The Lifequake: How to Welcome Your New Self

LIFEQUAKES | those unexpected, transformative shifts in our life plan, that have a way of shaking us to our core.

​This month, we’ve explored how to recognize when you’re in the midst of a lifequake and how to begin embracing the unknowns your facing. But what happens after the dust settles?

When immense change leaves your foundations shaken, it often triggers those deep questions:

• Who am I now?
• Am I still happy with this direction I've been going?
• What needs to change?
• What do I really want from this next chapter of my life?

And, it can also cause a complete shift in our SENSE of IDENTITY.

This can be especially true, if our sense of identity was closely linked to a specific role/career, a relationship, or a routine that was lost OR no longer "fits" the essence of you and what you want.  
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Many women I've coached feel this way specifically after a career break or change.

Whether through a significant job or industry change, a redundancy, transitioning to/from motherhood, or when starting or closing a business.  

More than I think we realise so much of our identity is tied to
WHAT WE DO!

The mind will question... 
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"IF I no longer have this job, title, career path or industry, IF this business identity or ROLE I've played for so long is now GONE then…  

BUT, WHO AM I NOW?? ​

Ultimately, what’s most confronting - is the letting go part. Isn't it?

The letting go of how we know we were perceived by people and how we perceived our "self".

Letting go of routines that felt comfortable, and perhaps people or places that no longer serve us.  
But the truth is what matters most - our values and core belief system are not likely to change all that much with a self-identity shift.

Unless you choose to make those changes.

You will still be you, who you’ve always been underneath it all.  
And maybe, (just maybe!) this “shedding” is your chance to align more with who you truly are, free from past opinions and expectations. 
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In time, you might even come to see that this journey was never about “losing” who you were… 
But rather about discovering who you were always meant to become.

These moments of uncertainty can feel overwhelming, but they also present a powerful opportunity to rediscover and realign with your truest self. Let’s dive into how you can approach this phase with curiosity, self-compassion, and purpose.​

By embracing each step of the "discovery" process with self-compassion, you’ll create a  new foundation for a life that feels more aligned with your values, beliefs and truest self. ​

First Things First: Welcome HER With More Self-Compassion

Yes, this process of transformation can feel disorienting and even unsettling.

It’ll be easy to fall into the trap of self-judgment, especially when we feel lost or unsure of our direction.  

And it will require you to approach yourself with more patience and self-compassion than you've ever had before!

You'll likely feel a sense of frustration for not having it all figured out right away.

But, THESE THINGS DO TAKE TIME. 

​Just as we wouldn’t expect a butterfly to emerge from its cocoon fully formed without the process of metamorphosis, we can’t expect ourselves to know every detail of WHO WE ARE BECOMING before we’ve fully transformed! 

Self-Compassion Starts with Acceptance:

• It’s okay to feel uncertain right now 
• It’s okay to not to have all the answers today
• I am in a process of rediscovering who I am and what I want
• It’s ok to let go of the rigid expectations I held for ourselves 
  
• It’s ok to take a breath and the time to allow my life to unfold  

​Choose Kindness Over Criticism: 

• I am in a state of becoming, and I’ll remember that transformation doesn’t happen overnight  
• I allow myself the space to grow and I’m open to discovery 
• I trust the journey and embrace each step, knowing every day I am evolving (like the butterfly) 

Ask Yourself These Questions: 

1. What parts of your old identity no longer feel aligned, and what qualities or values do you want to bring into this new chapter of your life? 
2. What past experiences or challenges have shown you your strength? How can you draw on that resilience as you navigate this transition? 
3. When you imagine your most authentic self, what does she look like, feel like, and prioritize? What small steps can you take to move closer to her? 

Embracing your new self after a lifequake isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about allowing yourself the grace to grow, evolve, and align with what truly matters.

Take it one step at a time, and trust that you’re creating a life that reflects your most authentic and empowered self.

​~ JB

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About the Author: 

Janel Briggs is a NLP and Timeline Therapy Practitioner on a mission to support women across the globe in overcoming their professional anxieties, imposter syndrome, fears and insecurities to build unwavering confidence and self-belief. Mindset Coaching is about empowering women to rise above self-doubt and become fearless leaders in the pursuit of life and career success! 
Connect with Janel on social media via Linkedin or Instagram.

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​READY TO TURN YOUR LIFEQUAKE INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH & SELF DISCOVERY?

​Let’s work together to redefine your path, rebuild your confidence, and align with the woman you’re meant to be. Apply now for my 1:1 coaching program, and let’s start creating the next chapter of your life!

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