Heidi, thanks for writing. I, too, grapple with what’s on the page versus what’s in my heart, and the effects on others (and, as you say, acceptance or rejection by others). But I guess that’s why there are Morning Pages–for the raw stuff to remain private, or perhaps metabolized later into something more fit for public consumption. Also, I like your empty nest plan! For all my anticipatory grief, it was surprisingly easy to get used to!

As for the our empty nest phase, we got out of town. My husband and I sent to Australia and New Zealand for 5 months as he was due his sabbatical (a great perk of the academic life!). It was wonderful to rediscover ourselves while in another environment.