Holding Back

I meet regularly with a small group—four women and myself—to discuss life transitions. Over the years, I’ve written extensively about transitions, and at the moment, I find myself in the midst of a significant one: moving on from a 35+ year career in local and state government. Our most recent discussion centered around the concept of Holding Back—a topic that deeply influences how we navigate both major and minor life changes.

Holding back affects how readily we embrace new opportunities and adapt to change. It can also keep us tethered to the past, influencing how we allocate our time and energy. On a deeper level, it impacts our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

I invite you to reflect on the following questions. Set aside 15 to 20 minutes to journal about them—you may be surprised by what you uncover:

• Where in your life do you hold back?

• What do you gain from holding back?

• Where do you struggle with letting go of control?

• How might your life look different if you didn’t hold back?

Exploring these questions may offer new insights and help you move forward with greater clarity and intention.