The void, that space between an old chapter closing and a new chapter beginning. It’s often filled with sadness, memories, and nostalgia; not only that, but we’re also looking ahead to the unknown with anticipation. The future uncertain, the past behind us, and we find ourselves in this space. The void.
So many feelings and emotions come up during this time, the sadness of the chapter closing, the characters in your life that are now exiting, or going on a sabbatical, and all the happy memories and moments come bounding back with the anticipation of what’s coming next ever-present. It’s hard to turn the page; we’re human after all, and sadness is part and parcel of the human experience. While it can be challenging, it’s important to feel our emotions, process them, and allow them to come to the surface.
This space, the void, serves a purpose; it always does. Think of it like a computer reboot. To update your computer with new software, you need to shut it down before it restarts.
While the process of shutting it down is often an interruption and a frustration, when the reboot takes place, and everything comes back to life, you find that the outdated programmes are now gone and your machine becomes quicker and more efficient.
That’s what the void is. It’s the reboot.
The reboot is happening for many as we approach the end of the year, and with the shutdown pending, emotions are coming up. Feel them. Process them. I recently shared that emotions are just energy in motion, and these feelings are now moving through you. The motion indicates movement; these emotions won’t stay within you.
Although the future may appear unknown, reflect on your life thus far and everything that has come beforehand. What emerges after this void? An upgrade. The reboot. Not better, not worse, but instead a fresh slate and a new chapter of your story begins.
But why do we worry about this process every time a chapter comes to an end?
When you think of all your life chapters to date, perhaps leaving school, going to university, getting your first job, buying your first house, and starting your family? When you look back, there are so many distinct life chapters, and while we may sometimes be sad when a chapter comes to a close, a new one always emerges in its place. Not better, not worse, but always different.
Throughout our whole lives, we are evolving.
It’s a constant, and yet when a chapter is ending, and we’re faced yet again with the void, we feel the sadness, and we look back nostalgically. Yes, it’s sad, that those moments are now gone, but the memories will always remain, and that’s what makes life special. The moments.
If you think of life as a book or movie, each of us is writing our own.
We are often side characters in someone else’s book; we may pop in for a chapter or two and then leave, or perhaps we’re a main character in their storylines, such as our partners, our children, or our siblings.
Some characters are meant to be the main characters in our books, too. While some pop in for a chapter or two, and some as an extra. However, in the same way that other people are characters in our books/movies, we are also characters in theirs.
So, rather than look at it with sadness when a chapter ends, can you look at it as special? Special that you’ve both shared a chapter of your lives. No matter how long or short they were part of it. Those are memories that you will always share, always bond you, and that in itself is special.
A new page is turning.
So back to the void, Yes the unknown, the vastness may feel scary now, but just like everything that came before, you know the next pages of your book will continue to be filled with new storylines, experiences, and adventures.
There is nothing to fear in this space.
Allow your emotions to process and feel the feels, but remember, when one door shuts, another opens, and every ending is a new beginning. It’s special to share a chapter of your book with others and what’s coming next is the reboot. An upgraded version of you, and that has to be something worth celebrating.
Don’t avoid the void, feel it, process it, and know that the best is yet to come!
Navigating the void? Here’s how I can help:
- Follow me, Natalie Neilson, on Instagram/TikTok/LinkedIn/Substack/YouTube. Tune into my podcast, The Power of You (Available on Apple/Spotify podcasts) or sign up for my emails: https://natalieneilson.com/
- Enquire about speaking/workshops
- 1:1 growth sessions (limited)
- Coaching approaches at scale for your teams and organisation through TTM Coaching:
https://ttmcoaching.com/. You can also follow TTM Coaching on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
DM me or email for more info: Nataliej@ttmcoaching.com