Riding the Rollercoaster of Transformation
This time of year always seems to bring transitions, but this season feels especially full.
Downstairs, our basement is being renovated. Yup. Men are coming in and out, machines whirring, bangs echoing up the stairs.
The cats are definitely irritated. Well, at least Jack is. Maeve is either playing or sleeping, and not much bothers her.
Concentration is… optional. My focus has been a bit off with the holidays starting while renovations are underway.
And while I know I’ll love the finished space, being in the middle of it is messy, loud, and unsettling.
Honestly, that’s pretty much what transformation feels like, right?
We want the “after,” but we forget that getting there shakes up our routines, disrupts our peace, and forces us to stretch.
Renovation is transition with cement dust.
During this time, I’m also in the middle of my hypnotherapy certification classes and practice sessions. While trying not to fall behind, I’m still meeting with my coaching clients, and reminding myself that Christmas is coming—and yes, the grandkids’ gifts aren’t going to shop for themselves.
Did I also mention that I’m redoing my website? It seemed like a good decision at the time. Because I want my site to evolve and reflect who I’ve become.
And another transition is happening with 2025 coming to a close.
I’m noticing what’s been accomplished (a lot!) and also how quickly life moves.
There have been big joys and also many “little deaths”—letting go of people, habits, identities, and chapters that have quietly closed.
It’s all part of the journey, but it doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Yet there are many moments during meditation and quiet time that I reflect on how much I LOVE it all. My days are filled with variety and adventure and I’m so happy.
Our Christmas tree is up, and the lights soften the edges of the day.
As I write this, snow is falling—a magical kind of hush (especially when the hammers take a break).
I was scheduled to teach Public Speaking with Confidence at CCSU for CT Town Clerks on Tuesday (isn’t that cool?), but a storm came in, and they wisely rescheduled for January.
And so, I’ve been gifted something rare: a day to breathe, catch up on my classwork, and write this to you… all while the chaos continues in the basement. (It’s a good metaphor really. lol!)
And wouldn’t you know, gratitude finds me anyway.
I’m so grateful for all of it! I’m blessed. And I’m excited about the future.
And yet—I’m also a little sad.
This is what transition feels like: everything, all at once.
And you can grieve and feel joy at the same time.
If you’re in your own season of transformation, here’s what helps me stay grounded:
Self-Care in the Middle of the Mess
- Micro-moments of stillness. Even 2 minutes with your eyes closed can shift your nervous system. The tree lights do that for me.
- One thing at a time. In transition, multitasking becomes emotional quicksand. Pick one priority. Finish it. Then move on.
- Name your feelings. All of them. Transformation makes space for excitement and grief. Let both exist without judgment.
- Move your body. Shake out the tension—literally. A walk, stretches, and dancing in the kitchen. It all helps.
- Ask for grace. From yourself, especially. You’re not supposed to be perfect in the middle of a mess.
And finally, remember this:
Being in transition, that liminal, in-between space, doesn’t mean you’re lost. It means you’re becoming.
And becoming is always a little messy.
Wherever you are—renovating your life, rearranging your identity, or simply trying to get through the holidays —I hope you give yourself permission to feel the full rollercoaster experience of emotions.
It’s okay to be human.
It means you’re transforming and living life wholly. Even if it doesn’t feel like a “holy life.”
Happy Holi-days!
Love,
Maureen 🤍
P.S. Here’s a picture of Paul, me, and the grandkids before we ate on Thanksgiving. Molly Mae (in white) is 11 now; Adalie (sitting at my shoulder) is 10; Nightingale (with the glasses) is going to be 8 in 3 weeks; and Rohaan is about to turn 6 next week! They are growing up so fast.
