"When one door closes, another door opens; but we so often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us." - Alexander Graham Bell
Letting go of what's behind becomes easier when you create a vision for the future that excites you. Creating a vision that you are up for/hungry to wake up to every morning. I remember that vision I created when I decided to start a new life after separation and eventual divorce. It was very scary at first but once I had that vision, I was more excited than scared. That excitement helped me to make that bold move that I so needed to make to get unstuck from my situation.
There are a few things more frustrating than remaining stuck in the old when it's time to embrace something new. Sometimes the new thing is an inevitable change and transformation, whether it was something you wanted or a situation that was thrust upon you. At other times, your season is a goal you've been working toward, but you have somehow failed to notice that the thing you wished for is here. This new season requires you to shift your thinking so you can enjoy the vision that has finally come to fruition. Whether your new season is related to your career, relationships, finances, health, consider these five ways to successfully step into a new phase of your life.
1. Say goodbye to the last season
In order to fully embrace what's new, mark your passage from one season into the next. If a child is about to head off to college, plan a celebration to mark the milestone. If you are moving from one place to another, acknowledge it in a meaningful way. If you have lost someone or something important to you, grieve your loss so that you can move forward in a healthy way.
2. Embrace the new season
Once you've said goodbye, say hello to what's new. Dive in. Consider the things you are able to do now that you couldn't before. If you're entering a difficult season, identify and embrace the help you will need to give you strength and perseverance. Acknowledge your challenges, but also be sure to open your eyes and notice the blessings too.
3. Ask, "What new habits do I need in this new season?"
What worked in the last season may not work in this new season. It's like using your old house to try to open the door to your new home. What got you in the door there won't work here. Be flexible and adopt the new habits that will empower you to thrive in this new season.
4. Ask, "What do I need to connect with in this new season?"
Relationships matter. Don't go it alone. Reach out and connect with those who can hep you and whom you can help. When facing a major change, it's the right people who can make the difference between a smooth transition and a bumpy one.
5. Ask, "What vision am I moving toward in my new season?"
Often a new season means a new identity in some way. Perhaps your role has changed, relationships have been severed, a job was lost, or a move has put you in a totally new environment. You may have had a vision - and even achieved it - in the previous season of your life, but now it's time for something different. Your old vision may not work in this new place. What's your new vision now?
My Challenge to You
Say goodbye to an old season. Embrace your new season!
Are you ready to move into your new season? What is the evidence that you are embracing it?
If anything I've shared resonated with you or you have blog topic recommendations, I welcome you to leave a comment below.
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