Author: deborah@watershedmomentscoaching.com

So many things these days stretch our energy and attention. Following a national election, for instance. Or the unfolding weather catastrophes that have impacted so many.

Our experiences of grief and loss can be confusing. Grief can bring on feelings of sorrow, uncertainty, and regret. When we think of our loved one, we may also discover feelings of tenderness and comfort. Sadness and gladness can be present at the same time.

Losses come in all shapes and sizes. No matter what, when they arrive on our doorstep, something changes.

Watershed moments…places where something pushes you into the turbulence of change can lead to important new discoveries. 

Several years ago, I was in another city attending the funeral of a friend’s parent. I had recently been through the loss of a sister and a divorce so losses and changes were heavy on my heart. 

The One Drive Photo Gallery often emails me pictures of memorable moments “on this day.” Some days I love getting these pictures – being reminded of people, animals, experiences, and places dear to me. Other days these photographs remind me of more challenging moments from the past. 

In his book Life is in the Transitions, author Bruce Feiler writes about autobiographical occasions. He defines these occasions as “moments when we are encouraged or obliged to reimagine who we are.

What do you do for fun? Fun can feel elusive. When we are going through hard things, it can be difficult to identify what fun is. We may have known fun activities before the big changes or transitions in our lives, but fun can also feel as if it disappears in the face of adversity.

In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to lose track of what brings us joy and fulfillment. This exercise invites you to make a list of your top 50 favorite things to do, reflect on how often you engage in them, and explore what really matters to you. 

The practice of inviting children into a space for a “time out” began about the time I was teaching preschool. Intended as a strategy to address a child’s behavior and feelings, it involved moving the child to a quiet place outside the mainstream activities in a classroom.