When I moved to Colorado from New York City, my boyfriend at the time found me suddenly “clingy.” The confident, independent girl he met in NYC was replaced by an awkward, lost, clingy person. In hindsight, I’d just gotten off The Elevator. Of course I needed more support. (Yes, he’s long gone)
So many of my clients over the years are fresh off The Elevator. The Elevator is any time of transition in your life. When you’re on The Elevator, you might not know where you’re going or when the crazy ride will end.
And once you get off, the world is weird. The Elevator could be a divorce, a move, leaving a job. It could be maternity and post-partum. Empty-nesting, retirement, graduation. When the wild ride stops, you’re a bit disoriented. I see it in my high-school seniors, maternity clients, new moms, and beautiful women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond.
The key to this moment is to not make any big rash decisions. Don’t get married or divorced right after a move and job change. Don’t make big property or business moves. The consequences of these things are too deep and long.
No, the way through this moment is creative expression. Cut your hair and dye it purple. Re-arrange your furniture. Paint a wall lime green. Or better yet, paint a mural on that wall of a giant kitty peering over the couch. ( I have done all these things. Except my mural was not of a giant kitty… If only I’d thought of it then!)
It may that someone you love is fresh off the elevator, and they need your support. Take their hand and go to a hair salon or art supply or home depot.
And then come for a photo shoot and let’s see what new ideas we can come up with together. The best part of coming off The Elevator is that it’s a new chance to discover yourself and become who ever you want to be!
Warmth and Color, for a Wintery Mood
