One thing I’ve accepted about myself is that transitions are really hard for me. I don’t mean “accepted” as “giving up” and waiting for it to pass, but more as a struggle I can name, own, and work through without surprise. For instance, I have learned to honor my emotional experience as real and know that if I sit with myself in an unhurried, undistracted manner, and offer myself the same kindness I would extend to a friend with a hot tea in hand, I will probably not feel this way forever. If I’m honest with God about where I am, He will walk me to new places. . I’ve been reading a lot of my own book lately as I find it an *especially* helpful read during transitions. I remember that it doesn’t actually prepare our hearts well to expect the worst and ready ourselves for the disasters we fear. Here, we have no eyes to see the hope or help. And the research says that practicing disappointment doesn’t actually prepare us for it anyway. I remember what it actually means to have an expectant heart. I resolve to practice celebration as a rhythm that tethers me to Jesus in whatever feeling I have, and not simply as a reaction to good news or a reward for an accomplishment. This is not blind optimism. That is escapism and unhelpful. Celebration is different. It’s healing. . Maybe it’s because there’s so much change as we board our summers up for the year. Maybe it’s because this transition feels especially harsh in New England where I live. Maybe it’s muscle memory from all those anticipations I held for the year ahead as a child going back to school. Maybe it’s reliving those hopes and fears for my own child as a mom. The answer is probably D.) all of the above. . So my Friend, if you are entering September as more of a timid newcomer than an eager party guest, I hear you. I see you. And I’m right behind you. And what I’d probably whisper in your ear as we nose the door ajar together is, “Hey...What If It’s Wonderful?” 💕 . #whatifitswonderfulbook #transformationtuesday #therapistsofinstagram #itssimplytuesday #counselorsofinstagram #yourinfluence #risingtidesociety #themagicofmotherhood #motherhoodunplugged #ttccommunity #soulscripts