Changing Leaves

Sometimes when I go through change I forget how long it can take. While sitting in the Awards Breakfast witnessing the accomplishments of my stellar female entrepreneurial peers at The Mandarin Hotel for The WPEO this morning, I realize how much I have been through in my business over the last twelve months. Change is a cycle. It has a beginning, when you recognize that something must be done. It has a middle, filled with emotions, decisions, confusion and action. And it eventually has an end that enables you to acknowledge what you've accomplished. I made it through a transition from having an office and full administrative staff to becoming the sole manager, bookkeeper, coordinator, coach and business owner of my company over recent months. There were things I wasn't prepared to take on; there were tasks I thought were below me; and there were aspects of the business I wasn't passionate about running. Often we have feelings of loss associated with change. I sure did. If only we could transition like the sycamore and maple trees. Green and full one day followed by the colorful and eventual fall of the leaves. Of course this allows for new growth and new beginnings in the spring. But as humans, do we really think about those things when we are in the midst of our lives? Personal development is all about change. It requires a certain level of communication and honesty, both with ourselves and those around us. But, change is good and eye opening and creative and freeing all at once and it leads us to unexpected opportunities and faces us with challenges we didn't know we could live up to. I recognize my nostalgia this morning as an important part of my development. And I feel fortunate that I dug in to the responsibilities my business presented. I am proud that I stayed focused on the old motto, "one day at a time," because I feel greatly fulfilled at this moment. And like the trees, I'm sporting some new leaves. Spring, at last, is here and don't it feel fine?! To be added to Lanartco's Communication Performance Tip of the Week, please connect to this link or send your email address to info@lanartco.com.