As women, we all go through at least several transitions in life, some are brought on by biological and emotional changes, some may be due to new circumstances.  In fact, they are all invitations to a transformation at different stages, in which I call that your Hero or Heroine Journey. Each journey leads us to encounter an unknown part within us or external to us. 

I first started to share what I have learned from different teachers and personal experiences regarding our transitions in my book Goddess with Many Faces. I am about to complete my next book and I wanted to add on or update regarding this specific topic on women cycle of life and transitions. 

One of the two key messages I need to add is about the importance of knowing your gifts and opportunities that may come with each of the stages in life. And secondly, how we must find pleasure and joy at every age.

Let me quickly take you through what I called the Women Circle of Life, or the Four Seasons of Women instead of a more traditional label of the “Triple Goddess” which many refer to as Maiden, Mother and Crone. I believe these days not only women have a longer life expectancy, but we also have more opportunities to explore our potentials and develop what our heart calls us to do as well. The Four Seasons of Women refer to the four stages: Maiden, Mother, Matriarch and Wise Woman. Changing of seasons symbolizes the transition we all go through and as we pass our wisdom and knowledge to the next generations through our family and friends, our thoughts and love live on. That’s why for me, it is like a cycle and continuation of life. 

Spring: From Maiden to Woman

Each woman’s menstrual cycle begins when her body is ready to become a woman. This is the stage of the maiden which, like the season of spring, is full of youthful energy and a feeling of all things being possible. Although it may take a woman a lot longer than she would like for her mind to mature in the same way, she is being initiated into womanhood in a rather straightforward manner. Women’s rites of passage are built-in, as compared with men, whose journeys from boys to men are not as defined by nature, only by mental maturity. In fact, in many ancient traditions, boys were taken to a dark forest or cave to undertake a ritual in order to earn the rite of passage. Personally, I find the key of passage is about transforming anything we fear into love and courage. Therefore, when a girl or boy experience something that shakes their world, confronts them to face their fear and ask them for an act of courage or kindness, that in essence is leading them to a transformation. It marks the departure of a maiden and arrival of a woman. 

Summer: Woman to Mother/Birther of Creative Pursuits 

The next stage is summer when a woman becomes fully grown and becomes a mother. This journey is more complex as she is bringing a new life into the world. She doesn’t know how she is going to be as a mother, there is a sense of uncertainty in her psyche. Some women may feel very excited and ready for their impending motherhood, but some may be worried as life is changing and they have little control or experience to prepare them for it. They may also feel they need to put a pause on their career or they may be unsure how to balance the two. That is why these days many women choose to delay motherhood until they feel they are more established in life. I always suggest to listen to your inner calling and don’t deny an urge if it is what you want or rushes it if you don’t feel ready.

Personally I also had no idea how motherhood would affect my career or ...