In July, the time had come to bid farewell to the remarkable teachers at our beloved Montessori nursery. It marked the end of a two-year journey, a journey filled with emotions and transformative experiences.
My daughter's enrolment at the nursery coincided with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and as the world grappled with unprecedented changes, we, too, were navigating the profound transformations our little one was undergoing.
The outset of this journey wasn't all smooth sailing. There were mornings when I left her with tear-filled eyes, unable to ease her worries or provide reassurance.
Simultaneously, this period marked a personal transformation for me. Slowly and steadily, I resumed my professional life, mastering the art of making the most of fleeting pockets of available time. With the added challenges of a global pandemic and the arrival of a newborn, I had felt isolated and disconnected from others for an extended period. Little did I know that the next two years would become a profound learning experience, reshaping my perspective on life.
Here are the invaluable lessons I gleaned from this journey, and I hope they resonate with you during your own times of change:
1. It Takes a Village: Inherent in our human nature is the need to belong and be part of a community. The community I discovered at our nursery became a lifeline during challenging days and made the joyous ones even sweeter. Being part of this remarkable community unveiled the fact that we were all confronting similar challenges, navigating the same tumultuous waters. Without this supportive network, my experience would have been drastically different and less enriched. When you find yourself in the midst of change, it's essential to surround yourself with like-minded individuals—those who share similar experiences, extend their support, and stand by your side during both the small and significant moments.
2. It Takes Time: Building meaningful relationships requires an investment of time, whether they're with colleagues, fellow parents, or new acquaintances. Trust must be established gradually, and this process demands dedication and time. While vulnerability often accompanies the initial stages, it's the lack of time that we frequently lament. Nevertheless, it's crucial to recognize that no substantial relationship is formed overnight. Taking the time to understand one another, extending invitations into each other's worlds, and fostering mutual growth is the path to genuine connections.
3. This Too Shall Pass: Change often ushers in discomfort. Feelings of being lost, unhappy, angry, or disconnected may envelop us, but like all emotions, these too shall pass. If you presently find yourself feeling stuck or overwhelmed by fear, rest assured that these feelings are not permanent. Stagnation occurs only when we resist change. Change inherently brings growth, signalling the need for action and movement.
Saying goodbye to the nursery marked a bittersweet moment, but it also ushered in invaluable life lessons. Embracing change, cultivating a supportive community, and understanding that discomfort is but a transient companion are all integral parts of life's journey. As you traverse your own path of change and transformation, remember these lessons—just as they guided my way with a smile, much like my daughter's.