Liminal is relating to a transitional or initial stage of a process.
Chip Conley has inspired me for many years, but recently for the first time he has also been my editor, for yesterday’s guest post on the new “Wisdom Well” of daily writings from the Modern Elder Academy. Thanks, Chip, for editing me down to something succinct!
When You’re Liminal and You Don’t Know It.
Last week I met someone I hadn’t seen for over two and a half years and they asked me what I’d been up to.
I could have said so much.
In that time I got divorced, mothballed my business, moved from Cayman to London, then have met some really amazing people (including Chip) and got involved in some fantastic projects (including Modern Elder Academy), all while continuing my core work as a Sounding Board to leaders.
Phew, so much has happened.
Instead, what came out of my mouth was simply: “I’ve been on a quasi-sabbatical”
Thud!
Wow, as the words came out, I suddenly realized that has been exactly what I’ve been doing.
Up until that moment I thought I’d done the liminal bit a long time ago around my work and career and was already well through that into my next phase. I certainly felt that way when I went to the Modern Elder Academy not once but twice.
So, it is with a wry smile that I’ve come to a sudden realization that I been at a new level of liminality all this time!
Perhaps liminality comes in waves. If so, I’m a happy surfer.