Gwyneth Paltrow is facing the impending empty nest phase as her children head off to college, causing her to feel anxious and uncertain about the future. The actress, who shares two kids with ex-husband Chris Martin and is a stepmother to two more, has always prioritized her children over her successful acting and entrepreneurial career. Paltrow admits that her identity has been largely defined by motherhood, but she is slowly adjusting to the idea of her children growing up.
As her kids become more independent and start leaving the nest, Paltrow is leaning on professional advice to help cope with the transition. Psychologist-astrologist Jennifer Freed suggested to her to think of it as being free birds instead of having an empty nest, which resonated with Paltrow. This perspective shift allows her to see this phase as an opportunity for personal growth and exploration, rather than a sense of loss. Paltrow is finding solace in the idea of being able to say yes to new experiences without feeling guilty.
Paltrow has already experienced the heartbreak of seeing her daughter Apple leave for college and is now preparing for her son Moses to start classes at Brown University. The actress opened up about the challenges of adjusting to her children leaving home, admitting that it has been a difficult transition. Despite the emotional struggles, Paltrow is trying to find the silver lining in the newfound freedom that comes with her children growing up.
Throughout her career, Paltrow has made sacrifices in order to prioritize her children, turning down multiple acting roles to focus on her family. She revealed that she has declined many opportunities that could have further advanced her acting career, but she does not see them as sacrifices. Instead, Paltrow views her decisions through a cultural lens and acknowledges that others may be surprised by the roles she has passed on in favor of spending time with her children.
As she navigates this new phase of life as an empty nester, Paltrow is relying on the support of her close group of mom friends who have also experienced their children leaving home. These friendships provide her with a sense of camaraderie and understanding as they navigate this stage of life together. Despite the challenges that come with her children growing up, Paltrow is embracing the opportunity to explore new possibilities and take on new experiences that were not possible when her children were younger.
