On this day a year ago, a rainbow appeared – a little sign of hope, peace and something better to come.
It felt like a marker at the end of a very challenging time for our family. Looking back, I realise it was also the beginning of a year of journeys. Of leaving and coming home. Of letting go, discovering new things and finding my way back to what matters.
In October, we took our first overseas trip without our children in more than 30 years – immersing ourselves in the history and beauty of Portugal, and the exotic experience of Morocco.
Then, in February, we set off for two months sabbatical in our van, travelling around the South Island. Rediscovering our beautiful country. Revisiting favourite places. Taking time to slow down and notice what was right in front of us.
Throughout these journeys and returnings, I continued to weave my mahi around my life in the most congruent way I could.
And perhaps that is what this year has really been about.
Coming home
Since Easter, there has been a coming home in a more literal and figurative sense, as we have stepped into an entirely new life stage – an empty nest.
My washing loads feel surprisingly sparse. My fridge is even sparser (albeit healthier!). And my days feel strange, spacious and full of possibility.
I’ve had more time to reflect on where I’ve been, where I’m going and what I want this next chapter to look like.
And that has included reflecting on my business.
When I first began Emerge Supervision as a business in 2014, I was in a different stage of life. I was different. My work was different. And many of the people I worked with were different too.
Over the years, my practice has evolved alongside me.
So, it felt right that my website should evolve too.
This new website is more than a fresh look. It is a reflection of how I work now, the experiences that have shaped me, the meaning I place on my work, and the way I want to show up for the people I have the privilege of working alongside.
It feels like a coming home of sorts.
A clearer expression of who I am, what I offer and why this work matters to me.
So, if you’re curious, I’d love to invite you to take a look around my new online home for Emerge.
Learnings
And as I reflect on a year of chasing rainbows, travelling, returning and reimagining, these are some of the things I know a little more deeply now:
Connection matters.
With ourselves, to our families, to our communities and to the work that gives our lives meaning.
Life changes – and we get to steer.
We can pivot, adapt, release and re-decide. Sometimes the path changes because we choose it. Sometimes because life chooses it for us.
Things fall into place when we follow our true north.
When we reconnect with our why, our values and what really matters, the way forward often becomes a little clearer.
There are always more adventures to be had.
And there is something pretty wonderful about coming home too.
Perhaps that’s what Emerge really offers.
Creating the space to pause, listen, reflect and reconnect with what matters – so that we can find our way forward with greater clarity, confidence and agency.
Sometimes we need to chase a rainbow.
And sometimes we need to come home.