GNT #098: Attending to the Ending

read time: 4.5 minutes
 

The room was buzzing with anticipation.

It was the last meeting of a small team that had worked together for years, building a brand that reflected everything they stood for.

As the session began, the leader stood up. “Before we dive into today’s agenda,” she said, “I want to take a moment. This is our last time together as this team, and I want to honor what we’ve accomplished.”

She went on to share stories of late nights, big wins, and even the challenges they’d faced together. As she spoke, the energy in the room shifted - there were tears, laughter, and an undeniable sense of pride.

By the time the meeting ended, everyone felt not only the weight of the goodbye but also the gratitude of having shared something special.

This is a meeting I was a part of many years ago.

Now contrast that with another experience I had. A leader abruptly announced their departure with a terse email. No explanations, no chance to reflect. The people left behind felt blindsided, confused, and unacknowledged.

Neither ending is without its emotions. But one is wrapped in meaning, while the other leaves a void.

All’s well that ends well.

But how often do we really attend to the ending? Whether it’s moving on from a job, closing a project, or even saying goodbye to a loved one, endings have a way of sneaking up on us. They demand our attention but often get rushed, ignored, or avoided altogether.

When we don’t intentionally approach them, the impact can linger - for ourselves, and for others.

In today’s newsletter, we’re diving into why endings matter, how to navigate them thoughtfully, and how they shape not just the conclusion but the memory of what came before.

Let’s dig in.

Why Endings Shape the Story

This year has been a season of endings for me - losing two extended family members, saying goodbye to our beloved 18-year-old cat, Rocky, and wrapping up my work with an incredible client at the end of this year.

Despite what my 7-year-old son might think, endings aren’t just the last page of the book. In many ways, they frame how the entire story is remembered.

Think about a meal at a great restaurant. Even if the appetizers and main course are perfect, a disappointing dessert can color your memory of the entire experience. The same holds true for the moments when we say goodbye.

Endings aren’t easy. They come with emotions - sadness, confusion, anger. It’s tempting to avoid them, skip the awkwardness, or to just focus on what’s next. But avoiding them often leaves a void, one that follows us into the next chapter.

As William Bridges explains in Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes, endings are essential to meaningful change. He describes transitions as having three stages:

1. The Ending: Letting go of what was.
2. The Neutral Zone: The in-between time when the old is gone, but the new hasn’t fully formed.
3. The New Beginning: Fully embracing what comes next.

Bridges argues that we often overlook the first stage because it’s uncomfortable or painful. But skipping the ending risks carrying unresolved emotions into the neutral zone, where uncertainty and hesitation can stall progress. Endings allow us to process, grieve, and honor what we’re leaving behind, creating the clarity and emotional space needed to move forward.

This is why intentionality matters.

The Three A’s of Intentional Endings

When it comes to creating thoughtful endings, I like this approach I learned from Jay Shetty: the Three A’s - Acceptance, Awareness, and Action.

1. Acceptance
   Acknowledge that endings are emotional. Sadness, anger, confusion, even relief. It's all a natural part of the process. Ignoring these feelings, whether they’re your own or someone else’s, only makes the transition harder. By leaning into acceptance, you create space for understanding and healing.
2. Awareness
   Awareness is about being mindful of how your ending impacts others. Communicating openly and honestly helps turn uncertainty into clarity. Yes, we're sharing what’s happening, but most importantly we're sharing the why behind it. When you approach endings with awareness, you build trust and respect.
3. Action
   Take intentional steps to bring closure. This could look like a final meeting to reflect on what’s been accomplished, a thank-you note to those who made an impact, or even a small celebration. Action provides a tangible way to honor what’s ending and helps everyone involved move forward.
   
   

What Ending are You Facing?

Endings come in many forms - a job, a project, a relationship, loss of a loved one or friend, or even a life chapter.

Take a moment to think about an ending you’re navigating or one on the horizon. How can you bring intentionality to that experience?

Here are the Three As to reflect on:

• Acceptance: What emotions are coming up for you or others involved?
• Awareness: How can you communicate openly and honestly about this ending?
• Action: What small, meaningful step can you take to honor this moment?

When we approach endings with care, we create opportunities for connection and growth. Instead of leaving a void, we can leave a sense of peace - for ourselves and for others.

Takeaway

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your story.

What’s an ending you’ve navigated recently - or one you’re preparing for? How did you (or will you) approach it?

Feel free to contact me or share your thoughts on social and tag me.

Here’s to attending to the ending and shaping meaningful transitions.

See you next week. 

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