I just finished reading The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. At the very end of the book he asks:
Look back on your life five years ago. Are you now where you thought you’d be five years later?
It stopped me in my tracks. Why? Our culture is so goal focused. Sometimes annoyingly so. But usually you hear this type of work framed as a reminder that we all need to have goals for 3 months, 1 year, 5 years, 10 years … We’re always being urged to do strategic life and business planning, which has its place, but framed from a place of reflection? Are you where you thought you’d be?
His mission was accomplished. I have been doing a lot of reflecting. In part, because of you, the moms & women that I work with and walk beside. And also because that’s truly what finally ignited my start. The passing of time. 18 years had just flown by, and there was a moment of knowing that the next 18 years was going to go even faster.
When we’re transitioning into something different than what we’ve known before – such as empty nesting – we seek comfort. Let’s do what we’ve always done because that feels safe. It’s what we know how to do. We’re used to being busy all.the.time, so keep on doing the same thing. Fill our schedule and life with anything/everything we possibly can so we have that same, comfortable feeling we’ve had for the last 18 years of our lives.
STOP
As you’re transitioning this fall into empty nesting, take time to be still and assess where you are.
Reflect back over your last EIGHTEEN years and celebrate them.
And then remember: that was then and this is now.
Life is going to be different as you move forward.
The best part? You have choices and space that you haven’t had for a long, long time.
Before you rush into filling the gaps with busyness, be still. Stillness is where you learn about yourself. Where you learn to listen to what you want and start to become aware that you really do have the answers inside you.
And then, as you start moving forward and filling the gaps, do it with intention. Do it because you’ve chosen it. You. Not somebody else telling you what your life should look like. You!
Cheering you on always!
xx Jean
P.S. If you’ve just read through this post and are thinking … but I don’t know how I want to fill the gaps … I’ve got just the answer! Sign up for Launch Week for Moms! It’s starting in just a few days, October 15-19. It’s a 5-day FREE mini course with a daily email and downloadable PDF, designed for you to engage as your schedule permits. You can get more information and sign up right here!
