I’m no builder. But I do understand that builders use scaffolding temporarily to help them reach hard-to-reach places and to keep themselves safe. They remove it when they don’t need it anymore, but they also wouldn’t dream of building something big and new without it.
You will enjoy your in-between season far more when it has some scaffolding to help you.
I’m not sure what your scaffolding is made of, but here are some possibilities:
- Add structure to your schedule. A wide open calendar is daunting, so maybe you volunteer somewhere once a week or sign up for a class?
- Schedule your support. Set up times to talk to the people who are keeping you company and helping you navigate this change. A friend, a coach, a therapist…put those conversations on your calendar.
- Conduct experiments that have a start and an end. When we’re in a foggy place, it can help to have something that has a clear finish line. Create a quest you’re curious about, give it a deadline and give it a try. Then stop doing it once the timeline is done.
- Celebrate progress. You don’t only get to cheer at the finish line — notice how far you’ve come along the way, and throw yourself a party!
As we turn the page on the calendar, it’s a great time to add some of these things in.
You don’t need to have all the answers — build the scaffolding that will take you to them and help you stay safer on the climb.
Wishing you meaningful connections with people, joy and rest as you finish out 2025. I’m truly grateful for your support of my work — thank you.