...a big word, what does it mean to you?

“Changing or evolving into a different form or pattern.”

“Leaning into new and uncomfortable seasons of life with curiosity and hope”

“Moving from one thing to another or adaptations/changes in moving forward”

“Shifting”

“Pivoting and taking a different direction”

“…adjusting to a move or moving somewhere”

These are some of the meanings my friends shared with me. As a hospice nurse, the word transitioning is the first stage of dying. In my belief there needs to be a death before there can be a rebirth/renewal. The general thought I get from the shared definitions is transitioning is a death of a form/pattern and positive movement toward shifting perception.

As I develop my process for navigating transition, in my own life, I’m learning to lean into to scary darkness. When I am confronted with difficult emotions that challenge my authentic self, it’s complicated and hard to do the work to make the choices that honor my authentic self.

Tending boundaries is a lifelong work. I lost sight of a few boundaries in my life. Boundaries can go both ways. Giving out too much, and allowing the “outside” to influence choices; therefore, adjusting behaviors to adapt to the outside influence. How many of us have made choices based on what makes other people happy/comfortable, what other people think we should choose/do, what other people would choose/do for themselves, or what social norms have conditioned us to believe “is what you’re supposed to do”? Making authentic self choices takes hard work. The work includes honest reflection. It’s challenging to hear things that don’t align with current perceptions. This is where having a trusted person to create a safe/non-judgmental space to talk about hard things is crucial to my process. Watching loved ones figuring out what their process is, compartmentalizing their authentic self to adopt a completely different POV, lowering their standards to meet others, and struggling with the dichotomy; Once open minded, curious, interesting, and fun; now close minded, argumentative, and defensive. Wanting to have those difficult conversations when they aren’t ready is a boundary I’ve reset. Not everyone has the same process. I also acknowledge that we all learn life lessons in different ways at different times. I’ve circled back to focusing my energy on my process. Reflecting my love and light on my intention. There is a calmness and meaningfulness surrounding my own progress encouraging others to face their fears. What are you afraid of?

Sometimes it’s a supportive community that provides the space to share authentic self reflections. I’ve crossed paths with a wonderful group of women that I feel a connection to. The facilitator is Eka Kapiotis. Also this year I will be circling back to the positivity felt by community at Camp Miniwanca on Lake Michigan, this Summer. Surrounding myself with people who are forward moving, doing the work, and supportive while doing it. I feel seen, valued, and empowered. Feeling the flow!! I’m going to ride this wave to the next phase in my life. Transitioning…

My herbal school just had a workshop on herbs to help with hospice care. It got me thinking about looking into a death doula…

What is the role of a death doula?

End-of-life doulas provide companionship, comfort, and guidance to those facing a terminal illness or death. Non-medical holistic support encompasses emotional, spiritual, and practical care. As I’m researching pursuing this role, I’m enlightened to the full circle. In preparing people and loved ones for a good death, it shines light on life in this world. An empowering shift in perception.

The year of the Dragon is upon us. In Chinese culture, the Dragon holds a significant place as an auspicious and extraordinary creature, unparalleled in talent and excellence. It symbolizes power, nobility, honor, luck, and success. 2024 is forecasted to bring about opportunities, changes, and challenges.

Emily Guenther describes the year of the dragon…

2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon in Chinese astrology. Chinese astrology is a traditional classification system based on the Chinese calendar that assigns an animal and its attributes to each year. The Chinese 12-part cycle corresponds to lunar years, rather than months. The Chinese zodiac is represented by 12 animals and their elements. Chinese mythology states that the Jade Emperor set up a running race for all animals to take part in. The first 12 to reach the finishing line were rewarded with a position in the lunar calendar.

In Chinese astrology, the 12 zodiac animals are each affiliated with an element — metal, wood, water, fire, earth — as they move around the zodiac cycle. When an animal reappears after 12 years its elemental affiliation will shift. For example, 2012 was the Year of the Water Dragon and 2036 will be the Year of the Fire Dragon. The dragon is the only mythological animal in this system.

In this zodiac system, wood as an element represents vitality and creativity, as well as steadiness, honesty, generosity, and calmness. The dragon represents success, intelligence, and honor in Chinese culture. The dragon is a symbol of power and wealth. Only Chinese emperors were allowed to wear imperial robes with dragon symbols. Therefore, dragons are seen as natural leaders. They can also be aggressive, ambitious, self-confident, and determined.

Bee and I are currently working towards transitioning back to stationary life. Achievable goal is to purchase our dream farm in October. I am excited for the possibilities. Looking forward to growing my own apothecary, vegetable garden, canning/preserving food, having space to do my herbal thing, chickens, goats, and living as self sustainably as possible. Bringing all my life experience, willingness to do the hard work, and curiosity to create the life that Bee and I are manifesting. Symbolic that there is a death of our nomadic life for a rebirth/renewal of our stationary life. Using all the energy of the year of the wood dragon, supportive community, and continued self care to manifest our next phase of life.

What transformations do you look forward to making this year? What dreams do you want to manifest using the strength and courage of the year of the wood dragon energy?

Sending Blessings to you all to remind you of your strength, make bold moves, and claim your power to make choices that align with your authentic self. I’m very grateful for everyone continuing to follow us. I realize I haven’t posted in some time, however, I will continue to share my process as long as people find it valuable. I was really struggling with an existential crisis turmoil this past year and have been leaning into the deep darkness. Using my Kundalini mediation, solitude in nature, and painful self reflections as self care for processing. I am a solitary navigator until I can identify/organize my emotions/feelings; therefore leading to the next step of processing those emotions/feelings. Staying mindful that deep work leads to deep enlightenment.

Peace and Light