My best friend Lorraine and I sat sipping exotic coffee and nibbling on a decadent chocolate concoction. Between mouthfuls of dessert I let my gaze wander around the room, soaking in the artist atmosphere of our local coffee house. It was one of our 3 C’s Saturdays, when Lorraine and I schedule a date for coffee, chocolate and conversation.

Lorraine drove over and picked me up. After getting in the car, I turned to her and exclaimed while snapping shut my shoulder harness, “We can go out and we don’t have to get babysitters!” My friend’s affirmative response echoed mine. Even though our youngest children are approaching the end of their teen years, and babysitters have long been a thing of the past, we both still appreciate the freedom we have as moms of grown children.

Married and divorced twice, with dads that didn’t visit very often and not much family around, I spent most of my adult years raising children on my own. When you’re a single parent you get used to not having anyone to turn to when you need a break or need to run to the store, just as married couples get used to working their schedules around the addition of children to their family. However, with an 11-year gap between my second and third children, I’ve had plenty of years of practice being a mother.

Sometimes as our little ones grow and become young adults and prepare to go off on their own, it’s easy for us to start lamenting how swiftly those years flew by, start feeling grief for our changing role as moms without children who need us as much, or who have left and started their own homes.

When I find myself wading into the waters of wistfulness and the empty nest syndrome, I need to purposely remember all the blessings I have at this stage of my life. I don’t have any late night feedings, children whining, cajoling or throwing temper tantrums. I don’t have to attend any more dreadfully long school programs, or pick up and deliver children to sports practices. I don’t have to make sure that homework is done, teeth are brushed and prayers are said. Those were all beautiful, but time-consuming parts of my life. Now, like other prime time moms, I have time to focus on my business and hobbies more, to develop deeper relationships with my friends, to volunteer and help others, to take a nap on a Sunday afternoon if I so choose.

This stage of our lives can open the door to the most empowering and creative stage of our lives, when we have the time to awaken or nurture other things we’re passionate about doing. Now is the time – to start or accelerate that entrepreneurial endeavor, to journal, blog, mentor a child, go to more plays, take leisurely walks, prayer more, focus on fitness, read more books, take a class, campaign for a candidate, unpack those dreams that may have been tucked away for many years.

And by all means, call and make a date with a friend to celebrate your relationship and your freedom with your own 3 C’s of coffee, chocolate and conversation.

Anne Goodrich is a graphic designer with over 20 years experience. Anne designs for work-at-home moms and small business owners through her web sites www.goodrichdesign.net and www.pearlsandgrace.net.