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By Lorien A. Masters
I recently had the privilege of joining a women's circle, and amidst the discussions, a profound question arose: Who are we in this season of life? This inquiry lingered in my thoughts long after the gathering ended. It's the notion of taking a deliberate pause to unravel the layers of our evolving selves, to acquaint ourselves with the nuances of this new chapter. The concept resonated deeply with me. After all, why shouldn't we invest the time to understand our needs as we transition through life's seasons?
Let's embark on a gentle journey of self-discovery, beyond the labels imposed by ourselves and society. Let's tenderly peel back the layers to reveal who we are now, what truly nourishes our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. It's about embracing the idea that what once fulfilled us may no longer serve us in the same way.
Won't you join me on this path of self-exploration and self-compassion?
Personal Journey:
I’ve been experiencing a shift in myself for the past six months now. Originally, I thought something was wrong with me. As someone who is painfully self-aware, I started noticing little shifts at first. Moods that seemed to jump all over the place, my tolerance smaller than normal, and my lows bringing me to places I'd never experienced before. Shifts in my sleep, energy levels, and how food was interacting differently left me puzzled. I was annoyed that all the work and all the tools I had built in my toolbelt as a coach and someone who's been working with a therapist for several
years now didn't seem to help. Not only this, but I had just spent two years working on shifting my lifestyle since being diagnosed with Celiac, and now suddenly, everything seemed out of whack again. What was going on? I felt like a different person much of the time, almost like I was 13 years old again navigating puberty. And then it hit me. The piece I needed to bring into my awareness. Could this be? But I am only 37 - perimenopause, what a challenge! Why is no one talking about this?
This information is still new. As I navigate this so-called thing called mid-life, I remember it’s a privilege to grow old. As women, our bodies go through many changes in our lives: puberty, navigating our cycle, for some of us the miracle of childbirth, perimenopause, and then menopause. No matter what season of life you're in, I hope this blog can help you navigate this change with curiosity, gentleness, and with love. So where do we start? Always with curiosity.
The Power of Curiosity:
Having such a shift in our being can create a lot of anxiety, self-judgment, and confusion. Curiosity,
on the other hand, can serve as a guiding force in our journey of self-discovery, inviting us to explore the depths of our being with an open mind and heart. By adopting a curious mindset, we cultivate a sense of wonder and inquiry toward our experiences, emotions, and reactions. In lieu of judgment or worse, feeling like a victim, That all this is happening to me, instead of knowing this is part of the cycle of life, and it's me, why not get curious and figure out what it truly means to be me in this season of life.
Through curiosity, we peel back the layers of our identity, uncovering hidden truths and insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of ourselves. Rather than accepting things at face value, we ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek to unravel the complexities of our inner landscape.
Curiosity gives us an opportunity to meet ourselves where we are now. It fosters a spirit of growth and evolution. It encourages us to embrace change and embrace the unknown, viewing each experience as an opportunity for learning and development. By approaching different seasons of life with curiosity, we remain open to new perspectives and possibilities, allowing us to expand our horizons and cultivate resilience in the face of challenges while building self trust and our intuition.
Grab your journal; here are a few prompts that can be extremely helpful in navigating this new season:
What aspects of yourself do you wish to explore or deepen during this new season? How can you nurture these facets of your identity?
Reflect on moments of growth or self-discovery from past seasons. What insights can you glean from these experiences to guide you forward?
How can you cultivate a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences and opportunities during this season of life?
What self-care practices or rituals might nourish and support you during this season change? How can you prioritize trying different practices in your daily life to find what best supports you now?
How can you cultivate a sense of self-compassion and resilience to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of this new chapter?
What fears or uncertainties do you have about navigating this new season, and what tools or support systems do you have to help you navigate this period in time?
In essence, curiosity is not merely a trait but a mindset—a way of engaging with the world and ourselves. It empowers us to navigate the twists and turns of life with grace and intention, leading us toward greater self-awareness, authenticity, and fulfillment.
As we embark on this season of self-discovery, let us harness the power of curiosity as our guiding light, illuminating the path ahead and inspiring us to embrace the beauty of our ever-evolving selves.
Peeling Back the Layers:
When meeting ourselves in a new chapter in life it can feel like delving into the depths of our identity, shedding the layers of expectations and assumptions that have accumulated over time. Core values, once steadfast, may shift; boundaries, once clear, may blur; and activities that once brought joy may no longer resonate. It's in this exploration that we confront the fluidity of our being and embrace the evolution of self. How amazing is it that we have so many opportunities in this life to meet ourselves where we are and deepen our connection with who we now are?
A beautiful place to start when you’re feeling displaced in this new season is to examine your core values—those fundamental principles that guide our decisions and actions. Are these values still aligned with who we are today, or have they evolved along with us? Or perhaps you’ve never had an opportunity to explore values in the past. By exploring, revisiting and reassessing our values, we gain clarity on what truly matters to us in this season of life. It can be a powerful tool to help you navigate these unknown territories. Brené Brown has an amazing values tool you can explore here.
Similarly, setting boundaries becomes essential as we navigate new terrain. What boundaries do we need to establish to honour our well-being and protect our authenticity? During this season you may choose to have tighter boundaries, giving you space to understand who you are and what you need in this new season. It's a process of discernment, recognizing when to say yes and when to say no, and cultivating the courage to assert our needs.
How we choose to spend our time speaks volumes about our priorities and passions. As we peel
back the layers, we may discover that what once filled our days with purpose no longer resonates with our current desires. Exploring new interests and pursuits can lead us to unexpected revelations about who we are and what brings us fulfillment.
Throughout this journey, allow your intuition to become a steadfast companion, guiding you toward authenticity and alignment. Tuning into that internal voice allows us to discern what feels true and meaningful, even amidst the noise of external expectations. It's a practice of trust and surrender, allowing ourselves to be guided by the wisdom that resides within. And most importantly at our own pace.
As we peel back the layers of identity, we invite vulnerability and courage into the process, embracing the beauty of our ever-unfolding selves. Through introspection, self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace change, we uncover the true essence of who we are and step boldly into this new season of life.
Honouring Change and Evolution:
Change is the only constant in life, and as we journey through its ebbs and flows, it's essential to recognize and honour the evolution of our needs and desires. Embracing change can be transformative, opening doors to new opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and self-discovery.
Reflecting on my own journey, I've found that navigating change requires both space and time for reflection and integration. Creating a nurturing environment at home and within myself, allows me to digest these changes at my own pace. It's in these moments of solitude and stillness that I can listen to the whispers of my heart and soul, allowing them to guide me through the transition.
Meeting yourself with grace and softness during this time is akin to caring for a tender child, offering yourself the same compassion and understanding that you would extend to others. It means acknowledging the vulnerability that comes with change and embracing it with gentle acceptance. By cultivating a mindset of self-compassion, you can create a safe space for exploration and growth, free from judgment or expectation.
Recognizing that YOU are deserving of this time and space to explore and play with what feels right for you now is a radical act of self-love. It's a reminder that your needs and desires are valid and worthy of attention, even as they evolve and shift over time. By honoring yourself in this way, you cultivate a deep sense of self-trust and empowerment, allowing yourself to navigate change with resilience and grace.
As we journey through the ever-changing landscape of life, let us remember to honor our own evolution with tenderness and compassion. By embracing change as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, we create space for transformation and renewal, both within ourselves and in the world around us.
Conclusion
As we conclude this exploration of self-discovery and evolution, it's clear that change is not only inevitable but also a catalyst for growth and transformation. Navigating new chapters in life requires introspection, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, it's essential to remember that we don't have to journey alone.
If you find yourself struggling to navigate this new season, know that support is available. Whether you're grappling with shifting priorities, evolving identities, or the challenges of embracing change, you deserve compassion and understanding. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
I invite you to take the next step towards empowerment and self-discovery by booking a free consultation with me. Together, we can explore your unique journey, uncovering insights and strategies to navigate change with grace and resilience. You deserve to thrive in every season of life, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Reach out today to schedule your complimentary consultation, and let's embark on this transformative journey together.
Lo
xo