As I sit here, sipping my morning coffee and gazing out the window at my two teenage sons, I can’t help but daydream about the days when they’ll be off to college and my husband and I will be empty nesters. I love my kids more than anything in this world. They’re the light of my life, the reason I get up in the morning, and the source of my constant worry and stress. But there’s a part of me that can’t wait to see what life is like when they’re out of the house and I’m free to do whatever I want to do without worrying about their needs. I know it’s still a few years away, but the thought of it fills me with excitement and anticipation. I’m ready to let loose.
I’ve always been a wild one. As a child, I was constantly pushing boundaries. As I got older, my wild spirit never faded. I was always looking for the next adventure, the next thrill. But as much as I loved to have fun and live life to the fullest, I also knew the importance of hard work, helping others, faith, and dedication.
I started working at a young age, determined to earn my own money and be independent. I worked two to three part-time jobs throughout high school and college, while still maintaining a full class schedule. After graduation I traveled, married, landed an amazing job and continue to be of service to others. I work long hours and pour my heart and soul into my work, but I’ve never lost my sense of adventure and my love for having fun. I live for the moments, the experiences that push me out of my comfort zone and remind me that life is meant to be lived.
As a woman who has lived a full life and experienced many things, I can attest to the fact that there is no age limit on having fun and living life to the fullest. I believe that it’s never too late to be young at heart, especially when it comes to being a middle-aged parent. I firmly believe there is a balance to be found between being a responsible parent and embracing your inner wild one. For me, being young at heart means embracing new experiences and being open to new ideas.
It means never losing my sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.
I’ve never lost my faith and my belief in God’s plan for me. Even when things get tough, when I’m faced with challenges and setbacks, I know God is watching over me and guiding me on my path. So I continue to dream and to work hard, knowing that anything is possible with God by my side.
My dreams are evolving from those for my kids to those of what is to come for me. I dream of becoming an empty nester and starting a podcast, writing a book, making a difference in the world, and continuing to share my life with my true love.
I know it won’t be easy to let go of my kids and watch them leave the nest. I’ll miss them terribly, and I’ll worry about them constantly. But there’s also a sense of freedom that comes with knowing they’re off on their own, making their own way in the world. It will be a chance for my husband and me to rediscover who we are and what we want out of life. We can reinvent ourselves, try new things, and take risks we never thought possible.
Through it all, I know that God is with me every step of the way, watching over me and guiding me on my journey. I’m grateful for the challenges I’ve faced and the lessons I’ve learned, and I know that my wild spirit will continue to lead me down new and exciting paths in the years to come.
As I look out at my sons, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. On the one hand, I’m proud of them and grateful for everything they’ve brought into my life. On the other, I’m excited for the day when they’ll be off on their own and my husband and I will finally be free to let our hair down and be as wild as we want to be. It will be a time for new beginnings, for reinventing ourselves, and for embracing the wild side of life.
So to all the other wild ones out there, I say this: keep dreaming, keep working hard, and never lose faith in the journey. Know that God is always by your side, watching over you and guiding you on your path. Embrace your wild spirit and never be afraid to take risks and pursue your dreams. Life is meant to be lived, and with God’s love and guidance, anything is possible.
Tina Huey is a mom of two fantastic kids and wife of her hero, who also happens to be an incredible dad and husband. She is an avid reader, and a life long learner. She enjoys exercising. She loves to laugh—to find the ridiculous in adversity. She is passionate about life and living it to the fullest, being the best version of herself, and helping others in a positive way so we can all make this world a better place.
