiencing a prior loss, I recognized the delicate and invaluable nature of life.

Love or Obsession?

Joey became my everything. Every decision I made was influenced by his presence. Whether it was maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy or deciding to work from home, he was at the heart of it all. Some might call it obsession, but to me, it was profound love.

Adapting to a Blended Family

When I remarried, our family dynamics shifted. Joey, then six, and my stepson Cody, at eleven, were my primary focus. My life choices revolved around their well-being. My identity was deeply intertwined with being their mother.

Confronting the Quiet Home

Time flew by, and Joey grew up. At 19, he chose to move to Colorado for a summer job. Although I supported his decision, it was challenging, especially since his departure coincided with my 50th birthday and a planned trip to Maui with my husband.

The Pain of Letting Go

The night before our trip, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I cried throughout the journey, even in the beautiful setting of Maui. Watching Joey leave through the Ring doorbell, I was struck by a profound sense of loss. The reality of a quiet home hit me hard. My identity as Joey's mom felt like my only defining role.

Reclaiming My Identity

Returning to a quiet home was a sobering experience. Who was I without Joey by my side? My existence had been so entwined with his that I had lost sight of who I was. It was time to embark on a journey of self-discovery and redefine myself.

A New Beginning

One day, I witnessed a baby bird hatch in our backyard, symbolizing my own rebirth. While I was still Joey's mom, I realized I was much more than that. My life wasn't over because Joey had left; it was merely evolving. I was transitioning from motherhood to uncovering a new identity.

Embracing Change and Purpose

Facing change, especially when it challenges our sense of self, is never easy. Yet, it presents an opportunity for growth and new purpose. I hope my story inspires others going through similar transitions. Rediscovering identity after children leave home is a path many parents tread.

Conclusion

Remember, we have the power to redefine ourselves and embrace the next chapter of our lives.

To watch my full story on YouTube, visit https://youtu.be/SmqGedsqLdM?si=CelJ1ECizveWir3l

To book Stacy for your next event, go to www.stacyspeaks.com and press the BOOK STACY button or contact her booking agent, Missy Day, directly at 702-493-2611.

For more heartfelt and inspiring stories like mine, check out What's Your Story LV on YouTube.

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