Knowing this was going to be a “big” transition, I intentionally gave myself a week of spacious, unstructured days to reclaim my house post-renters, to settle into the pace of Portugal, to honor the feelings that often come after Will and I go back to long distance—and to explore what I’ve outgrown and what feels most aligned for me now, here in my new country.
I’ve been reflective—journaling about where I’ve been, who I am now, and what I want to create next.
Through simple rituals like smudging, tending my plants, and bringing in fresh flowers, I’ve created beauty inside and around me.
And by walking without my phone, sitting quietly on my terrace, and following threads of creative inspiration … I’ve become grounded in myself.
The truth is, whether small daily shifts or big life changes, transitions rarely feel nice and tidy. They are more likely messy and mysterious, often with grief and overwhelm.
It’s only natural to feel an urge to rush ahead, just to be ‘done.’ After all, we live in a culture that values speed and productivity.
But hurrying a transition can mean bypassing yourself. It can feel disorienting, like you are losing yourself.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
From the many journeys I have made—both personal and professional—I know that navigating change with meaning and mindfulness is everything. I know that your transition journey is worthy of your time. It deserves your intention. And it needs your care.
When you honor it, your transition becomes a sacred passage to the next, more aligned version of yourself.
And when you don’t slow down to give your transition space and meaning—and instead rush to the other side perhaps to avoid discomfort—you miss its medicine.
- You miss the chance to appreciate what’s ending.
- You miss the wisdom and creativity that live in the in-between
- You miss the opportunity to create your next chapter with clarity, authenticity, and purpose.
And you risk recreating the very old dynamics you are ready to outgrow.
But when you stay with yourself in the in-between by reflecting, feeling, and listening—you can become grounded in what is. You can remember who you are. You can see clearly what you want. And you can step into your next season with clarity, courage, self-trust, and deeper purpose.
It’s what I gave myself this past week here in Portugal. And, it sure left me feeling grounded, clear, and connected to my authentic self.
While my transition was simply returning home after time away, I know transitions can be much bigger—like leaving a long-held work position, changing your relationship status, navigating perimenopause, or sending your last kid off to college,
No matter the size of the transition, when you give it your attention, intention, and love—it can be a meaningful passage.
This is the heart of The Outgrown Identity Club, a program for women leaders who are transitioning out of a role or identity and are ready to be intentional in the in-between—so that you successfully create your next chapter of meaning and purpose.
If this speaks to you, I’d love to invite you to a complimentary Navigate What’s Next Call where we can explore where you are, where you want to be, and how—with my coaching—you can move through your transition and into your next purpose-filled chapter with grounded intention and clear confidence.
I’d be honored to support you in having more meaning in your work and life. You can book your call here.