Building Your RAFT: A Thoughtful Way to Say Good-Bye

Visiting my cousins one summer, they showed me a raft they had built. Some planks of wood tied around some barrels. I got to climb aboard with my cousin. Let’s just say, I do not remember us going very far before it tipped.

Transitions are a part of life—whether we’re moving, changing roles, ending a season, or shifting relationships. But how we leave matters just as much as how we arrive. That’s where the RAFT comes in: a simple yet powerful tool for saying good-bye with intention and grace so that we can have a healthy ‘hello’.

R – Reconciliation: Before moving on, is there any unfinished business? Unspoken tension? Hurt that needs healing? Taking time to mend relationships can bring peace to both parties, releasing the weight of unresolved conflict.

A – Appreciation: Express gratitude for the people, experiences, and growth this chapter brought. Say “thank you” to those who walked with you. Appreciation honors the past and acknowledges its impact on who you’ve become.

F – Farewell: Say actual good-byes—to people, places, and routines. It might feel awkward or emotional, but farewells mark the ending in a healthy way. They give you (and others) permission to move forward.

T – Think Destination: As you prepare to leave, also begin turning toward what’s next. Imagine your new environment, role, or season. What do you need to be ready? Thinking ahead helps reduce anxiety and builds hope.

Building your RAFT won’t take away the sadness of saying good-bye, but it will help you leave with integrity and arrive with clarity. And that makes all the difference in navigating life’s transitions well.

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