Hi Barb,

A few days after I moved to Madison, Wisconsin, I was standing in the graveled parking lot behind the 12 bedroom rooming house that I had just moved into. The heat of the day pressed against my face uncomfortably as I added a box of food to a growing pile. 

Our house mentor, Ed Beers, and I were discussing what to do about driving to the house’s fall retreat that evening. One of the vans had just developed a mechanical problem, and although there was another car available, it would not hold all the gear.

I felt anxious, but Ed seemed not to be bothered at all. He looked at me kindly and said something I’ve never forgotten.

“Interruptions don’t get in the way of my life,” he remarked off-handedly.

“Interruptions ARE my life.”  

He turned and went back into the house to call a friend who drove us to the retreat center.

In this very brief conversation, Ed opened the door to an approach to life that I’m still practicing imperfectly.

The fact is, things happen, changes occur, and transitions are inevitable. It’s how we respond to them that makes all the difference. We can resist and fuss, or we can welcome the unexpected as a gift.

I'm curious....how has a conversation -- at work or anywhere -- transformed you lately? Or, when has a conversation helped you to navigate a transition?  Please hit reply and tell me about it.  

Warmly,

Barb Bickford

Transitions and New Beginnings retreat

Are you going through a personal transition?  Perhaps you are facing retirement, a loss, a new job or role, a change in a relationship or a health challenge. Give yourself the gift of rest and restoration on the weekend of April 5-7, 2024. We'll explore your transition by using conversation, art (no skill required!), gentle movement and more. Learn more here or go directly to the registration page. 

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Recent blog posts
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Our current workshops and courses

And a one and a two...

When navigating change, people often have thoughts and emotions they may not want to share with everyone in the room. Before discussing the change in a large group, allow them to think alone for a few moments then ask them to pair up and talk for a few more minutes. 

If you like, you can give them an assignment (e.g., "come up with 2 questions you have about this change"), but it's not necessary. Just talking one on one with someone will help them to be present, to feel heard and later, to participate in implementing the change. 

Want more tips? Access Ten Tips to Foster Online Engagement.

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