By Stephanie Weese, CFO, Immediate Past President, Deputy Superintendent, Livingston ESA
You know that feeling when you finish something, maybe a big project or even a career milestone, and you’re hit with a wave of emotions all at once? You feel moments of happiness, but there is also this lingering sense of loss or sadness.
Usually, when we achieve a significant goal, the overwhelming feeling is a sense of accomplishment. We expect happiness, pride, and a reason to celebrate. I can think of many times throughout my career where I’ve felt that rush. Honestly, I’ve felt it for simple things, too, like finally crossing off every task on my to-do list for the week. (We have to celebrate the small things!)
However, for the last few months, I’ve been feeling something more complex as my time on the MSBO Board comes to an end.
I have moments of pure happiness when I look back at the initiatives we’ve moved forward and the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with. But I’m also feeling a sense of loss, almost like grief. Having a focus outside of my “real job” has provided a sense of balance in my life and has given me something to look forward to. Now, my brain is asking: So, what do we do now?
Of course, I “Googled” my symptoms (haha). It turns out that a sense of loss after finishing a major chapter is completely normal. It doesn’t exactly feel normal in the moment, but I’m going with the search engine diagnosis on this one! So, if you ever achieve something big and suddenly find yourself feeling a little blue, just know you aren’t alone.
I’ve come to acknowledge and understand these feelings of sadness; it is a big deal to walk away from something that you have poured so much energy into. I actually appreciate those feelings now, because they mean that my time was spent on something truly meaningful. I wouldn’t feel this sense of loss if the work hadn’t mattered.
Lately, I’ve been trying to focus on the journey rather than just the finish line. Shifting that perspective helps me move back toward gratitude, gratitude for my eight years on the Board and the colleagues I’ve worked alongside.
I am excited to watch the journey of our current and future board members. I look forward to seeing their leadership in action and, hopefully, getting to know them as well. Serving this organization has given me so much as a leader. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served the members of MSBO.