Hi, Reader.

Endings are rough, even the endings you know are good for you.

It can feel like a forest fire, consuming everything familiar and leaving us in the ashes of what used to be. My experiences in the first 5 months of this year have brought this truth into sharp focus.

In just these few months, I've navigated the end of a marriage, mourned the loss of my best fur-boy, the Littlest Pablo, parted with my car and furniture, and sifted through photos, souvenirs, and memorabilia going back generations. As I prepare for my big move to France, I find myself at the crossroads of profound change.

Like a forest fire, an ending can be destructive, yet also essential. It clears away the old, making space for new growth. In the aftermath of such intense change, you might feel scorched and desolate, but it’s this very process that sets the stage for renewal, the next chapter.

Grieving is a natural and, from what I understand, a necessary part of this rebirth. Still, it’s not something you look forward to. And, while I was good at staying aware of the grief and sadness, I fell shy of honoring the pain that accompanies these endings.

Allow yourself the space to feel all the feels without rushing into your next chapter too soon. As the old falls away, you’ll start to rediscover who you are and what you truly want.

Moving to France is more than just a physical relocation; it’s a perfect metaphor for stepping into a new phase of life with open arms. This new beginning is an opportunity to rebuild, to plant new seeds in the fertile ground left behind by the fire that was once the old me.

So whether it’s your marriage or your career that has ended, embrace this fire as your chance to reinvent yourself. Explore new interests, forge new connections, and create a life that aligns with your authentic self.

Remember, the forest fire is a catalyst for growth. Out of the ashes, new life - a new you will emerge, stronger and more vibrant than ever.

xoxo

Lynnelle "Exploring the Crossroads" Wilson

PS - Changes coming soon to BOLD-Women as well as this BOLD-Woman. Stay tuned.