Graceful Exits

Making the Case for Getting Good at Goodbye

By: Geri Reid Suster

Narrated by: Geri Reid Suster

Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Narrated by the author, Graceful Exits offers advice on how to handle various exits in life, from death and loss, to firings and breakups, with empathy and humor.

“Actually, Geri, it’s you. We have to let you go.” Hearing these words from my dear friend of more than 25 years over the phone on a sunny Friday afternoon left me shaking. It was a first for me-being at this end of a layoff. And it was a gut punch.

Being on the receiving end of a layoff, Geri Reid Suster pondered her next steps and had an epiphany–life is full of exits. From school, from jobs, from relationships, and ultimately from life itself. And those transitions can be rocky, or they can be handled with grace, honor, and humor. Still, most people struggle with such endings, getting mired down in thoughts of failure, grief, frustration, regret, and anger. Here, Suster shows listeners how they can do better, be better, and live better through all of life’s goodbyes.

Exits are going to happen whether we like it or not, so why not get good at them? How much time did you spend learning to walk, ride a bike, drive a car, or interview for a job? Why not spend a little time learning to approach exits with greater skill? An ugly exit not only leaves scars on everyone involved, but also adds to the psychological burden one carries long after the exit. On the other hand, a graceful exit is hard in the moment, but sets us up to feel lighter and healthier on the other side.

Direct and full of advice and suggestions for next steps forward, Suster guides listeners through the ups and downs of goodbyes, and carefully reveals the best methods for a smoother, more graceful transition.

©2022 Rowman Littlefield (P)2022 Geri Reid Suster

Wow!

My life is changed!! This is the true way to practice beginning with the end in mind.

A delightfully engrossing story

I found Geri’s book delightfully engrossing. She provides so many personal stories including raw reflection on times when she succeeded and failed.
Her insights on exits from work, loves (and lovers), parents, friends and things helped me reflect on my own exist, both past and future.
I appreciate how she provides blueberries (the good bits hidden in bad stuff) to drawn out actionable tactics.
What I thought would be a easy breezy travelogue turned out to be more of Walden than of wandering. And I caught myself in deep thought several times throughout.

Insightful and inspiring

I just finished listening to Graceful Exits. It was so powerful and raw and open. I love that the author read it herself as well. I could feel the emotion more deeply. I never realized how many different types of exits there are in our lives.

Having lost both my parents and one sister within the span of two years, all while having a much longed for child during COVID, this resonated with me in so many aspects. It made me think of where I can have my own graceful exits. It also helped me reflect on all the exits I’ve had and witnessed. Some graceful, others not so much. I look forward to having more grace in the future.