Goodbyes Suck, But They Don’t Have To

Saying goodbye is an inherent part of life’s journey. Whether it’s bidding farewell to a loved one, a job, a phase of life, or a place we’ve called home, the process of letting go can be profoundly emotional. However, it’s through this process that we often find the strength to open ourselves up to new adventures and build the resilience needed to navigate life’s relentless changes.

For the past 10+ years, I have studied, delivered and, dare I say, lived and breathed the work of Brené Brown and her Dare to Lead™ program. Those of you who have taken the program with me, or are familiar with my journey, know how deeply I have been involved in this work. It has transformed me and I have loved sharing it with so many people who have experienced profound results.

With the recent change to how this program will be delivered going forward, I am saying goodbye to a chapter in my life that has been remarkably impactful, rewarding, and fun – and it got me thinking.

Goodbyes Suck … But They Don’t Have To

Goodbyes are never easy. They come with a spectrum of emotions ranging from sadness and grief to uncertainty and fear. These feelings are natural and reflect the deep connections we form with people, places, and experiences. Grief, in particular, is a powerful response to loss. It is a testament to the significance we attach to what we must let go of. Each person’s journey through grief is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to navigate it. What matters is that we honour our emotions and allow ourselves the time and space to heal.

It’s About Letting Go, Not Forgetting

Letting go is often misunderstood as a sign of forgetting or moving on without looking back. In reality, letting go is about acceptance; coming to terms with the reality of our loss and finding a way to integrate it into our lives. It’s a process of transformation where we learn to carry our memories and experiences with us without letting them weigh us down. Letting go doesn’t mean we forget; it means we cherish what we had and make room for what lies ahead.

Building Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. Each time we face loss and move forward, we strengthen our ability to cope with future challenges. Building resilience involves cultivating a positive mindset, practicing self-care, and fostering supportive relationships. It’s about recognizing our inner strength and believing in our capacity to overcome difficulties.

Opening Up to New Adventures

This is where we can have some fun! Once we begin to let go, we create space for new adventures. Change, though intimidating, brings with it the promise of growth and discovery. Opening up to new experiences requires courage and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. It’s about embracing the unknown with a sense of curiosity and wonder (even when we still feel sad)

To quote Brené herself, “… we need to embrace new and uncomfortable ways of working that will feel paradoxical in many ways — like learning how to be both very focused and very agile, how to move with urgency and thoughtfulness, how to lead by excavating the unsaid rather than expending energy working around it.”

Endings: New Beginnings in Disguise

I am choosing to step into the COURAGE arena and, while I feel the paradoxical emotions of grief and curiosity, sadness and resilience, I am steadfastly holding faith that the future is bright.

I am grateful for the decade of amazing work that supported me and my clients so well. The lump in my throat tells me it was special.

Lots of transition plans are in the wings for us Certified Dare to Lead™ facilitators and we all patiently await further information on that future vision.

I will be running one more Dare To Lead program this year. Please check out my website if you are interested. I promise a deeply human experience that just might change your life.

For more information on Brené’s partnership with BetterUp, read her article here.