I know there’s a blue horizon
Somewhere up ahead, just waiting for me
Getting there means leaving things behind
Sometimes life’s so bittersweet
~ Starts With Goodbye, Carrie Underwood
Last week was a very long week of goodbyes to people I had worked with and cared about for more than a decade. It’s not that I’ll never see them again, but a symbolic closing of a chapter promises a roller-coaster of emotions – laughter, tears, and shared memories reminisced. I had wanted to leave quietly, but the staff had other plans for me. I had no choice but to accept the outpouring of love and well-wishes that my colleagues sent me off with. It was moving. It was healing. It was exactly what I never knew I needed.
Here’s the thing about goodbyes – they aren’t one way. I was very intentional about sharing my gratitude for their service, who they were as people, celebrating their talent and their partnership to me over the years. I left them with the mission of articulating their own Call to Courage and shared my own – to help others Cultivate Insight and Influence Change. Brené tells us who we are is how we lead. I know who I am. Do you?
I’m excited to be focusing on getting Dare to Lead(™) off the ground – finally – and leaving myself open to possibilities that come my way. I’m now several steps into a time of personal renewal, and there is more exciting news coming next month. I also now consider myself formally retired from the retail portion of my career!
Though the holidays will inevitably keep all of us busier than necessary, I invite you to intentionally slow down. Sometimes, if we aren’t paying attention, Mother Nature does it for us in the form of the first snowstorm of the season – 8.5” of snow. For me, and I suspect many others, there is a quiet moment and exhale when you look out your window during that first snowfall. There is a respite and quiet to undisturbed virgin snow; it puts you on pause. Sometimes you are lucky enough to get snow-globe snow – completely dreamy. Of course, that quickly gives way to reality when you have to spend the next hour shoveling and cleaning off your car. Thank God for good neighbors that are willing to snow blow a starter path to the sidewalk.
I have a lot to be grateful for. I have an enormous amount of love in my life from people who care about me. I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and a comfortable bed to rest in. I have an open heart, a bright mind, and a fresh start. I can’t think of much more one could want.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
QOTD: “You’ve changed me forever. And I’ll never forget you.”
~ Kiera Cass, The Elite
Mood: Starts with Goodbye ~ Carrie Underwood
Share: What is one thing you are grateful for today?
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