Finishing Strong, Closing One Chapter & Beginning Another with Meg Durham
How do you know when it’s time for a new chapter?
Change doesn’t always arrive with a defining moment or a clear sign telling us what to do next. Sometimes it’s a slow reveal. A growing sense that something is shifting, that what once felt right no longer fits in quite the same way, or that we’re ready for something new.
In this final episode of The School of Wellbeing, the tables are turned as psychologist, author and longtime friend of the podcast Dr Rebecca Ray joins me to reflect on the past 13 years, the people and experiences that have shaped me, and what this work has taught me about education, wellbeing and myself.
Together, we look back on how this work began, what I’m most proud of, and what working with more than 300 schools and thousands of educators has taught me. We also explore how I knew it was time for a change, why I’m returning to teaching, and what I’m most looking forward to as I step into this next chapter.
One of the things I loved most about this conversation was having the opportunity to look back before moving forward. To acknowledge how much this work has given me, how much it has changed me, and how grateful I am for every person who has been part of the journey.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether it’s time for a change, feeling a pull towards something new, or trying to make sense of an ending and a beginning at the same time, this conversation is for you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What working with more than 300 schools has taught me about wellbeing.
How my understanding of wellbeing has evolved over the years.
How I knew it was time to bring this chapter to a close.
What I’m most looking forward to in this next chapter.
And so much more…
Who is Dr Rebecca Ray?
Dr Rebecca Ray is a clinical psychologist, author and speaker who has been a much-loved guest on the podcast. Through her work, Beck helps people better understand themselves, navigate change and make choices that align with what matters most to them.
For this final episode, Beck generously turns the tables and takes on the role of interviewer, helping me reflect on the past 13 years, the lessons I’ve learned and what comes next.
Why does this conversation matter?
We spend a lot of time thinking about how to begin something new, but perhaps not enough time considering how we know when it’s time to finish. Sometimes things end because they no longer work, but sometimes we can still care deeply about something, feel incredibly grateful for what it’s given us, and know it’s time to let it go.
For me, there wasn’t one defining moment. Instead, the decision was a “slow reveal.” Over time, I began to notice a growing desire for community, belonging and the everyday experience of being part of a team again. This conversation matters because change doesn’t always require us to know exactly what comes next. Sometimes it asks us to notice what is changing within us, honour what has been, and trust ourselves enough to take the next step.
Most importantly, finishing one chapter doesn’t diminish everything that came before it. We can be proud of what we’ve created, sad to say goodbye and excited about what comes next. All of those things can be true at the same time.
You can quote us on that…
“This decision has been so different. It’s been like a really slow reveal.”
Meg Durham
“You are enough, you are doing enough and I’m cheering you on.”
Meg Durham
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