Life After Motherhood: From Empty Nest to New Beginnings

carriesvibess5
Aug 18
4 min read

Updated: Aug 20

Nobody warned me that life after motherhood would feel like standing in the world’s quietest hallway — equal parts freeing and terrifying.

For years, my mornings were chaos: sibling arguments, cereal bowls, backpacks by the door, and me trying to keep it all together. Now? It’s just me, my coffee maker, and way too much quiet.

When I shared this shift on TikTok, I had no idea it would hit so many women right in the gut. The comments poured in: “I feel invisible.” “I don’t even know who I am anymore.” “I’m lost.”

And honestly? I’ve felt all of that too.

But here’s what I’ve learned: life after motherhood isn’t just an ending. It’s an opening. A chance to rediscover the version of you that’s been buried under years of being everything for everyone else.

Why Midlife and Life After Motherhood Aren't the End — It's The Bonus Round

Growing older is a gift. Not everyone gets to see their kids step into adulthood, buy homes, or start families of their own.

We had their “firsts” when they were little. Now we get to experience those “firsts” again — just from a different seat in the stands.

Yes, it’s normal to grieve the noise, the chaos, and the constant need for you. But don’t miss what’s waiting on the other side.

That Awkward Hallway Between Mom Life and “What’s Next”

This stage feels weird. It’s like standing between two rooms. You can’t go back, but you’re not fully into what’s next either.

Some days, the quiet feels like peace. Other days, it’s a reminder of what’s gone.

I remember standing in my kitchen with coffee in hand, realizing there were no backpacks by the door, no “Mom, I’m late!” echoing down the hall. Just silence. That’s when it hit me: I’d been pouring into everyone else for so long, I had no idea how to pour into myself.

And rediscovering me has been a slow, messy, but beautiful process.

8 Ways to Rediscover Yourself In Life After Motherhood

Get honest about what you want.

One day I realized I couldn’t even answer: “What do I want to do today?” So I started practicing wanting again — a trip I’ve put off, a skill I’ve always said “someday,” or simply an afternoon spent how I choose.
Relearn how to be alone (without feeling lonely).

At first, sitting on my porch without my phone lasted all of four minutes before I was scrolling Zillow for houses I can’t afford. Now? That quiet time is my favorite part of the day. Sometimes I pray. Sometimes I do nothing. And it’s enough.
Say yes to things that scare you.

Walking into a women’s event alone felt like high school cafeteria vibes all over again. But I went. And that’s where I met two women who became my best friends. Sometimes your next chapter is just past “I’m not sure I can.”
Fill your calendar your way.

My life used to be full of basketball tournaments and travel teams. Now, weekends are wide open. Some are lazy Saturdays at home. Others are spontaneous road trips. The point is: I get to choose.
Try something you’ve always put off.

For me, it’s writing. For you, maybe it’s yoga, hiking, starting a part-time job just for fun, or even launching that little business you’ve been Googling forever. Maybe it’s posting your first video and seeing where it goes.
Surround yourself with expanders.

My circle got smaller, but better. If someone drains me, they’re not my people. If they make me laugh until I snort or remind me to dream bigger, they’re in.
Matter outside of motherhood.

Motherhood will always be my proudest role, but it’s not my only one. Now I’m finding meaning in blogging, volunteering, traveling, and building something of my own.
Dream again.

My “someday list” collected dust for 20 years. Now, I’m crossing things off and adding more. Your dreams don’t expire when your kids grow up — if anything, you finally have time for them.

Getting Started (My Go-To Amazon Picks)

If you’re ready to dip your toe into rediscovering you, I put together a small section in my Amazon storefront HERE with a couple of books and a journal that helped me so much in this season.

One book completely shifted how I see midlife.
Another reminded me that change can actually be beautiful.
And the journal? It’s been perfect for tracking my thoughts, dreams, and ideas so I could finally see myself more clearly.

Small actions matter. You don’t need to reinvent your life overnight. Just start.

Your Reminder

You’ve spent years building a life for your kids. Now it’s time to build a life for you.

You are not done.

You are not too old.

You are not past your prime.

This isn’t about going back to who you were before kids or staying stuck in who you were as “Mom.” It’s about discovering who you are now. And she is worth rediscovering.

This Week’s Challenge

Do one thing just for you. No kids. No guilt. No multitasking. Even if it’s just coffee and your favorite playlist. Start small, but start.

👉 Are you in this “in-between” stage too? Drop a comment with one thing you’ve done just for yourself lately. Your story might be the exact reminder another woman needs.

And if you want more midlife conversations, sarcasm, and real talk, you can always find me here: