Dreaming again…

**This post has Amazon Affiliate links. If you purchase from these links, there is no extra charge for you, but it’s a blessing to us! **

As I said before, we became empty nesters a few years ago now. Because of our recent decision to sell everything to live and travel in an RV for a few years, it feels like we are in a new empty nest transition phase. Starting any new phase of life comes with a lot of emotions, a lot of processing the past and dreaming or worrying about the future. We’ve already done so much processing of the past, so for us we are dreaming!

That being said, quite honestly, Albert and I are struggling a bit. It’s already been a difficult few years with his job and several moves. We started thinking about this crazy idea over a year ago and since we have made the decision, we are ready to go! But, we can’t… not until our house sells! We plan to purchase an RV with half of our home equity in order to be debt free and therefore travel more and work less. So, we are STILL WAITING! Waiting is hard, but it does often force us to reflect. It brings to light our true loves, our motives, our reason… This can be so hard, but so good. Check out this book on waiting! I haven’t read it yet, but have read other books by this author and have heard this is so good!

We are dreaming… of all the places we want to see, new hobbies we want to try, spending more time with and caring for our aging parents…. We are planning and learning. Living full time in an RV is not for the faint of heart. There are so many things to learn and prepare for! We are purging and decluttering, as I have mentioned in previous posts. We are also rediscovering each other. Dreaming together has a way of bonding us in new ways. We never had time to ourselves on the front end as many couples do, so we are having a honeymoon of sorts dreaming about our future!!

So, what about you? Here are a few steps that I hope will help you move forward in this transition time!

Step 1: Give Yourself Permission to Dream

For years you’ve probably been dreaming for everyone else.

Now it’s your turn.

Ask yourself:

What have I always wanted to learn?
Where have I always wanted to travel?
What kind of home do I want to create?
What hobbies have I put on hold?
What do I want the next ten years to look like?

Don’t worry about whether the dreams are practical yet.

Just write them down.

Step 2: Create a “Someday” List

Dreams don’t have to become next month’s goals.

Instead, create a list of everything you’d love to experience.

Include small things like:

Visit a nearby town you’ve never explored.
Learn watercolor painting.
Read 24 books this year.
Take a cooking class.
Camp in a national park.
Plant a flower garden.

And bigger dreams like:

Buy an RV.
Travel across the country.
Start a business.
Write a book.
Volunteer overseas.

Seeing your dreams on paper makes them feel possible.

Journals and planners can be so helpful to process these ideas! Often buying a new journal for a new season is fun and motivating. Planners can help us take practical steps and not just get stuck in the ‘dreaming, but never doing’ stage. Check out this journal and the planner below!

Step 3: Try One New Thing Every Month

You don’t have to reinvent your life overnight.

Instead, choose one new experience every month.

Maybe you:

Take a pottery class.
Join a hiking group.
Visit a museum.
Learn pickleball. Check out these paddles!
Try camping for the first time.
Bake sourdough bread.

Every new experience teaches you something about yourself.

Some you’ll love.

Some you’ll never do again.

Both are valuable.

Step 4: Reconnect With Your Spouse

If you’re married, this season isn’t just about rediscovering yourself.

It’s about rediscovering each other.

For years, conversations may have centered around the kids.

Now you can ask questions like:

Where do we want to travel?
What kind of home fits our future?
What traditions do we want to create?
What adventures have we postponed?

Start with one date each month that’s focused on dreaming—not errands.

Check out these Conversation Cards for couples who have been married awhile!

Step 5: Declutter More Than Your Closets

Many empty nesters begin by cleaning out bedrooms.

But don’t stop there.

Declutter your calendar.

Your commitments.

Your expectations.

Your guilt about slowing down.

Sometimes making room in your life is what allows new dreams to grow.

See our previous post here with ideas for decluttering the house!

Step 6: Invest in Your Health

The adventures you’re dreaming about require energy.

Whether you want to travel, hike, play with future grandchildren, or explore the country in an RV, your health is one of the greatest investments you can make.

Small habits matter.

Take walks.

Drink more water.

Strength train a few times each week. (This is especially helpful for women as we begin losing muscle mass in our 30’s. This effects our metabolism and our overall body health as we age.)

Get enough sleep.

Your future self will thank you.

Several items that will help get you started or re-started are… a new fitness tracker, new shoes, a new water bottle (Just for fun! We all have plenty of water bottles!) and check out this EBike below!

I’ve had several Garmin watches and loved them! They are great to keep you motivated and helping monitor steps, workouts, sleep, periods and more! Check out this one on Amazon!

Hokas have been my go tos for years! I have running shoes and hiking boots!

I also have these Merrell hikers currently and love them!!

Step 7: Start Planning Instead of Waiting

Dreams rarely happen by accident.

Choose one dream.

Break it into five small steps.

Maybe your dream is learning to make sourdough bread.

Your first steps might be:

Doing a Pinterest search.
Watching Youtube videos online.
Purchasing a food scale or wecking jars. (These are the ones I use!)
Talk with someone already doing it.
Bake your first loaf!

Small steps create momentum.

Momentum creates confidence.

Confidence turns dreams into memories.

A Few Things on My Own Dream List

As an empty nester, I’m learning that this season isn’t about replacing the years behind me.

It’s about embracing the years ahead.

I’m dreaming about:

Living with less and experiencing more.
Creating a home that supports adventure.
Traveling in an RV.
Building a meaningful online business.
Spending intentional time with family.
Making memories instead of collecting more stuff…
BUT… I AM DREAMING OF THESE KINGBULL RANGER EBIKES TO BRING ALONG ON OUR RV ADVENTURES! They have a vintage look and fat tires for off roading adventures!! Check out their summer sale here!
(Disclaimer: These are affiliate links!)

Maybe your list looks completely different.

That’s okay.

The goal isn’t to have the “right” dreams.

The goal is to start dreaming again.

P.S. I put together a processing journal on the Empty Nest awhile back! Here is the link if you are interested!

Your Turn

We would love to hear from you!

If money and fear weren’t holding you back, what’s one thing you’d love to do in this next season of life?

Leave a comment below—I may even feature some of your ideas in a future “Nothing Reserved” community bucket list.