Empty nest

I have two girls. One is 21 and another 17.

I am Singaporean but we live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My youngest is currently sitting for her GCE A levels and her last paper will be on November 17th. She has clearly stated her intention of continuing her studies in Singapore and eventually both my girls will live and work there.

I have always been an independent person. I used to backpack alone in Asia and Europe in my 20s and never thought about marriage. But motherhood changes everything. I left my broadcasting job when my second child was born and we moved to KL as my husband is based here. Unlike in Singapore, I am not allowed to work in Malaysia if I am on a dependent or guardian visa. So the past 17 years I have been busy caring for my family and being a CEO, CFO, councillor, consultant, chef, driver and many more roles.

Getting my Yoga certification was a game changer as it allowed me to teach and continue to learn and expand my horizon with new friendships and experiences. Thank God for social media, I am connected to friends back home and my interests.

But now with my girls becoming young adults, I am feeling the pang of the empty nest. I think some parents can definitely relate to this especially if you are very close to them. But they have to plan their lives and I can only guide.

So now is the time for me to carve my future and learn to grow. 

Yoga definitely helps. Daily meditation helps me to be present and silent the mind.

I think many mothers can relate to how I feel and maybe also fathers.

If you are reading this, please share what is your coping mechanism in this phase of your life.

*Photo taken when my second daughter was 8 years old.