Change is-a-Coming

As the leaves in Southeast Wisconsin finally change into their colorful hues, signifying a shift in the air, the approaching chill of winter and the darkness that creeps in with it, I am reminded of the parallel message and lesson that changing seasons are necessary and healthy for us. I'll place an asterisk there, noting that changing seasons are necessary for those who want to grow. And honestly even for those who don't want to grow, changing seasons will happen nonetheless. I've been in a place of intensified, uncomfortable, quickened, and major growth over the past five years, and more particularly within the last two years. It has been a journey in development and transition that although at times has hurt, has stretched me, felt uncomfortable, or has done all of the above, has been an imperative for my life to advance and progress. Can anyone relate? Between moving jobs 3 times, moving homes 4 times, gaining, deepening, and losing friendships, grieving the end of life chapters, experiencing life-changing family situations, making a major career industry shift, going from major heartbreak to aching for companionship, to thriving in singleness, to meeting, dating, and marrying my life partner--phew, deep breath, I have been experiencing so.much.change. Each change and new season of life has required something new, different, or expanded to weather the shift, withstand the turbulence, and grasp and embrace the lessons. I'll share 3 lessons I've come to hold onto and 3 questions I've considered in each of these seasons and beyond.

Lessons:

1. No matter how much you want to hold onto the past, the truest, best version of yourself cannot and will not be able to grow effectively and efficiently if you don't truly and completely let go.

2. Sometimes the challenges we face in life will continue to show up in different forms and at different times if we don't fully learn what we need to move forward.

3. It is ok and sometimes even better for your relationships to change as your life changes.

Questions:

1. Does your life trajectory and how you spend your time reflect the essence of your values and beliefs?

2. Are your goals and intentions in this season matching the desired direction of your life both in the short term and long term? How are you measuring this?

3. What is the legacy you'd like to leave? How are you taking steps to build this legacy in your daily life?