Navigating the Empty Nest: How to Downsize and Reimagine Your Future (S6 E247)

Navigating the Empty Nest: How to Downsize and Reimagine Your Future (Season 6 | Episode 247) with Ya How to Downsize and Reimagine Your Future [TESSA] Welcome back to the Open Nesters Podcast blog! In our latest episode of Season 6, we continue our mission of trading empty for open, opening the door to new adventures, vibrant health, and reimagined relationships. Amir and I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming back one of our favorite guests, our dear friend Ya. Since she and her partner Carl moved away from New England down to North Carolina, I’ve been in absolute awe of how they’ve grown and evolved. They are the perfect example of what it means to truly lean into this stage of life—making dramatic shifts, coming together, and fearlessly stepping out into the unknown. A Whirlwind Move and the Empty Nest During our conversation, Ya opened up about their whirlwind relocation from Connecticut to Charlotte. In just eight weeks, they sold their house and moved away from the area they had called home for 16 years. What makes this transition so incredibly significant is that it was their very first move without their children. With their oldest two already living independently, their youngest daughter used this relocation as an opportunity to find her own place in New York. Ya shared how deeply proud she is of her kids’ independence, proving that as parents, we really do build a foundation that allows them to navigate the world on their own while we boldly figure out our next act. Of course, moving away from a four-bedroom house on two acres meant a massive downsizing effort. Ya described the intense but liberating journey of minimalism, dividing their lifelong belongings among four different households as her children also settled into new apartments. It was a beautiful, tangible lesson in impermanence. By letting go of physical items—whether they were handed down to her kids, sold, or donated—Ya planted seeds of understanding for her family that life is always shifting. It’s a powerful reminder that our homes are ultimately made of the relationships we nurture, not the objects we collect along the way. Redefining Community with Intentionality One of the most fascinating parts of our interview was Ya’s perspective on how we build communities throughout the different seasons of our lives. When we’re younger, our circles are largely based on proximity, like schoolmates or entry-level coworkers. Later, they tend to revolve around our children’s playdates and sports teams. But when the kids finally fly the nest, we are often left wondering who our true circle really is. Ya and Carl realized that at this stage, friendship requires absolute intentionality; they had to consciously figure out who they wanted to surround themselves with and what spaces actually aligned with their authentic selves. nd they certainly found their tribe in Charlotte! Moving to a walkable, diverse city environment allowed them to organically connect with people who share their unique interests. As polyamorous and active members of the king/swinger lifestyle, Ya and Carl intentionally sought out a larger Black and Brown community, using platforms to discover local meetups and “munches.” From roller skating and arcade nights to starting a dedicated Facebook group for like-minded couples, they are shaking things up and proving that you don’t have to quietly settle into a 55-and-over community unless you truly want to. Empowering Others Through Coaching and Canella LS Events Beyond her personal adventures, Ya is pouring her vitality into incredible professional projects. She is currently coaching within Black and Brown communities to help decolonize the mindset around non-monogamy, guiding folks to move ethically without the burden of societal shame or judgment. I was especially thrilled to hear about her new venture, Canella LS Events. By hosting events like an R&B-infused “Leather and Lace” night and educational impact play demos in traditionally “vanilla” spaces, Ya is normalizing alternative lifestyles and giving people a safe, welcoming environment to explore exactly who they are. Embracing Your Next Act As my partner Amir perfectly noted at the end of our chat, Ya is so remarkably comfortable in her own skin, and there is absolutely nothing phony about her. Her courage to start a new business, build an entirely new community from scratch, and authentically reimagine her future is deeply inspiring to me. If you are contemplating a major change in your own life, I hope Ya’s story encourages you to let the excitement of a new adventure completely overshadow the anxiety. Be open to the possibilities, say yes to the things that light you up, and remember to live every day in gratitude for the beautiful transitions ahead! About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author, and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure Freedom of Expression Exploration and Fun Body Movement New circles of friends Deep love relationships