Embrace Transitions and Transform Your Life!
Embracing spring and all of the newness that it brings.
Embrace Transitions and Transform Your Life!
Shannon’s May update
Both of my kiddos graduated this past week, and I’ve been reflecting a lot on transitions. Leaving what is safe and familiar to move onto what is new and uncharted territory can be daunting. While Tucker is only moving down the hall into 1st Grade, Zoe is moving on up into middle school. We’ve been discussing what has been important for her in Elementary school, what has made a profound impact on her, and what she’s most proud of. I’m in awe of how excited she is to move forward. She is thrilled about making new friends, taking new classes, and trying new things. She is nervous about a bigger school and losing some old friends. Like many of us facing big transitions, she worries about her ability to succeed in this next phase. But deep down, she knows she is onto bigger and better things, and her eyes light up when she talks about the chance to make her mark in her new school.
Some of us prefer the safety and security of our daily routines, while some of us thrive on daily adventures and taking risks, embracing the possibility of greater things just around the corner. For those who crave risk and the unknown, the transition itself can be more thrilling than the destination. Can we dig deep and do the necessary work? Can we imagine the possibility if it all works out as we dreamed? Can a massive failure turn into the most unexpected gift? Can we stretch, grow, and change to reach the next level?
As I watched my kiddos transition to their next year of school, I’d like to think I have provided them with both safety and comfort, enabling them to feel secure while taking big risks and dreaming big dreams!
Transitions are hard, especially when they are not our choice. But during this time, it is truly an opportunity for self-reflection and charting a new path forward, a time to imagine what could be. Is there a choice you can make to move your life in a different direction, perhaps one where you can smile a bit more, take more walks, and breathe deeply? Or maybe, just maybe, embrace a little more adventure in your life.
Here are 3 things I do when going through hard and unexpected transitions:
Really feel the feelings and emotions that come up. Most of them feel very strong and scary, but there are some good ones deep down. Can you sit still long enough to think and reflect on what this moment might want to teach you?
Write down all the possibilities for moving forward. What do you want your end destination to look like, and what steps are needed to get there? Some may be unknown, but what could your path look like?
When it gets really hard, try to remember a few key things that used to make you happiest and truly bring you joy. Make it a point to incorporate one of those things (or bits and pieces) into your daily routine. It can be something really small at first, and when you make it a habit, you’ll be overjoyed at how much better you feel as it becomes a bigger part of your life.
This past week has been extremely hard on me, but I’m committed to reframing my situation to see the great in this transitional time. I am not losing my children to their next phase of life and school; rather, I am helping them grow and nurture their own wings to fly. We all love creating new memories and adventures—cheers to our next adventure!
With summer heating up, so is my speaking schedule. Please let me know if you need some fun and adventure at your next SKO or retreat. I love sharing my story and my unique take on success and what it takes to get there. CLICK HERE to start the conversation and book me today!
In the meantime, get outside, find your own adventure, and if you too are going through a big transition, know you are not alone—you’ve got this!