Life as a mother transforms profoundly when children grow into adults. For many women, this transition is bittersweet—a mix of pride in their accomplishments and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Yet, this season of change also holds the promise of renewal, growth, and rediscovery.
I’m the mother of three young adults, all beginning to navigate the world and carve out their independence. Watching them mature and step into their own is deeply rewarding, but no one truly prepared me for the emotional shift that came with this new chapter. I didn’t realize I would mourn the loss of having younger children at home—the bedtime stories, the busy schedules, the family camping trips, and their constant need for my presence.
When my role as their mother began to change, I felt like I’d lost a huge part of myself. I struggled with depression, aimlessness, and even slipping into unhealthy habits. What would I do with myself now? Motherhood had been my primary focus and identity for so long that I didn’t know who I was anymore—and that realization terrified me.
For many of us, motherhood defines much of who we are as women. When our children grow up, it’s easy to feel disoriented. But through therapy, I began to see this transition as less of a loss and more of an opportunity—a chance to grow and mature alongside my children. It became a season to rediscover who I am, reconnect with my husband, fall in love with him all over again, and explore personal interests and the career goals that I had set aside while raising my kids.
One thing that has made a huge difference for me is the community I found at WAC. Returning to an active lifestyle has transformed not just my body but my mind. I’ve made new friends who encourage me and remind me to embrace who I am. The acceptance and support I’ve received from women of all ages and life stages has been truly remarkable. These connections have been a lifeline, helping to ease my social anxiety and improve my mental health. The deep conversations I’ve shared with other women during hikes have made the miles melt away. Every outing with WAC is unique, but it always leaves me with a fresh perspective and a healthier mindset.
I wasn’t prepared for the sadness and mourning that came when my children started leaving the nest. It felt like one day, I was wrapped up in the busyness of motherhood, with kids who needed me constantly. The next, I woke up to find some of them moving out, living their own lives and no longer relying on me in the same way. It was a hard adjustment, but it’s also been a beautiful one.
Change can be intimidating, but embracing the uncertainty can lead to a beautiful transformation. Becoming a mother is a lifelong role, but as your children grow, so too can you. This new chapter is not an ending but a beginning—an opportunity to inspire and be inspired, to live fully and boldly, and to continue shaping a legacy of love and courage. This new chapter isn’t just about watching my children soar—it’s about giving myself permission to fly, too.
