What Change Is Pulling You Into a New Reality?

Hi leaders,

Last year, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. While several of my symptoms have improved, I have continued experiencing issues with my hair, which led to me getting a new haircut:

For years, I’d been fascinated with cutting my hair short—like getting-a-bob short—but I had never been able to find the motivation or a style that I thought would look good on me. However, sometimes life circumstances force you to change, and your role is to respond. This leads to this month’s reflection question:

What is a change that you are in the midst of, and what new reality is it pulling you into?

When change forces us into a new reality, we have to rise to meet the situation. Yes, I know it is just a haircut, but it reminded me of the Change, Transition, and Transformation workshop that we offer here at Sway. 

Maybe at your company a whole new department got hired or fired, or maybe your child is graduating from college, or maybe there are industry changes coming your way. When a change interrupts one’s life, our emotions need to be thoroughly considered, so we can learn the wisdom of the icky bits. Navigating change as expertly as possible requires feeling one’s feelings; we can’t just jump past the awkward transition stages and into transformation.

Ahead of this change, I had a lot of fear about what it would mean for my future self. (Would I ever be able to have long hair again? Is this just the beginning and I’ll have to cut it shorter next time? etc.) However, every change is also an opportunity to learn something new about oneself, and that learning is invaluable. 

In summary, I guess what I’m saying is, don’t be surprised by the new strands when you see me at an upcoming workshop, and I hope—whichever you are in the midst of—that you are navigating any current transitions with grace.

Happy to be leading with you and with new short hair, 

Ashlee