The Blank Sheet: When Life Closes a Door

Embracing the Unknown with ARCH

Arenas for Change (ARCH) was founded in 2021 amidst a series of unexpected, life-altering events, much like the upheaval so many experienced during the global pandemic of 2020. During this time of uncertainty, people around the world began questioning their personal and professional paths—including our own group, who ultimately came together to create ARCH.

A Turning Point: Personal and Professional Reflection

In 2020, after co-founding and leading an organization for 21 years, I, along with a team of dedicated global leaders, faced a pivotal and unforeseen transition—leaving behind an organization we had poured our hearts into. As that chapter closed, we were left with a daunting but essential question:

“What now?”

These defining moments—whether in business or personal life—often bring discomfort and uncertainty. However, they also present an unexpected gift: the opportunity to reassess, reflect, and realign with what truly matters.

As we navigated this uncertain time, a core group of us—Jacque Baumer, Janet Crandall, and Kara Staheli on the administrative side, along with Amanda Graham, Annie Ricalde, Fred Bueltmann, Lynn Moore, Sharon Boyce, and Ulla Frederiksen on the training/practicing side—began meeting for hours each week. Together, we questioned, reflected, and re-examined every belief we had held.

🔹 Click here to meet the ARCH team

Our journey was further enriched by the ARCH Founding Community, a group of over 100 practitioners who generously contributed their insights, ideas, and feedback, helping to shape the foundation of ARCH.

The Power of a Blank Sheet: Finding Clarity in Uncertainty

When life closes a door, it’s natural to feel unsettled. Yet, sitting before a blank sheet of paper—a space free from expectations—offers a profound opportunity for growth and reinvention.

While facing this empty canvas can be overwhelming, even painful, especially after a difficult transition, it can also be deeply transformative. Through our experience, we discovered five key benefits of embracing the “blank sheet” mindset:

1. Gaining Clarity and a Fresh Perspective

When the pressure to maintain the status quo is lifted, we have the chance to refocus on what truly matters. For us, this process led to the discovery of the core values that now define ARCH.

We realized that our work wasn’t about specific interventions but rather how we engage with one another through shared values. This perspective shift became the foundation of ARCH’s approach.

🔹 Click here to explore ARCH’s values

2. Growth through Reflection

Taking time to reflect on past experiences—both successes and challenges—can reveal patterns, strengths, and areas for growth. Interestingly, we found that starting with our pain points (the things we didn’t enjoy) helped clarify what we truly wanted.

One major insight was how inaccessible learning had become due to cost and location barriers. This recognition led us to design ARCH as a flexible, community-driven platform, offering monthly, annual, and organizational memberships so practitioners could engage at their own pace and comfort level.

3. Realigning with Purpose

Life transitions offer a rare opportunity to reconnect with our passions and long-term vision. For us, this meant committing to continuous, creative learning and refining our ability to be effective facilitators.

At ARCH, we believe that everyone is both a learner and a teacher, which became a core principle of our community. This led us to develop a collaborative platform where members share knowledge, experiences, and insights to support one another’s growth.

4. Creative Freedom: A New Way to Learn

A blank sheet represents freedom from past constraints, allowing for fresh ideas and innovation. We challenged everything—even our own long-held beliefs—which was both difficult and deeply rewarding.

As expressed in ARCH’s values:
“We keep wrestling with and working on it—questioning, pondering, and digging deeper to expand our thoughts.”

This open-minded exploration led to the creation of the SEEN and HERD Keystones™, a transformational framework that guides facilitators through open-ended questions rather than prescriptive interventions. Many members describe this approach as “freeing,” as it encourages both flexibility and authenticity in their work.

🔹 Click here to learn more about the ARCH framework

5. Resilience and Renewal: The Power of New Beginnings

Unexpected transitions—whether in life or business—build resilience and open doors to new opportunities.

At ARCH, we embrace the symbolism of arches as gateways to transformation. Every experience becomes part of a larger story, helping us navigate unanticipated plot twists with curiosity and openness.

As our values state:
“We end up in places we don’t initially imagine.”

This perspective fuels our commitment to continuous learning. Every month, we introduce new content and opportunities for growth, ensuring that our community remains dynamic and evolving.

Filling the Blank Sheet: Your Invitation to Reflect

A blank sheet represents both the discomfort of the unknown and the invitation to create a more meaningful future.

Fortunately, major life shifts—such as a pandemic, business closure, or personal loss—aren’t the only catalysts for change. Everyday milestones, like a birthday, the start of a new year, or a moment of personal reflection, can provide the same opportunity to pause, reassess, and intentionally shape what comes next.

How Will You Fill Your Blank Sheet?

We invite you to reflect on your own journey. What new chapters, insights, or transformations have emerged for you?

Let’s connect and inspire each other—share your experiences, and let’s grow together on this journey of self-discovery and impact.

📩 Join the conversation in the ARCH community!

Want to Hear More about ARCH’s Blank Sheet Story?

Dive deeper into the journey that led to ARCH’s creation! Watch the live recording of Behind-the-Scenes of Follow Your Calling with Lynn Thomas on the Arenas for Change YouTube channel.

📺 Watch now