Friday Journaling Reflection Prompt August 16, 2024

Here's this week's Friday journal reflection prompt:

Consider where you are right now in your life. Are there any changes or transitions on the horizon? What do you feel is calling you or asking for your attention? Reflect on any areas of your life where you feel stuck or uncertain. What would it look like to embrace this uncertainty and explore what’s possible for you?

Journaling prompts can help you set aside dedicated time in your routine for reflection. If Fridays don't work for you, save it for a different day, depending on your preference and availability.

Not sure how to get started with a journaling prompt?

First, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus without distractions. Approach your journaling with honesty and authenticity. Be open to acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses. By embracing vulnerability, it can lead to significant growth and development.

Want to take it a step further? Based on your reflections, identify areas for improvement and set actionable goals for growth. These goals should enable you to track your progress over time. Periodically review past journal entries to track your growth and identify recurring patterns or themes. Reflecting on your progress allows you to celebrate successes and learn from challenges.

Reflective journaling can be a powerful tool for self-improvement and skill development. Come along on this journey and share your thoughts below!

Embracing Life’s Transitions: Finding Growth in the Messy Middle

Life has a way of surprising us, often in the moments we least expect. Sometimes, these surprises are welcome, whether it's a new job, a growing family, or the thrill of a new adventure. But other times, they’re not so easy to navigate, like the loss of a loved one, the ending of something meaningful, or the uncertainty of a major career shift. These life transitions, whether big or small, have a way of shaking us to our core. They force us to confront who we are and who we want to become.

Transitions are messy. They don’t fit neatly into our calendars, nor do they always come with a clear roadmap. They can feel like a storm that we’re unprepared to weather. Yet, these are the very moments that offer the greatest potential for growth and transformation. The answer lies not in avoiding the storm but in learning how to navigate it with grace, courage, and a sense of purpose.

I’ve spent years witnessing and experiencing these kinds of transitions. In my own journey, I’ve lost loved ones, changed careers, made tough decisions, faced unexpected challenges, and learned to let go of what no longer served me. These experiences have taught me that the messy middle, the space between what was and what will be, is where the magic happens. It’s where we truly discover who we are and what we’re capable of.

But this kind of growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires a supportive environment where you can explore, reflect, and take intentional steps forward. That’s where coaching comes in. Coaching isn’t about giving you the answers; it’s about helping you ask the right questions. It’s about creating a safe space for you to explore your fears, your dreams, and everything in between. It’s about guiding you through the storm, not by telling you what to do, but by helping you find your own way.

You might be wondering, “Is now the right time for coaching?” The truth is, there’s no perfect time. Transitions are rarely convenient, and growth often comes when we least expect it. But if you find yourself on the precipice of or in the midst of change, whether you’re stepping into a new role, processing a loss, or simply feeling stuck, it might be the right time to explore what coaching can do for you.

I believe that everyone’s journey is unique. That’s why I work with people who are ready to dive deep, to get uncomfortable, and to embrace the uncertainty that comes with change. My approach is rooted in the Co-Active framework, which emphasizes the balance of being and doing, and the belief that every person has the capacity for growth and transformation. Together, we’ll explore what’s possible for you, and how you can create a life that feels authentic and aligned with your true self.

If you’re ready to step into this work, not because someone told you to, but because you feel a pull to explore what’s next, I’m here to support you. My door is always open to those who are curious, who are seeking more, and who are ready to embrace the messy middle with open arms, hearts, and minds.

Take a moment to reflect on where you are right now. What’s calling you? What’s asking for your attention? If you feel that now is the time to explore those questions more deeply, reach out to scheduled a complimentary consultation. Let’s see where this journey can take you.

The Grief of Job Loss

More companies have announced layoffs and, according to trueup.io, so far in 2024 there have been 745 layoffs at tech companies with 185,867 people impacted (849 people per day).

In January, I posted the statistics that 40% of Americans have been laid off or terminated from a job and 48% of Americans experience layoff anxiety regularly.

Job loss is often treated as a professional setback, a temporary interruption in your career that you're supposed to just quickly bounce back from. We've heard how challenging that can be with the job market, but there's even more to it than that.

When we lose a job, we don’t just lose a source of income; we often lose a part of our identity, our daily routine, and our sense of purpose. Yes, the financial implications of job loss can be severe, causing stress and anxiety about meeting basic needs and future planning.

In addition, work provides structure and stability in our lives. The sudden absence of a daily routine can create a sense of disorientation and anxiety.

For many people, our jobs are also often closely tied to our sense of self. When we introduce ourselves, we frequently mention our profession. Losing a job can feel like losing a part of our identity, leading to issues around self-worth and purpose.

And, on top of all that, for many the workplace is a significant source of community. Losing a job can mean losing daily contact with co-workers and friends, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.

Finally, despite the number of layoffs happening each year there remains a significant stigma attached to it. Society often views unemployment as a personal failure, which can lead to feelings of shame.

The emotional and psychological impact of all of this can trigger a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, and despair. These often mirror the non-linear stages of grief identified by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

• Denial - Those who are laid off might struggle to accept the reality of their situation. They may feel numb or in shock, finding it hard to believe this is happening.
  

• Anger - Once the reality sets in, feelings of anger and resentment can emerge. These emotions may be directed toward the company, management, or even themselves.
  

• Bargaining - During this stage, people might find themselves ruminating on "what if" scenarios, wondering if different actions could have prevented the layoff.
  

• Depression - The weight of job loss can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and decreased self-worth, which can severely impact mental health and daily functioning.
  

• Acceptance - Over time, people may come to terms with their situation.

The dismissive or pseudo-supportive "just pick yourself up and get back to it" messaging that is often provided by (mostly) well-meaning people isn't helpful either. A better option is acknowledging the grief associated with job loss, a more compassionate and supportive response that can help folks emerge stronger and ready for new opportunities.

Viewing job loss through this lens validates and normalizes all of the complex emotions, encouraging people to not suppress them or use unhealthy coping mechanisms. This in turn can lead to personal growth and increased resilience, making people who've been laid off better prepared for future challenges.

It shifts the focus from merely "picking oneself up" to understanding and working through the emotional journey, ultimately leading to a more robust and holistic recovery.

If you'd like help from a trained professional who knows what this feels like and can help you find your footing again, please reach out for a complimentary consultation.

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