This month, I am endeavoring to crystallize the key findings that have emerged from my interviews (47 conducted to date) with women nationwide who have overcome professional crisis and transformed their lives and work.  These interviews have been so inspiring, and have deeply expanded my love and admiration of women the world over.  It has become even clearer to me the many ways women strive to expand themselves and their lives, and to support and improve the life experiences of others.

This week, Laurie, a dear friend and colleague, was reviewing my research findings.  In doing so, she shared with me an important concept and process that she has found to be essential in thriving through change.  Her words were very meaningful (and true!) for me, so I'd like to share them with you.

Laurie shared:

"I've discovered that it is critical to trust that the circumstances in which you find yourself are exactly where you are meant to be.  This experience [of embracing fully where you are] is precisely the catalyst we need for change.  I have found there is tremendous power in not resisting where you are, but in relaxing into, and being ok with, not knowing what your next move will be or where it may take you.  Often in the midst of desperately wanting to make a change, it is very challenging to create a list of meaningful goals, objectives, etc., especially when you really don't know where to go from here.   My personal discovery was that when I didn't think too hard, and just let it go and trusted that the universe would help me to see, I was in a far more liberating space.

There is great power in rewarding yourself for not knowing what's next.  This experience of not knowing perhaps might even be one of our goals.  This open space allowed me to continue to "talk out loud" until I led myself to the path that was right for me.  If I tried too hard to make a change it never came to fruition, because it wasn't from my heart."

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What helpful advice Laurie gives.  I, along with Laurie and many others, have found there is great positive energy and power in being OK with the present, even (especially) in the chaos.  This "not knowing" state represents that we are willing to fly by the seat of our pants, be authentic in our words and actions, process our experience fully, and firmly trust in ourselves and in the creative power we share and hold.

Thank you, Laurie, and all my colleagues, research participants, friends, and fellow transitioners, for your wonderful insights and wisdom.  What a brilliant and inspirational group you are!