This has been an incredible week for transition. Of course, the election and the process of transferring leadership comes to mind. But, around here, the transition of the week was my daughter's: from her crib to her toddler bed. This huge historic events that consumed the week. No wonder I am so exhausted!
I am happy to report that Courtney's transition went smoothly. She loves her new big girl bed and insists on showing it off to all who visit. (Thank you to all who made multiple fusses over the magnitude of this event.)
But truth be told, I was more worried about my transition than hers. I didn't want the crib to go away. I wasn't ready. She is still a baby after all. What's the rush? I was thinking that she could sleep there until she was ready for high school.
The crib came apart and the bed was built, and with that came learning different strategies to navigate this transition and make it joyful and memorable.
Strategy #1 - Code Red Alert
The Code Red Alert is a strategy I have often used. It is when I put my team on notice that I will be needing their support. It lets them know that on this date and this time, X will be happening. And at that moment, the team goes into action. They know that their job is to check on me to see how I am doing. It can be a phone call, text, email, or surprise guest appearance. My team was there with support, encouragement and a big cheer for Courtney as the bed was placed in its new home.
How do you rally your team when you need them?
Strategy #2 - Self Care
With this new bed comes a whole new adventure. Now, my daughter has the freedom to roam the upstairs at night unsupervised should she so choose. The mountains of potential mischief were everywhere, and I diligently investigated where barricades needed to be, and what new safety rituals needed to be developed. I didn't know what that first night would bring for me, so I did the only logical thing: I went right to bed after she did and hoped for the best. That extra sleep and making the conscious decision to take care of myself rather than pushing the nighttime envelope with chores made all the difference.
Do you make it a priority to take care of yourself during times of transition?
Strategy #3 - Celebration
This big event in Courtney's life needed to be celebrated. We took pictures, we jumped on the bed, we practiced getting in and out, we figured out where her monkey (E.E.) would sleep. There was a lot to do! It was important to take the time to celebrate and mark the occasion, and not just rush along with all of the "to-dos" of the evening. The celebration also helped me to focus on the fact that this was a happy transition in addition to being bittersweet.
Do you take the time to celebrate your successful transitions?
All in all, we have navigated this transition smoothly. There have been no midnight roamings, no tumbles out of the bed, and no crying (on my part).
I wonder what transition next week will bring?
