Life’s transitions are changes by choice or changes by chance. Surrounding yourself with a support team is essential to help you take the steps necessary to get from where you are to where you want to be. A major life change came for me when, as a “single-again” lady, I applied for a job as a flight attendant. You talk about a team – my family, friends and neighbors stepped up to the plate so I could make the home run!!

During a visit to Dallas, a flight attendant friend from college suggested I apply to American Airlines. “Who Me?” I said. “They are hiring the mature”, she said! Check that criteria off. My limiting beliefs, however, kept me in denial about my success. Here is where my team gave me the courage necessary to take steps toward my goal.

My daughter helped me fill out and mail applications to several airlines. The first reply was a rejection; the second, an acceptance from American Airlines for an interview. YEE HA! My home town friend coached me so I would be prepared for the interview: a proper suit, a new hairdo, question and answer practice and more. The interview went great and a date for my physical was set. Soon after my second trip to American Airlines, a congratulatory letter arrived. Hooray for me and my team!

My training class, scheduled for Labor Day, came on the heels of another major change in my life, the death of my Father in mid-August. I felt like giving up so I could take care of my Mother, yet my brother stepped in and said, “ I want you to take this opportunity and Mother will be well cared for.” What team spirit.

September found me: living with a roommate at the Flight Academy, facing intense safety training on mock airplanes, taking computer tests (I hardly knew what a computer was), dressing professionally every day and being concerned about my Mother. This six week period was the most difficult of my life and I made many calls to my support team for encouragement and motivation. “Just do it!” my flight attendant friend said, when I was discouraged.

Graduation : a giant step - a new life. My family was there to cheer me on with two dozen yellow roses. I felt very special. To this day I know that I could not have made this major transition without team support.

In Marilyn Swartz’s book, New Times in the Old South : or Why Scarlett’s in Therapy and Tara’s Going Condo, you will find a picture of Susan, the Flight Attendant in the chapter, Flying High at Fifty.

If you are in transition, who is on your success team?

This is a dynamic process. I would love to coach you as you move forward.

Use your courage and be in response to the true you.

With warm regards,

Susan Sadler Hayman
International Life Transitions Coach
Call me at 662-238-7754 or email me.