Big Waves Take Time

Let’s say you’re starting a job after ten years of self-employment. That’s a big shift. As you look back on a decade of work, you realize what felt like a trip through the jungle was actually baking a layer cake, with many artifacts now remaining. But what will you do with them? All those websites and email signup forms and social profiles.

You could just leave them behind and allow them to catch dust. You could try maintaining it all, but that’s unrealistic. Chances are, you’ll want to curate some for future use, prep others for maintenance mode, and others still you may just delete altogether. But which shall be which, and when will you do all that work now that you’ve got a job?

A change in life seasons can feel like a massive wave coming at you. Before you’re done saying goodbye, you’re already knee-deep in new waters. That’s okay! Life is not a relay race, and even in those the handover can be messy. Switching waves rarely works as neatly as closing one book and opening another.

Whether it’s the old tide going out or the new one coming in, big waves take time. In fact, isn’t the opportunity to surf on them for longer the very best thing about them? But to do so, you must allow them to break slowly. Don’t rush transitions. There’ll be a time and a place for everything, and as long as you’re on the beach, you’re in the right place.