Processing a transition

Create A New Normal

=Consciously Create Your One Great Life=

weekly messages about creating your new normal

~

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

September 4, 2009

Dear Creators,

You may have noticed a theme around transition lately in the messages. My son has left for college. We are now "empty nesters" and I have been living, breathing, thinking, and processing transition for the last few weeks....ok....months as I recognize it has been a process of anticipation, preparation; the actual moving day; coming back to a house that feels much different.

There is of course a lot to notice, a lot to learn from all of this. Here are some observations that I think are common at a time of transition:

- There is a time of focus on the past. There's a replay - highlights of the past - what is being left...recognition of saying good-bye to this time, this phase of life. It's is nice to have it be an appreciation of what has been. I noticed some sadness too.

- There is a also a lot of uncertainty for what is to come next. It can be hard to not have a clear vision, a plan, yet it seems right to be with uncertainty, not to rush to fill in with activities, distractions just because of the discomfort. This is time to be with some empty space.

So, I noticed that a lot of energy was going toward thinking about the past (what was - what's gone) and the future (not sure, unclear). Hmmmm....And I set myself a task: How about coming up with 25 things that are great about being right here, right now, as is?

That is where I am at the moment. My list of 25 is actually a list of 30. It's challenging to focus on what there is to like/appreciate about the now and it is a worthwhile exercise to take on.

Try it! Notice what pops up for you. Let go of "yeah, but...." and pull yourself back to right here, right now.....what is good, what is nice, what is there to appreciate?

Exercise that muscle,

Judy