“don’t expect your employees to stay.”

susanne conrad of igolu could have no idea how her words resonated with me.   her whole theme was about getting people (us) to tap into what they love to do most– and bringing that into the world.

susanne was a keynote speaker for the first lululemon ambassador summit.  her words were meant specifically for anyone running their own yoga studio or lululemon store.  after all, we all claim to be leaders in the world of transformation and personal growth.  therefore, it should be in our blood to get people to move on ...

... and to move on ourselves.

as i sat in the audience, and listened with my heart – i knew susanne was talking to not only the teacher in me – but the mamma who sat there as well.  the momma who would soon move her baby girl into college.

susanne may as well have said, "don’t expect your children to stay," because that's what i heard.

a parent’s job is always to help our children tap into what they love to do most, help them develop the skills they need, and then let them bring that passion into the world. in other words, all these years – my sole job has been to help my daughter develop her wings.  the ones that will carry her up, up and away …. from me.

doesn’t make it easy, i know. 

i also know i’m not the only one feeling this strange sense of utter joy coupled with a selfish sadness.  i have heard from so many of my friends who have watched ones they care so much for,  move on … graduate schools, other states and countries, kindergarten, marriage, a new job. their farewells are all bittersweet. 

even i am getting ready to leave a place i love and will always love -  to a new place in my personal development, as i join the ashtanga yoga center in the fall.

all of a sudden, i understand just how my daughter now feels.

i watched my (not so) little girl the week before we moved her in.  she went between moments of great excitement as she looked ahead towards this grand adventure she is about to embark … to moments of apprehension and anxiety as she prepared to leave the comfort of all she’s ever known.   

but on that day, it was clear.  within hours i could see it in her eyes.  the time had come, as she realized her wings could carry her.  and there was no pushing her out of the nest – nor trying to keep her in.

because once you realize you can fly – you simply have no other choice.

my heart sang as i realized i helped her grow those wings.  and i was there with her the moment her dreams could take flight. 

besides, journeys are not linear – but circular. 

and at some point, we all return to the place we first called hOMe …

a connection we carry in our hearts forever.

kiss goodbye, by little big town

Well the hardest part
Ya it hurts so bad
Is when she spreads her wings
But it'd be a selfish thing
To try and hold her back
But it don't work like that

You just gotta watch (her) fly