Time of Transition

The end of August and early September is a time of transition, and I can feel that change in energy and see it in those around me. I had to do a training the other day for my team, and my immediate thought was, “where are they mentally and in life”. It was about transition which can bring on overwhelm, anxiety, business, or procrastination as a result.

We have trained and trained and trained on “how to” do the business.

I equally value emotional intelligence and what life is bringing them. That is the true essence of ebbs and flow in business & life. When it comes to productivity, it is crucial to implement a plan while addressing where you are at, honoring your time, your family, and as I always say, being able to put family first. So I trained on the obvious need for “transition” and how to create momentum in business while putting family first. Being a Mom in business takes a lot of grace, and I will shout from the rooftops that Moms are in fact, the Super Heroes (and yes Dads, many of you are too)!

I decided to write a post on it because many of you are feeling the same.

It does not just mean for Moms. It is for all of us. And wouldn’t you know in yoga yesterday, my teacher read a message about “transition”. I immediately thought of my training and how my gut instinct once again was aligned with where people are at. And to me, it was a God wink on where we are at.

I had to also realize that this is where I am at.

My boys are going off to college. My daughter flying the nest with her big girl job and apartment in the city. My husband and I once again are looking at each other with excitement and uncertainty about how we do this. It is all still so new. We love our routine, really found our groove last year, and we are establishing that again this year.

I am going to share some things here that I trained on, but also some things I am doing to transition into the next season.

This season requires so many things: vision, grounding, organization, energy, reflection, planning, love, and gratitude. I am going to say it again and again and again, a positive attitude! It’s okay to feel “all the feels”. It is just not okay to stay there for days and weeks. Life is too precious and you are way too important to get pulled into the weeds of life.

These are guidelines for transition. They are not about kicking your Fall off and being on fire. That comes, but before that comes, we must take time to be present, time to inhale, time to exhale, and practice grace & gratitude.

1. Take time to Plan.

Coffee or tea, your calendar and if you are like me, your list, what needs to happen between now and end of the month. What are the absolutes for next month? What can you take off your list, delegate, not do, and let go of?

2. Take time for YOU!

Your energy and how you feel are important. Refuse to burn it at both ends (that was my strategy in my 20’s & 30’s). While you might crush goals, you will also crush your soul. Perhaps this time will require more from you, but embrace progress over perfection, and try your best each day to practice self-care.

3. Take time to assess.

At the end of summer, what did you do that you are so grateful for? What did you not do? Are you feeling like you had enough time with the kids and you are ready for the magical yellow bus to pull up? Are you wishing for just one more thing? How about work/business? Did you achieve your goals and/or you are feeling good about your performance? If not, what can you do to move the needle, and work smarter not harder? Summer 2022: is there something simple you can do to celebrate this season as you welcome on the next? No phone: unless you are a brain surgeon, it can wait.

4. Take time to declutter.

Oh, the season transition is also a time to release what weighs you down. I am not just talking about the rooms in your house, I am talking about your house, your home, and your body/mind/spirit. This is an ongoing process. For me personally, my bedroom needs major attention. But also my body/mind/soul needs that refresh and reset. I love a new season, and this time of transition offers hope. But also an underlying feeling of anxiety, which is why all of these things are so important.

5. Take time to walk it out.

You know how important I think it is to walk outside, every single day (even if it is 5 to 10 minutes). Fresh air, pretty scenery, and sun on your face (light) will help with not only your thoughts, but it can shift your energy. It is a simple power play in resetting instantly. When in doubt, walk it out.

6. Take time to talk it out.

We need to process our feelings. This can be done in a number of ways. I suggest all. A walk or talk with a girlfriend is good for the soul. This helps us release what is on our minds. It helps us get input or validation and at times clarity and direction. It simply allows us to release our thoughts around current events in our lives or in the world.

These conversations are real. Also, I encourage you to make sure you are talking with the right people. It is okay to complain, but don’t surround yourself with negative people or complainers. Walk with those that are like-minded, heart-centered, and support each other. We all need a friend.

I also highly recommend therapy. It is so important to have a person to talk to who is focused on you, objective, and skilled at listening and giving you insight. A life coach is another valuable role, I recommend both.

7. Take time for mindfulness.

This is everything. In these times of transition, we want to escape. We want to numb, run, check out, and get through it and on to the other side. Often we feel like we are on the hamster wheel, and we don’t see how to get off.

Begin where you are. Be present. Be mindful. It is a practice. The more you do it, the better you get. In no way am I saying don’t escape. We all like to escape at times, but choose a positive escape and try and avoid the traps of overeating, over drinking, over scrolling, and over binging. I have done all of these things, and have also learned how to avoid this trap. When I am more mindful and present, I am happier.

8. Take time to breathe.

Inhale the good juju (hope, inspiration, possibility, new season), and exhale the negative (fear, doubt, exhaustion, paralysis, negative thoughts). Exhale even more. Give yourself space. Open up space for all the good. The good vibes, the bright side, the positive people, the light. Create a lens of gratitude. This shifts EVERYTHING. Gratitude is your superpower, and using it daily will change your life. Breathe in gratitude, exhale the attitude.

One Day at a Time. It is the best advice to get through challenging, busy or transitional times. Clear Eyes, Full Heart, Can’t Lose.

Let’s Do This!!!!!