It feels good to match my rhythm with the locals. Plus, it’s luxurious to imagine the spaciousness I’m gifting myself for 31 days.
This pause is partly about rest, and partly about listening for what’s next.
My past 12 months have been intense.
I’ve been deep in transition with my work—and more recently with my relationship. I’ve pivoted away from solely business coaching into supporting midlife women who are moving through a transition and creating more meaning and purpose in their lives.
It’s been deeply fulfilling and a lot! Rebranding my biz, marketing, and messaging; launching The Outgrown Identity Club, writing curriculum and weekly blogs, onboarding new private clients … plus, all the inner-work it takes to navigate such a transition.
Part of what gave me the courage to do this was reading Retire Often by Jillian Johnsrud—which helped me remember the value of taking an intentional pause to rest, replenish, and reset. Especially during times of transition.
My intentions for “my mini retirement” …
- Connect with who I am outside of my identity as a coach.
- Ground myself in the liminal space I am in as I navigate my current transitions.
- Spend time with beloved friends, explore new places in Portugal, rest, read, write and pay attention to what inspires.
- Pull my energy inward so I can get clearer on my authentic desires and needs.
- Tend to a few exciting creative projects: new website and interview series coming this Autumn!
I am excited and nervous.
Heck, a stretch of time not working certainly is different and if I am honest, it’s pretty mysterious. And even confronting.
Like, who am I if I am not working, producing, helping?
What will it be like to slow way down?
How will I feel not doing my big purpose work and being of service?
But here’s the thing …
Those questions, while yes, I ask them too … are also programming from our culture.
The culture that says: stay busy. Don’t feel too much. Keep hustling. Rest is lazy. Your worth lives in your output.
But none of that’s true!
Truly …
Rest is our birthright.
Pausing is necessary.
Space is where clarity comes.
Especially if you are in midlife, in a season of transition, and sensing that slowing down is the courageous thing that will help you hear yourself again.
So dear,
I hope this reminds you that you are worthy of rest, time offline, and taking a pause.
Even a long weekend, a slow afternoon, or a single day of not-doing can help you enough to come home to yourself.
Sending you support, care, and so much love.
I look forward to reconnecting in September!
If you’re in a season of transition and would like to explore my coaching support this Autumn, send me a reply and I’ll be in touch to schedule a call at a time that works for both of us. I’ll be back in September, refreshed and ready to support more midlife women in creating their next aligned chapter.