Renaissance Moments
When I was coming up with the wording for my new coaching offers, the word “renaissance” stood out to me. It means a revival of or renewed interest in something. It also describes someone who has wide interests. I love holding these two ideas in mind when we talk about transitions in life. Sometimes we think of major life transitions as a departure, a leap into the unknown, or leaving behind the past. But what if, true transformation is a return? A renaissance moment is about rediscovering the forgotten pieces, the long-ignored interests, the things that once brought you joy. The fun that comes with being curious and interested.
I recently had a moment that had me considering what renaissance means to me. I was looking for a playlist to put on when I was cooking for a party. I found a fun one and was happily chopping and stirring when a song came on that was my JAM just after I graduated college. And as I was singing along, I was hit with a stark realization. Smacked in the face with it to be perfectly honest. The words that the 19-year-old me was so proud to belt out? They no longer applied to the 44-year-old woman I had become. I was startled by this disconnect and, frankly, a bit shaken. It made me think. A lot. Where did that girl go? Could I get her back? Did I want her back?
Later, as I talked to a dear friend about this mind drama, she reminded me that that girl also doesn't know what I now know. She doesn't yet have the experience, the knowledge, or the maturity to understand the power of allowing yourself to be vulnerable. The way your life exponentially improves when you let people and ideas in. And these thoughts also threw me for a loop.
The more I ponder these things, the more I realize I want both Rachels. I want the young, confident, brave Rachel I used to be and also the rooted, strong, attached Rachel I now am. I want the best of both worlds. And I think the way to do that is to reach back before trying to move forward.
Transformation isn’t about erasing who you are. it’s about becoming more of yourself. The next chapter isn’t a goodbye; it’s a welcome back. The things that once made you feel most alive? They’re still there, waiting for you to remember. The work is in finding those pieces of you that you've always loved but maybe most track of and bringing them into the now. It's in these moments of transition where we have the best opportunity to find ourselves again. And how exciting is that?
