the tender space in between
and resources for seasons of transition
I’m rolling In-Tune onto my temples and inner wrists as I type this note to you. Pull yours out, it supports focus. The initial waft I would describe as earthy floral. The blend is: Frankincense, Amyris, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Lime, Ylang Ylang, Roman Chamomile.
And a swipe of Blue Lotus, oil of awakening, on my third eye – each time I apply it I think of my sweet friend Alia. She’s always pulling it out when we are together. Rub up for a little “11’s” massage.
Tell me what you’re using in this season of transition.
Which brings me to June.
June is a time of transition in motherhood.
(side note: read all the way to the end for some resources that are supporting us in seasons of transition).
It’s a sneaky transition — one that might feel odd — because usually when we hear “transition” it denotes something difficult, something we didn’t choose, something on the ‘nay’ side of things rather than the ‘yay.’
And while the seasonal transition into summer feels supremely welcome, there are so many other transitions happening beneath the surface.
Endless endings.
End of this grade. Last year with my teacher. Last time I get to do this dance at the recital. I will never see the grade 12 dancers at our studio again. Final track & field meet. Last game with my hockey team. Final day at this school. Last day I get to go to school with my best friend…
For many kids, June is a month of goodbyes.
And this is just the start. Many personal & individual tough transitions are also happening for our kids.
There’s a grief that my kids are feeling.
The grief was initially masked by some grudgy, aloof, rude outbursts by one of my girls. But when I sat with it and got underneath it, I saw it clearly: she was grieving. She was moving through the tender space between what was and what will be.
And isn’t that what transition often feels like?
Not just for our children, but for us, too.
I’m not sharing a lot about mothering lately as I used to on social media. I’ve chosen to live a more private life. It wasn’t entirely intentional, but it’s where I’ve landed.
A lot of my life used to be all right out there on Instagram.
When we moved from downtown proper to the Beach four years ago, I felt the pull toward a more inward life. Posting all the moments no longer felt important. There was an interiority I was being called (required) to explore, and I found myself less drawn to external expression.
Looking back, that was its own transition.
Not a dramatic one. Not one marked by a clear beginning or end. Just a gradual shedding.
I slowly took myself out of constant driving and striving energy.
It doesn’t always feel like the perfect fit for me because I’m a driver and striver by nature, and an adventurous Sagittarius. But mostly, it feels regulating for me everyday.
Different seasons ask different things of us.
Some seasons ask us to build.
Some ask us to expand.
Some ask us to retreat.
Some ask us to listen.
Some ask us to hold steady.
I’m not here to say my path, or any path, is right or wrong. Or that Instagram is good or bad. Just witnessing what is.
And like anything, it may change again.
Because that’s the nature of transition.
All that said, I’ve been mothering myself and others more than ever.
I do miss the connections I felt when I was super present on social media, but I love that it doesn’t have a hold over me anymore. Now I can go in, enjoy, and go out. I post when I feel like it (mostly by the beach if you follow me!)
For now, anyway.
You likely barely recognize my girls now!
Different life cycles reveal what needs tending and what needs releasing.
Sometimes the transition is chosen.
Sometimes it’s chosen for us.
Either way, we’re invited to become a new version of ourselves on the other side.
Love that you’re here with me. Feeling grateful.
To receive regular shares like this one, join my newsletter list. I send one every Sunday-ish! And as a gift for subscribing, enjoy my Feminine Loop audio recording (especially supportive in these transition seasons).
PS: Two things!
Because it IS summer and outdoor / sunshine time is full-on, this piece I wrote on travel faves (which includes my go-to Sun Stick for me and the girls), is here for you to enjoy.
And, while intended for Back-to-School, the resources and oils I share in this mini course are proving to be useful for us in these times of transition too. Learn more about it here.