"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." - A.A. Milne (Winnie-the-Pooh)

Goodbyes can be bittersweet. As one door closes, another one opens. There can be many mixed feelings as a new chapter begins. All of this is normal and part of the journey. For some people, it is so hard to say goodbye that they never do say goodbye. They avoid the moment and put it off or not at all. This is not healthy and can reflect maladaptive attachment styles.

Goodbyes can sometimes have a stigmatizing connotation to them. One thing I learned about goodbyes as a trained therapist is that "saying goodbye" (called "termination" in the social work field) teaches our clients how to say goodbye in a healthy and adaptive way. It is a natural part of growth and life.

3 HEALTHY WAYS TO SAY GOODBYE

1. Telling the other party (person, company, etc.) in advance: If you already know that you will be leaving or saying goodbye on a certain date it is best to share this information as soon and transparently as possible. If there is already a contract in place that is also beneficial so both parties are on the same page, know what to expect, and can plan accordingly. 
2. Reflect together: The act of reflection is so necessary and effective. By communicating what you learned from that person or company, and also reminiscing on positive memories and accomplishments, enables a sense of fulfillment and closure before saying goodbye. Reflecting also reminds us of the skills we learned and will carry with us into our next chapter.
3. Feel the feelings: Goodbyes can be bittersweet for both sides! Feel the feelings and be thankful for connecting and collaborating with each other! 

As my role here at The Cookie Jar almost comes to an end, I wanted to share and acknowledge that I will carry everything I learned into the next chapter. I am so thankful to have had this opportunity and to the amazing people I met along the way.  TCJ will always have a special place in my heart especially being my first internship experience in the marketing field. Thank you for this opportunity, TCJ! 

It was such a rewarding experience writing for and chatting with you, Queens! Wishing you the best of success, health, and happiness.

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