Experience Matters (Edition 24) ~ When One Door Closes, Another Opens: A Heart-Centered Perspective on Navigating Change

In a world where the only constant is change, how do we hold onto our core, our essence, our heart, especially when it feels like doors are closing all around us? Just recently, I walked through this, and at first, I wanted to be angry and mad, but instead, I am turning it into gratitude and love.

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us. This timeless wisdom has been attributed to the likes of Alexander Graham Bell and Helen Keller. But beyond its poetic resonance, this saying speaks to a universal human experience of loss, change, and ultimately, hope.

The Power of Heart-Centered Leadership in Times of Change

In my career, whether as a CEO or in various other leadership roles, I've always believed in the value of radical relationships, transparency, and love for people. It's what I like to call heart-centered leadership. When confronted with a closed door—be it a failed project, a missed opportunity, or a relationship that's run its course—it's essential to lean into these values even more deeply.

Why? Because your values are your compass, especially in uncharted territories. The closed door may be an end, but it's also a beginning—a chance to reassess, re-evaluate, and renew your commitment to what really matters. In the highs and lows, your values are what allow you to look yourself in the mirror and say, "I remained true to myself."

Knowing Your Purpose

Your purpose is not a destination; it's a journey. It's the fire that fuels you, the melody that you dance to, the love that keeps you going. When one door closes, ask yourself: "Does this align with my purpose?" Often, you'll find that the closed door was a diversion from your true path, one that had perhaps looked appealing but was not genuinely heart-aligned.

We can talk all day about core values and purpose, but the real testament comes in the doing. In the face of a closed door, your actions, informed by your heart, will speak louder than any words could. It's not about shouting from the rooftops that you're a person of integrity, honesty, transparency, and loyalty. It's about quietly, consistently showing up as that person—even when no one is watching.

The essence of heart-centered leadership is an unwavering commitment to what truly matters. Falling in love with the problem means embracing the struggle, the uncertainty, the closed doors as part of your journey. It's not a stumbling block; it's a stepping stone.

To Wrap It Up

So the next time a door closes, don't be too quick to mourn its loss. Feel the feelings, but then let go, reassured that another door will indeed open. And when it does, step through it with your heart leading the way.

With gratitude and love, Shawn (Your Corporate Pastor)

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As a social entrepreneur, Denise Wiseman founded The PX Community in 2021. The PX Community (PXC) seeks to disrupt how the industry supports Patient Experience and other healthcare professionals in their efforts to improve the experience of care for patients by removing barriers to needed thought leadership and resources. PXC fosters a rich culture of support, connection, and innovation.

Denise Wiseman’s career in healthcare began in a critical access hospital in Washington state and expanded to serve organizations large and small across the US. After working in non-profit and for-profit healthcare, including the last decade in patient experience, Denise seeks to Make a Ruckus That Makes a Difference in healthcare.

She brings her varied experience, passion for serving frontline leaders and employees, and entrepreneurial spirit to every conversation. Denise encourages those she works with to think differently, synergistically collaborate, and develop relationships and connections beyond their organizations and profession. And, of course: make a ruckus!