May & June 2026

I learned to drive as a teenager, both nervous and empowered by the prospect of such independence.  Along with control over this powerful machine came control of my own schedule and social life.  I was a quick learner, but I made my share of mistakes.  At times I was too tentative, at times too bold.  It took time and coaching to find my rhythm.  I remember going out for driving practice with my father, who offered sage advice while anxiously gripping the dashboard.  “Take it slow going into the curves,” he suggested on a particularly winding road, “then gradually speed up as you come around.” 

This wisdom resonates now as I prepare to leave my career of nearly 15 years and start over in the related field of counseling.  I’ve felt like an eager teenager at times, impatient to reach the next milestone.  I’ve also needed to slow down and prepare myself for this curve in the road.  I needed time to sit with the grief of losing relationships and the guilt of leaving when the needs are still great.  Giving myself time has made it easier to lean into the excitement as the time approaches.  I can feel myself accelerating as the path ahead comes into view.  I’m ready to learn my way around again, even it means making new mistakes.  And I’m grateful for those who are willing to share their wisdom.

It’s not always easy to know when to slow down and when to speed up.  Sometimes life throws obstacles in our path that bring us to a screeching halt.  Other times we struggle to keep up with the rush around us.  At our best, we find a steady rhythm.  We keep an eye on the road ahead.  We adjust as needed.  We remember that we’re still learning and welcome the advice of those who’ve travelled this way before.