Invitation to Shed
A note for anyone feeling uncertain, ungrounded, or in-between
Change is the only constant - and everything exists in seasons. Not every year or season is meant for thriving - some are meant for releasing, re-imagining, resting, recalibrating, re-vitalizing, etc. But this one we are in right now is meant for shedding.
This year, starting on January 29, 2025 - according to the Chinese New Year calendar - is the year of the wood snake. It calls us to shed skin, recalibrate our systems, and let go of survival strategies that no longer serve us. And the truth is—this shedding is not seamless. It’s uncomfortable. You might feel like the rug’s been pulled out from under you more than a few times so far this year - because it was designed to.
Growth comes with letting go and moving beyond what no longer fits with where we are heading. This year is the year of uncomfortable change - one where we are nudged into the unknown and forced to grow into something new - without being really sure we are ready or clear on where we are heading.
Every challenge that comes with change is an opportunity to become a new, more evolved, version of ourselves. While we may not enjoy the challenges - they are inviting us to become who we were really meant to be.
We are being asked to reimagine what life looks like without the crutches we’ve built around ourselves that are keeping us from reaching our fullest potential.That friend you lost? They weren’t meant for this next phase. The job that is no longer yours? It’s leaving space for something better and more aligned that is ahead.
That job that is yours now? Teasing out the take aways these losses are here to teach you. The best thing you can do in a moment where everything feels uncertain is to reconnect with who you are now - and assess what opportunities are available to you in all aspects (building community, nurturing friendships, growing your financial wellbeing, choosing where you live, deciding how you spend your free time, etc) in this moment to begin to build again.
Uncertainty, if approached with presence, can become your sharpest design tool.
At Good Life Designed, we believe challenges and forward progress aren’t opposing forces. They’re designed in tandem. So if you're feeling disoriented by change—or simply ready for a more intentional next chapter—here’s a glimpse into the first step of our process to use change and frustration to your advantage:
When life feels chaotic, clarity is your lifeline.
Get it all out of your head and onto paper. What’s working? What isn’t?
Sorting your life by category—relationships, work, health, money, home, purpose—can help you reclaim a sense of calm and direction.
💡 Awareness eases anxiety. Naming what’s going on is the first step to changing it.
The key to success when navigating an uncomfortable shift in life (a job loss, an ended relationship, etc) is to get to the root of what about the situation is/was making you happy and what about it is/was causing you discomfort, unease or unhappiness. This clarity will help you identify values that are misaligned so you know what to look for in your next opportunity. Outline your takeaways and turn them in to non negotiables you can use to set yourself up in a life more aligned with who you are and what you want.
Anything that is falling away right now is meant to make space for something better. Use the discomfort as a guide to shed light on what is at the root of the feelings that are coming up so you can build self awareness and only accept new opportunities in alignment with that self awareness.
Ready for more? Purchase our ‘Guide for Change’ life mapping tool or the full course here.
Comments, questions or concerns? We’d love to hear from you!
