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:
- What transitions in your life didn’t have the ending they needed?
- What might it look like to pause and gently honor the emotions surrounding your transitions?
To Your Growth,
Image from Getty Images
This is beautiful, Carrie. I don’t work with my clients on a personal level the way you do, but I still feel a connection to them and a sense of loss when our work together ends.
Thanks for sharing this – I believe many can relate to the sense of loss in transitions.
This is so beautiful, Carrie. I’m honored that our friendship has blossomed into such a solid, grounding, spiritual, and uplifting relationship. I don’t know what I would do without your friendship. You are so dear to me! (Choking up!) You are such a light in the world (although I know what you would say about that)! You bless sooooooo many people in sooooo many ways.
As you allude to, I’ve been thinking often lately about how people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. We started with a reason (a particular project), moved through a season (of organizing in all its iterations, trials and trails, triumphs and tears, and loads of laughter), and are enjoying a lifetime of loving friendship.
G-d certainly smiled on me when you stepped out of that car! 😀
He smiled on both of us, as He sent us off on many adventures in organizing! Love you, precious friend…
I stand on the potential ending of a long-term client relationship right now. The client had to move (temporarily) to an in-care facility. I don’t know if she will ever go back to her apartment, and if we’ll be able to resume our weekly meetings.
I love the way you honored your clients through your prayer. This post reminds me of how we are constantly moving through life without realizing what comes next. We make assumptions in order to plan and be productive, but those assumptions can get interrupted.
I also want to invite you to join Faithful Organizers! Our website is http://www.FaithfulOrganizers.com. We’d love to have you!
Seana, I appreciate you sharing how you are also going through a transition time with one of your clients. It certainly can bring on many cluttered emotions. I’m glad the prayer resonated with you – praise God that even when our plans change unexpectedly, He is still with us. And thanks for the invite – I’ll check it out and pray about it!