I was texting with my daughter, who is nearing the end of her junior year and navigating so many of her senior year friends posting their college acceptances and plans after graduation, and sensing the spiral in her thoughts. "Everyone else has their futures figured out and I have no idea what my path is supposed to be."  I could feel the weight of her thoughts.

Ironically, I find myself in a similar journey. As I face the pending 'empty nest', I am wrestling with similar questions... 'What does MY life look like when it's no longer shaped by school and daily parenting needs?" While social media is flooded with empty-nest transformation stories - some finding joy in new hobbies, entrepreneurship, or even traveling - I also feel that same tug of comparison.

Two different life stages, same challenging question... How do we stop comparing our uncertain path to other's highlight reels?

What I am learning (and sharing with my daughter) is:

1. There is no deadline to have the next step 'figured out'.  Someone else's clarity does not diminish your journey. We must give ourselves permission to be 'in process'.

2. Plans are starting points and not contracts. Every plan is really just a first draft. There are no guarantees and life requires that we learn to pivot at points. Being flexible and willing to adapt is a strength.

3. There is freedom in being open to the unknown. When we release the pressure to have it all figured out, we create space for possibilities beyond what we might imagine.

4. Trust your internal compass. Instead of asking "What is everyone else doing?", try asking "What feels authentic for ME?". Your life experience and personal wisdom are great guides.

Whatever pending change you may be facing... graduation, an empty nest, growing a business, or anything else, please remember that you are not behind. You are not lost. You're exactly where you need to be, charting your own path in your own way and time.

What permission do you need to give yourself today?

You don't have to have it all figured out and you can absolutely change your mind. Whatever your next step is today or whatever the future may be, you have the experience and wisdom to work through it and find the unique path that is best for you.

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