Respite Reflections’ purpose is to help people push the “pause” button in their transition work — to take a break from the thinking, researching, networking and preparing for interviews. Taking a moment to center yourself, ponder a positive thought, and focus on a broader perspective is invaluable during a time of transition.

Respite: A short interval of rest or relief

“To exist is to change, to change is to mature,
to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.”

– Henri Bergson

Whether we are a proponent of “change” or run from the room whenever we hear the word, the above quote seems to put it all in perspective. As one changes, which is inevitable, one continues to create oneself, or perhaps to unveil oneself, layer by layer.

We define ourselves with many labels, but we are more than all of them. Our self-image and self-worth are endlessly unfolding and recreating themselves. How exciting!

So if we’re feeling “stuck” we never really are because imperceptible changes are occurring within us all the time. Like the hidden tulip bulb beneath our feet, changes are happening whether we’re actually aware of them or not and quite soon an unexpected change may pop up to surprise us with a beauty never before anticipated
– Connie Popp

Dr. Connie PoppDr. Connie Popp is a board member for The Center for Life Transitions as well as an active facilitator for the Center’s Life-SHIFT and Job Search Courage programs. She is also the Director of Campus Ministry at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Read more.