Nun

[Theodoreb]

Interested in becoming a nun once my dc have left home, I have bipolar and have done many bad things it's a miracle I'm alive and I'd like to thank god by devoting what's left of my life to him, may I ask what are the full rules? and any other information you can pass on.

Many orders will have limited communication with their family.
Would you be happy with that? Many parents have a continuing relationship with their adult children and any possible grandchildren that may come along.
You want to give thanks and serve, could there be other options- working for a charity? Helping homeless people?

Living with mental health challenges is not easy, you maybe feel the choices you took wer not always for the bst, but we often make choices based on the best set of circumstances at that moment.
That doesn't make you a bad person.
Maybe some self compassion may help.

The 'rules' rather depend on which Order you choose.

But whichever it is, expect your vocation to be tested, and it can be a lengthy process to go through all the steps (pre-candidate, postulant (candidate), novitiate, first vows, final vows)

Start with the basics - which denomination are you?

Have you spoken to any nuns about their lives?

@SonEtLumiere it could very well be a manic idea I don't really know when I'm manic but no one has said anything.

I will investigate this further and see if it really is the right choice for me, I guess I crave the simplicity to the lack of valuables and money being important just a simple kind life helping others really appeals to me.

There is a website for RC vocations here www.ukreligiouslife.org/

The first step would be to talk to your priest as they will know who the vocations advisors are in your area. It would be sensible to talk to some who are already on the religious life as there are different orders and different ways of live no out that life. Living in community can be the hardest part of religious life. Explore it if you feel called but it is not an easy path.

Anglican guidance

www.churchofengland.org/life-events/vocations/religious-life

Thanks for both links I do feel a calling and nothing in my life has never been easy. But I feel I have a good amount to offer and I guess right now I would say I feel called.

I'm RC so will start there thank you.

Please be aware that many orders have an upper age limit. You may want to ask about orders that accept vocations past the age of 40. There are also other forms of Catholic community, such as lay communities where you can make long-term or life commitments after a long period of discernment. In fact, that might be the place to begin as they can help you understand your vocation.

Cor et Lumen Christi (Heart and Light of Christ) is a Catholic charismatic and contemplative community that has houses in South and North England. They have single people, married couples and families with children as part of their commited community.
www.coretlumenchristi.org

Look up
The charisms of various orders. Your priest could suggest some that he thinks might suit you. You will be expected to visit and spend time with them as an 'aspirant' before deciding if you would like to take it further. However it works both ways and they won't let you progress if they don't feel you have a vocation. Your mental health may be an issue though.

The limited communication is only for the first year. I have an acquaintance who entered a convent, she couldn't phone. But could write and her family could visit.