Navigating Emotional Transitions

Hello friends – this past week I spent time with a former colleague who’s become one of my dearest friends. We’ve known each other for over 12 years and have supported one another through all kinds of business transitions. As we reflected on the many amazing people we worked with over the years, I noticed a wave of unexpected sadness rise up.

It suddenly dawned on me I’d never said goodbye to many clients after a work project ended, or to a colleague when I left a professional organization. When my company took a new direction several years ago, I didn’t realize at the time those past relationships were ending. For many of my clients, our time together may have felt like just a business exchange. But for me, it was something much deeper. As a Professional Organizer, I was welcomed into people’s homes – their private spaces, routines, personal stories. I witnessed many things behind the scenes, which created a quiet, meaningful intimacy.

I didn’t realize in the midst of it all how much those connections meant to me. And they always will. Even if it wasn’t spoken or mirrored back to me, that care was real – and those relationships became an integral part of my own season of change and growth. What’s become clear is how emotionally invested I’ve always been in my work. With each client, we share more than what needs to get done; we share laughs, challenges, and often personal moments.

Looking back now, I can see how a lot of my life transitions happened without clear endings. That’s where a subtle, unprocessed kind of grief can live. But recognizing it now doesn’t mean I’m late. God’s timing is perfect, and I believe He’s giving me the space now to process this part of my past. I’ve decided to spend some time in prayer, thanking Jesus for every past client and colleague that I”ll likely never see again. I’ll express now what I didn’t get the chance to say back then: “Working alongside you was a privilege. Thank you for trusting me. I didn’t get to say goodbye in the way I wanted to, but I think of you now with such gratitude. I really enjoyed our beautiful work relationship as we partnered together. May God’s blessings be poured out upon your life.”

Transitions have a way of reminding us that we’re not fully in control. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” It’s humbling (and often hard) to release control and trust God with where life leads. But I know His plans are good, and ways are perfect. After talking it through with my friend, and allowing myself to remember what was, I experienced a gentle sense of peace in what is. Choosing to honor the sadness of the past helped me reach a place of acceptance. I’m so grateful for every past client and colleague who invited me into their life, if even for just for a season.

Coaching Connection:

1. What transitions in your life didn’t have the ending they needed?
2. What might it look like to pause and gently honor the emotions surrounding your transitions?

To Your Growth,

 

 

Image from Getty Images