I find it very interesting how life ebbs and flows and all the while we fall behind trying to catch up. With every change comes growth.  Life pushes us and pulls us as we make our way to finding who we are.  Just as we get comfortable with ourselves - we are thrown again into the sea of change and sometimes clamor for a life vest - gasping for air.

Change is neither good nor bad.  It just is.  But, I believe we control how we see it, embrace it, and use it to turn things into a positive.  Some changes are painful, some are welcome.  Some changes are easy, some are hard.

I have seen many changes in my life.  The divorce of my parents, the death of a parent, the birth of my children, and a divorce, among others.  Each one changed me in a profound way.

Recently, I have been reflecting on the current changes in my life.  While they are all positive, they are not with heart-tugging tears of joy and sadness.

I raised two boys - my youngest was 17 years old when I remarried.  My new husband came with three teenagers. While we never really had a blended household, we do have a blended family and that has come with challenges of its own.

In the last few months, my children have embarked on new exciting journeys of their very own.  My oldest is now married and has a beautiful family.  He recently graduated from college, is working on his Masters and has landed his first "career" job as a business analyst.

My youngest also recently graduated from college and has been hired as a software developer.  He is becoming financially independent for the first time and growing up.

My boys were my world.  I was a stay at home Mom for many years.  The adjustment from hands on Class Mom, Team Mom, Neighborhood Mom to empty nester has not been pretty.  The migration happened 8 years ago for me and it still rattles me from time to time.  Perspective - it is all about perspective.

You close the door on a chapter of your life and move on to new chapter.  One that hasn't been written and you hold the pen.  You are now the boss of you and only you.  It is liberating and terrifying all at once.  Breathe.

Just as you start to come into your own as an empty nester - yes it can take that long.  One of your kids will inevitably screw everything up...LOL...by bringing grand babies into your world.  Change is once again is upon you.

I am now a Gigi to this little bird.  She is the sun, moon, and stars all wrapped together.  My life's role has changed - once again.  Amazing.



I am currently visiting them at their home in Hawaii for Andrew's 29th birthday.  They live very far away from me - but it could be much worse.  My oldest is on the cusp of 30 - Oh how can that be - I am not that old!!  I AM NOT! Change.

As I watch Daniel the Tiger, work on counter offers, blog, and eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with my little bird - I know that one thing is true for sure. With each change and each new season comes an opportunity. An opportunity to embrace adventure and to grab a hold of every wondrous thing that life holds for us.  Happy Birthday, Andrew!

Love the change.

eat. love. live well.