Simple Shifts Forward Podcast
Episode 05: The Goo of Change (S3E5)
Clarity Chat: The Goo of Change. Change rarely feels exciting at first — it often feels sticky, messy, and uncomfortable. Dana calls this the “goo stage,” the in-between space where you’re no longer who you were, but not yet who you’re becoming. Through her own story as a mom shifting roles, she shows how to find breadcrumbs of joy in the messy middle.
You’ll learn:
- Why change feels like goo (sticky, stretchy, and awkward).
- How to reframe transitions as space, not loss.
- One small way to reconnect with things you used to love.
“Change doesn’t feel clean — it feels like goo. Sticky, stretchy, messy — the middle space between what was and what’s next.”
Full Transcript
Hi, I’m Dana. Thanks for being here. I share small shifts and real-life stories to help you feel clearer and calmer as you move forward.
There’s a stage of change I call the goo. You’re not who you were, but you’re not yet who you’re becoming. It’s the in-between.
It feels… sticky. Like gum on your shoe, slowing you down.
It feels… stretchy. Like you’re being pulled in two directions. It could show up as I could do this or that…
It feels… uncomfortable. Like wearing a sweater that doesn’t fit anymore.
I’m in the goo right now. That’s why I thought we could chat about it today. My daughter has started driving. Overnight, I’m not needed as the family Uber anymore. I had extra time — and this weird, strange ache. The words that come to mind are bittersweet. She’s growing up and making her own decisions – that’s what she’s meant to do in this phase and chapter of her life AND I will miss her telling me about her day in those first moments after carpool pickup.
So the GOO
It can show up when you least expect it – usually during transitions:
• when kids leave home,
• when jobs shift,
• when relationships end,
• or even in retirement.
We think change should feel exciting. But often, it feels like goo.
Here’s the gift, though: goo isn’t just sticky. It’s space. Space to breathe. Space to remember what you used to enjoy. Space to try something new or pick back up on forgotten projects,
For me, it was picking up an old craft hobby. Not to spend a ton of time to be perfect, just to reconnect with a forgotten part of me. I bought an inexpensive bow maker – and am going to redo some of my wreaths. Exciting, I know! Really only for the crafters listening.
So here’s a question for everyone…
Reflection Prompt: If you’re in the goo, what’s one thing you used to enjoy that you could dip back into, even just a little?
The goo doesn’t last forever. It’s not a failure. It’s just the middle stage of becoming something new.
In closing:
So if you’re in the goo right now, take heart. It means you’re already in motion. Messy, yes. But also full of possibilities.
Thanks for sharing this space with me — we’ll meet again soon.
💭 Reflection Prompt:
If you’re in the goo, what’s one thing you used to enjoy that you could dip back into, even just a little?
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