Shelly's Shares: When They Leave the Nest: How to Navigate the Emotional Rollercoaster of College Farewells

Words of Wellness with Shelly

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Watching your child walk away into a college building marks one of parenting's most bittersweet milestones – a moment when pride and heartache occupy the same space. In this vulnerable episode, Shelly opens up about taking her middle son Cody to college in San Diego, continuing her series on college transitions and the empty nester journey.
Though geographically closer than her daughter's school in Oregon, the emotional landscape remained challenging. That profound feeling of returning to a home where your child's bedroom sits empty never quite gets easier. What struck her most powerfully, though, was witnessing her youngest son, just ten years old, process this change in his own way. Standing before family Christmas card photos, his quiet observation – "It's going to be weird now" – captured what many families experience but rarely discuss openly.
Through this journey, she's discovered the healing power of intentional pauses. Taking a day at home with her youngest to simply acknowledge their feelings rather than rushing back to routine became their pathway to acceptance. This practice of honoring emotional needs – giving themselves permission to feel, rest, and adjust at their own pace – has become Shelly's cornerstone for navigating life's transitions. While the immediate sharp pain of separation eventually transforms, it evolves into something equally powerful: witnessing your child thrive independently while you discover new dimensions of your own identity.
Whether you're approaching your first college drop-off or your last, remember that acknowledging your feelings isn't weakness – it's wisdom. We'd love to hear about your own experiences with this transition. Connect with Shelly on Instagram @wellnesswithshellyj or through the contact information in the show notes to share your story or explore how one-on-one mentorship might support your journey toward embracing this new chapter.

CONNECT WITH SHELLY:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyJefferis

LINK to upcoming MOMS WHO FLOURISH Wellness Event October 4th: https://buy.stripe.com/00weVc40n64nbsNblH0gw0p
A few of Shelly's favorite clean products:

High quality, clean nutrition and beauty products: https://shellyjefferis.isagenix

Clean-crafted wine, free from chemicals & pesticides:
https://scoutandcellar.com/?u=healthyhappyhours

Cayla Gray- Non-toxic cologne & perfume: https://caylagray.com/wellnesswithshellyj (10% discount)

JuJu Non-toxic candles & air fresheners:
https://goodjujucandles.com/?ref=mrtgnygh
Coupon code for 10% off: ShellyJefferis

Thank you for listening to the Words of Wellness podcast with Shelly Jefferis. I am honored and so grateful to have you here and it would mean the world to me if you could take a minute to follow, leave a 5-star review and share the podcast with anyone you love and anyone you feel could benefit from the message.
Thank you and God Bless! And remember to do something for yourself, for your wellness on this day!
In Health,

Shelly

Chapters

1. Navigating Family Transitions (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Words of Wellness (00:01:01)

3. Taking Middle Son to College (00:02:03)

4. Processing Emotions with Younger Siblings (00:05:04)

5. Finding Joy and Moving Forward (00:12:34)

6. Closing Thoughts and Contact Information (00:14:42)