06/01/2026
Congratulations to the parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers and friends of a recent or upcoming graduate!
Becoming an empty nester…
This one hits different.
Sawyer is heading to South Dakota State University to play D1 football for the Jacks, and I couldn’t be more proud. Watching him chase this opportunity, put in the work, and earn it—it’s everything you hope for as a parent.
But if I’m being honest… it’s also a little heavy.
There’s something about each kid leaving the house that you’re never quite ready for. No matter how much you prepare yourself, a piece of your heart walks out the door with them every single time.
At the same time, I keep reminding myself:
An empty nest doesn’t mean they’re gone. It means they’re growing.
They don’t need you any less…
they just need you differently.
And that’s a shift. One I’m learning to embrace.
I look at all three of our kids, and I feel an unbelievable sense of gratitude. They’re stepping into the world prepared, confident, and ready to take it on. That’s the goal, right? Not to keep them close forever—but to help them become who they’re meant to be.
Now, for the first time in a long time, life shifts a bit for me too.
Less juggling schedules.
Less chaos at home.
More space.
More time to focus on my work leading OwnPath, more time to keep chasing the life I’ve always told my clients to build, and more time to be intentional about what’s next.
Because at the end of the day, I believe this more than ever:
“Get busy livin’ or get busy dying.”
This next chapter just looks a little different—and I’m ready for it.
Proud dad. Full heart.
Let’s go, Jacks. 🟡🔵 #42
Please share your empty nest or off to college stories, words of wisdom or tricks and tips for those of us entering this new chapter.
