Embracing the Next Chapter: Finding Joy in a Quieter Home For 19 years, our home was filled with the joyful chaos of raising twin daughters. From school activities to teenage drama, from meals squeezed in between their packed schedules to late-night chats, our lives revolved around them. And now? The house is quieter. Our daughters are off at Oregon State University, starting their next chapter, and my husband Mike and I find ourselves in a phase of life that feels both unfamiliar and exciting. I know many people call this "empty nesting," but that phrase has never quite resonated with me. It makes it sound like something is missing when in reality, this is an opportunity to rediscover ourselves and each other. Reconnecting and Rediscovering With fewer schedules to juggle and less noise in the house, Mike and I have found more time to focus on things we enjoy—together. We've started taking dance lessons , learning salsa, and swing, and stepping (sometimes literally) outside our comfort zones. We joined HOTWORX gym, prioritizing our health in ways we never quite had time for before. And, perhaps best of all, we've been going out to dinner more, savoring uninterrupted conversations and rediscovering the ease of just enjoying each other's company. It feels like we’re dating again, but we have 24 years (almost 25!) of shared experiences behind us. There’s something special about laughing over dinner, challenging each other in a workout, or stumbling through a new dance move together. It’s a reminder that this next phase isn’t about loss—it’s about growth. Breathing Easier Of course, we still miss our girls, and there were emotional moments when we first dropped them off at college. But seeing them adjust, make friends, and embrace their new independence has given us peace of mind. When they’re thriving, it makes it easier for us to embrace this new season in our lives. So, instead of calling this "empty nesting," I see it as an opportunity—a time to reflect, recharge, and rekindle. Life isn't slowing down; it’s just shifting, and we’re learning to dance right along with it. -Kressent Kressent Marston RM Home Specialists | Realtor® Windermere West Campus

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