Small anchors in a week of change
Feelings, endings and new beginnings — one steady step at a time.
Some experiences stay with you for life. The last week of February was one of those for me. My workplace decided to make around 150 redundancies in Denmark and to post the roles abroad, including in Poland.
A stormy week, where everyday life changed course from one day to the next.
I had known for a while that my role was at risk — a skilled manager in Poland had already been appointed with the same areas of responsibility as mine. I had simply hoped my team would be spared. As a team lead, you’re invited into people’s confidential spaces. You get close to lives, sorrows and joys. When you then have to make redundancies, you also know what it costs the individual and their family.
Long story short: I was made redundant, and so was my manager — and, thankfully, only one person from my team. Many around us were affected: some placed on immediate gardening leave (like me), others asked to stay on for a longer transition to “hold the fort” until an overseas successor is in place. A colleague described it as “getting divorced, but still living in the house to train the new spouse” — sharp, and sadly not far off.
What I’m taking with me is the care. I’ve rarely experienced so much warmth at once: hugs, kind words and encouragement. Among those who remain employed, feelings ranged from guilt, worry and early grief to relief (and shame about the relief). Among those of us who were made redundant, many were hit by anger, sadness and practical concerns — the full emotional register.
Through it all, I’ve used my NLP tools: including anchoring (see Part 2) and the awareness that I can regulate my state. It’s been worth its weight in gold!
Personally, I’m at peace. My role moving to Poland isn’t a surprise, and the terms have been reasonable. For the first time in my adult life, I’m going to practise relaxing. Spring is around the corner; creative projects are calling (find my creative Instagram at mettelettes_kreakram), the garden needs a caring hand — and my website can finally get the focus it deserves. And most importantly, I can spend more time on coaching and helping others find their anchor and full potential.
The storm didn’t settle in a day, but the small anchors made it sailable: landing in the body, activating the anchor, making the next step manageable. They’re small things — and that’s exactly why they’re simple to integrate into everyday life.
For anyone navigating change: the small tools help. Part 3 in my series is just around the corner — I’ll describe how, in a few minutes, you can give worry a clear shape so it becomes easier to meet — and easier to let go.
My calendar is open for clients. I offer conversations at my home office, online sessions, or — if it suits better — a session at your location. The first clarity call is free. Contact me.
Read more in the series: