Do transitions excite you or send you spiraling? Some transitions or changes in life are sudden, unexpected, quick, last way too long, whether planned or unplanned. Regardless, how do you manage transition?
This is a time of seasonal transition with days getting shorter and a little more darkness. Do you choose to see this change through a lens of peace and calm or sadness and despair? Life is full of transitions. We have one each month with the beginning of a new month each first day. That likely does not jar you like some shifts might. How can transitions be less jarring and as smooth as the first day of a new month?
One guarantee and constant in life is change and evolution with potential personal growth. Whether it be a recent health diagnosis, job or boss change, new identity as an empty nester, retirement, new relationship or ending of an old one, change happens and I do have control over how I react to it. I am approaching a life transition as I get closer to a new decade. Even though this milestone birthday is 18 months away, I am beginning to prepare. Each modification in life offers us differing opportunities. As I get closer to 60, I am starting to see life with an attitude of freedom. My children are adulting and embracing independence and I am learning how to do less in life while beginning to slow down a bit. No, I am not dying at 60, but rather embracing my new reality of less responsibility and transitioning into a new chapter or phase of life where demands are less with a breath of fresh air.
Regardless of your transition, how can you see it with supportive eyes and a positive mindset? Many years ago, I started practicing this question when faced with life’s changes: “In five years, will this really be the crisis it seems today or even matter?” As the Persian adage says, “This too shall pass.” Yes, change will come and go and life does move on. If you are that person who likes life to remain the same, full of consistent routine and little variation, consider seeing transition as exciting and try to be curious with what it might present for you.
The art of reframing my mindset has supported me through life’s unexpected and even expected transitions. It is important to allow myself to feel the emotions. Some change brings about anxiety, stress, and feelings of uncertainty. I have learned to practice the mantra, “This too shall pass,” and to recognize emotions are feelings and temporary. Emotions do not have to be my truth day in and day out. When emotions are felt, noticed and given attention, they are more apt to subside. I try to ensure I give myself the time and space to process transition when it presents itself in my world. I encourage you to practice a renewed approach to change if it challenges you. It can happen with time alone, walking in nature, meditation, and yoga. Where and how can you be still with your breath and emotions in a peaceful space when faced with a life transition?
As Buddha stated, “The root of suffering is attachment.” I find noticing, feeling, and then letting go as I embrace the unknown as an adventure in life to be more supportive and far less daunting. Nothing is forever, or permanent, and everything is ultimately, temporary. Whether fabulous, terrible, exciting or full of sadness, “this too shall pass.” How can you use transition or change to empower you? Every day is a gift and every transition is an opportunity of personal growth in your life! Be grateful for each gift of transition!
Health & happiness,
Charlene Bland
TruBliss, LLC
Life & Health Coach
Inspire | Empower | Transform
Instagram: @yourtrubliss
Mobile: 209.606.1856
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Sources:
- https://www.manhattancbt.com/archives/4288/life-transitions/#:~:text=A%20life%20transition%20is%20any,an%20addition%20to%20your%20family.
- https://summitfamilytherapy.com/summit-family-therapy-peoria-illinois-blog/2020/6/7/life-transitions-8-tips-for-getting-through-tough-times
- https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/4-quotes-by-buddha-that-will-help-you-to-deal-with-change-8d80afde11d8#:~:text=Buddha%20says%2C%20“Every%20experience%2C,is%20no%20longer%20our%20enemy