Finding Our Way Through the Mush: Lessons on Change, Hope, and Unexpected Signs from Bluey

I remember hearing it for the first time as a student social worker: "The one thing we can be sure about is change." Back then, I probably chuckled, thinking, 'How much can things really change?' Oh, the naivety! Decades later, that statement feels profoundly, sometimes overwhelmingly, true.

Embracing change isn't easy, is it? It pushes against our comfort zones, our plans, our deep-seated fear of the unknown. And right now, it feels like the world itself is undergoing a massive transformation – a period of upheaval that can feel like a giant, confusing muddle. Trying to grasp it all at once can be genuinely terrifying.

Yet, a powerful image keeps coming to mind: the caterpillar's metamorphosis. Before becoming a butterfly, it dissolves into what's essentially... mush. A complete breakdown of its old form. Perhaps that's where we are now, collectively and individually – in the "mush phase." It's messy, disorienting, even painful. But within this breakdown lies the incredible potential for the most beautiful butterfly to emerge. We have to hold onto that hope, because I truly believe transformation is possible.

This very theme – navigating difficult change and finding unexpected hope – was brought home to me vividly by, perhaps surprisingly, the extended Bluey special, "The Sign." (Spoiler alert! If you haven't watched it, maybe pause here and go enjoy it first!).

"The Sign" isn't just more Heeler family fun; it's a deeply moving look at life's transitions and the subtle ways the universe (or life, or maybe love?) seems to nudge us, even when our own plans go awry. We see the family grappling with the sadness of a potential move. We witness Chloe's future husband, Rad, realise he hadn't clearly communicated his hopes, and then, in a beautiful act of commitment, completely change his plans to ensure they could build a life together. His love for Chloe became the compass guiding him through the change.

Then there's the sale of Bluey's house. It falls through, not because of a simple change of heart, but because the buyers stumble upon a house that is even more perfect for them. Crucially, they only see this other house because of a series of preceding mishaps and delays – culminating in a coin getting stuck in a viewing telescope! It's a masterful illustration of how seemingly frustrating obstacles and detours can inadvertently create the exact conditions needed for a better outcome for everyone. These aren't just random events; they feel like tiny, interconnected "signs" pointing the way.

And weaving through it all is the recurring blue butterfly, a motif connecting back to earlier moments. It feels symbolic – perhaps of that very transformation we talked about, the delicate beauty that can emerge from disruption, hinting at an unseen thread connecting everything, a gentle guiding presence.

This resonates deeply with my own current journey. Professionally, recent changes to the Adoption Support Fund (ASF) allowance here in the UK have created a significant hurdle. It's a shift that hits hard, knowing it will limit the vital therapeutic support many adopted children desperately need. My specific passion is therapeutic life story work – helping children understand their past to build a secure future. The funding changes severely restrict the in-depth, dedicated work I believe these families deserve, and doing things by half-measures just isn't in my nature when it comes to this crucial support.

Like the characters in "The Sign" facing their unexpected turns, I felt that initial wave of disappointment and concern. However, sensing these shifts coming a few months ago gave me time to reflect. Perhaps this challenge, this externally imposed change, is also a kind of "sign" for me – a nudge onto a different path. While the limitations on traditional funded work are disheartening, I'm determined to keep supporting families. I'm embracing the change by channeling my energy into offering guidance, connection, and resources through my online prescence.

This detour feels like an opportunity. An opportunity to explore new ways to reach families who need support, regardless of funding structures. An opportunity to build an online community. An opportunity to advocate for the importance of this work through a different medium. Maybe, like the seemingly random events in Bluey leading to the perfect outcome, this unexpected professional turn can lead to a broader reach and new ways to share my passion.

And it sparked a wider thought: My passion is ultimately about fostering connection – helping create the networks we all need to flourish, nurture ourselves, and raise our children. This need isn't confined to specific groups; it's universal. Haven't we all experienced challenges, losses, traumas in some form? Aren't we all, deep down, searching for understanding, guidance, and our "tribe"?

The beautiful truth is, that tribe already exists. We are part of a global tribe of loving, passionate people who can support each other. The "mush phase" might feel isolating, but it also presents an incredible opportunity to intentionally build these connections, bridge divides, and offer support freely. There's nothing stopping us from reaching out, sharing our strengths, and reminding each other that we're not alone in navigating the changes.

The butterfly emerges not by fighting the mush, but by surrendering to the transformation. Maybe that's our task too: to navigate the current uncertainties not just with fear, but with hope, openness to unexpected "signs," and a renewed commitment to building the connections that will help us all emerge stronger and more beautiful on the other side.

What are your thoughts?

• Does the idea of being in a collective "mush phase" resonate with you?

• Where are you finding sparks of hope for the "butterfly" to emerge in your own life or in the world?

• What small steps feel possible for you in building connections and supporting your global tribe?

• Share your reflections in the comments below – let's navigate this together!