#162 Why the most important goodbye you’ll ever say is to the relationship that kept you small with Elizabeth Aldana

"Start to not tolerate things, and the bigger things will become easier." What if the hardest (and most transformative) endings in our lives are the ones we choose ourselves?  In this episode, I chat with Elizabeth Aldana, Breakup Artist, coach, and advocate for navigating change on your own terms. Elizabeth shares her story of moving across the world from LA to Singapore in a whirlwind week, not because she had to, but because a part of her just wouldn’t tolerate staying still any longer. It was the first major “breakup” she initiated not just from a partner, but from her old patterns, relationships, and ways of seeing herself. This conversation explores what it takes to recognise the little (and big) things you’re tolerating in life, how to build the muscle of choosing change, and why breakups aren’t just about romance, they’re about leaving behind people, places, and patterns that no longer fit. So, if you’re teetering on the edge of a decision, feel stuck in old habits, and ready to open a new door, this conversation is for you. The Highlights: 03:38 Closing the door yourself: Elizabeth’s story of moving to Singapore 07:30 The very real (messy) inner conversations behind big choices 10:09 How stepping away reveals who you can become 16:17 Fear vs. Love: The two energies that drive all big decisions 21:27 Why leaving a job with nothing lined up can be the most self-loving decision 26:27 Why small changes prime you for bigger ones 36:32 Why you don’t have to fit yourself into anyone else’s box 45:08 Projection, people-pleasing, and knowing when it’s time to initiate your own ending 51:28 The story and belief you hold in change determines which door opens next What helped Elizabeth navigate change: Soundtrack: Rose Quartz by Toro y Moi  Book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig  One piece of advice: “Be aware of what you believe about the situation and the story you’re creating. It will impact which door opens next.”   About Elizabeth Aldana: Elizabeth is a breakup coach and founder of the Breakup Artist. In her work, she helps people reframe their ends as beginnings, and realise that breakups are not confined to romantic connections. Whether it’s a relationship, career, identity, or pattern, breaking up with the old creates space for the new. After navigating her own pivotal career and identity shifts, Elizabeth set out to destigmatise the word “breakup.” Now, she helps clients move through the grief, guilt, and paralysis of big life changes… Into something more honest and aligned. Today, we’re going to talk with Elizabeth about why a breakup isn’t just an end, and why the most important goodbye you’ll ever say is to the relationship that kept you small. https://breakupartist.coach/ Work with Eleanor: Buy the Book - Another Door Opens out now. 5 steps for navigating change. Described as ‘Game changing’ ‘Brilliant’ ‘A must read’ ‘The best book on change’.   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it’s coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched. Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change. Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.     Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com   Produced by winteraudio.co.uk