Stage Seven, when you're, believe it or not, satisfied. Maybe not giddy or full of sheer delight, but content. Satisfied with what you’ve done, who you’ve become. You feel authentic and comfortable with yourself and your life. You have glimpses of your place in the world now and might know what you want to do, now that you're on your own and okay about it. 

The Spawn is a senior in college now with his own life and his own plans. You used to be on hold, waiting to be there should they need you. You used to clean and cook for their sporadic visits home. Now you’re okay if they just come home for a day and to a dirty house.

You survived them turning 21 with a maturity and ease you never thought possible. You'll still worry, but as a parent of an adult child.

You go out with old and new friends again, you may have even joined a group or two, you remember what your hopes and dreams were before you became a mom and you enjoy trying on new things and getting to know yourself. Look at what you accomplished, after all. You created and molded a child (or children) into a functional adult all on your own and lived to tell about it. You are awesome! You can look out over the years with pride, confidence and satisfaction. Sort of like God resting on the 7th day. Well, not exactly.  

Symptom  List
Peace, gratitude, inner joy, confidence
Looking forward to the future (and keeping your money to yourself!)

Early Warning Signs
People like you and you like them back
Shrugging at an unclean house

Therapy
You are cured. Sort of. You will have moments of missing them, the past, and the life you had together. But more often than not, you will smile when you think back, rather than melt into puddle of goo.

You are probably socializing again, whatever that means for you. When you do have time alone, you use it creatively or perfectly for you. You DESERVE this!! Rest, rejuvenate, dream, be grateful. You did it. You are a special and rare breed and the world will reward you for giving us a wonderful, productive Spawn.

And when you're ready to take over the world, check out The Art of Non-Conformity, the perfect message for any woman graduating from PSM.

And TELL US ABOUT WHAT I HOPE IS YOUR NEW LIFE!

Most of my favorites this year are around finances and traveling. Why? Because you can!

And, of course, Tom Jones and babies and puppies videos on You Tube will always work wonders.