Struggling with a big decision? This simple four-box matrix goes beyond pros and cons to help you reflect, discern, and move forward with confidence.

This honest reflection from the Lessons from the In-Between series explores how saying no can bravely move us forward in life transitions.

In times of transition, we often need trusted voices to reflect our true strengths back to us. This post explores how outside perspectives and healthy mirrors can guide us through uncertainty, helping us see what’s already within and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

When life feels uncertain, doing something can feel like control, but sometimes action is just avoidance. True clarity comes from pausing to reflect on who you are becoming, not just what you should do. Knowing your real needs and values helps you move forward with purpose and peace. The in-between is a sacred space for growth, where understanding yourself becomes the foundation for meaningful next steps.

When a chapter closes—not with tragedy, but with the end of a long-held role—we often overlook the grief that quietly follows. I knew I wasn’t going back to my job after 22 years, but I didn’t know where I was headed next, or how to feel about that. Grief isn’t just for loss marked by obvious tragedy; it’s the hidden companion in every transition. Giving ourselves permission to name and feel that grief creates space—not just for sadness, but for healing, growth, and the freedom to explore what comes next.

Sometimes clarity feels out of reach—especially when we’re stuck in the “in-between,” no longer where we were but not yet where we’re going. What I’ve learned is that clarity doesn’t come before action; it comes through it. Taking imperfect steps forward, trusting the process, and reflecting along the way helped me find my next right move. If you’re waiting for perfect clarity, maybe it’s time to start moving instead.

Sometimes clarity feels out of reach—especially when we’re stuck in the “in-between,” no longer where we were but not yet where we’re going. What I’ve learned is that clarity doesn’t come before action; it comes through it. Taking imperfect steps forward, trusting the process, and reflecting along the way helped me find my next right move. If you’re waiting for perfect clarity, maybe it’s time to start moving instead.

For years, I said it like a fact: “I don’t want to be an entrepreneur.” It felt safe—a story I clung to when everything else was uncertain. But sometimes, certainty becomes a cage. It wasn’t until a wise friend gently reminded me, “You know you’re allowed to change your mind, right?” that I realized how much I needed permission to grow. We all carry old stories about who we are, but what if those stories no longer fit? Changing your mind isn’t a flaw—it’s a sign of growth. You’re allowed to reimagine what’s next.