The college acceptance letters are arriving and plans are being made for the graduation party – invitations are ready to be sent, cake is ordered and senioritis is kicking in. Then, it occurs to you, “My life will be different.” Many years ago you may have been a budding college student, a novice in a new career, or even a young bride. And then life happened! You became promoted to “Mom”. This role has become your most significant identity. I remember going to my eldest daughter’s pre-school and being introduced as “Victoria’s mom” – a title that awakened me to my most valued role. With this title, I accepted the duties of nurse, educator, taxi driver, best cheerleader, advocate for a great school curriculum, party planner, and overall mentor and best friend. With two daughters, these duties played over and over and over for approximately 23 years. As they both graduated from high school to live their college dreams, I found myself questioning what my next role will be.
Transitions are at times difficult, especially if you have had to sacrifice who you are – your career, your fun activities – to be successful in this new stage of life. Now that the “mom” responsibilities are changing and the home is a little more empty, you can redefine what you value for this next stage. Yes, you may feel depressed once the graduation parties have ended and you have helped your youngest shop, pack and decorate their dorm/apartment for their college journey. However, this is an opportunity to revive what you left behind and explore something new in this fabulous, wonderful next stage of your life.
Opportunities are abundant if you are rejoicing in this new freedom. From reviving old activities, to exploring new hobbies, volunteer service and career possibilities, you can be the Phoenix re-emerging in your next chapter – if this is your goal. If you feel a void as your home becomes a little more empty, lost in your next stage, let’s talk. I partner with people in transition to find your next steps, to help create your best story. EYHLifeCoach – this next chapter is about you.
Christina Dalton is the Principal of EYH Life Coach. She applies her own personal and career transitions along with several degrees and credentials to provide insight and knowledge into the coaching experience. Christina handpicks her staff, all of whom are ICF credentialed and have unique experiences to create invaluable coaching sessions.
By Christina Dalton, MS, PPS, PCC, EYH Life Coach
