We forget that we’ve always been making transitions. We go from one class to the next, one school to another. We meet new friends. We learn our way around unfamiliar spaces. We get to know our new teacher. The hard part of making these transitions is wrapping our mind around the change, and getting acclimated to our new circumstances.
Some changes are welcome, and others are more difficult to accept, but they all present challenges. Life transitions can include:
Losing a loved one
Moving somewhere new
Starting a new school
Becoming a parent
Losing a job
Navigating life through a pandemic
We can find our way through transitions, and learn to adjust by:
Recognizing that there is an acclimation period. Whether we wanted the change or not we have to take some time to figure out the new protocol, and new way of being.
Figuring out the systems that will allow you to settle into your new set of circumstances. Determine what support or resources you may need.
Deciding how you want to show up in this new space. Transitions can present us with the opportunity to explore or uplift parts of ourselves that we haven’t previously. You can decide to be different.
In the fall, I always see stuff online saying “Let the trees teach you about change,” because their leaves are shifting and shedding. I used to think it was cheesy, but maybe we should be like the trees. Maybe we should welcome change, embrace change, and accept that transitions are inevitable.
Journal Prompt
What transition have you recently experienced? What strategies did you use to cope?
A Few Things That Caught My Attention This Week
Want to Feel Happier? Stop Thinking About it, by Michelle Konstantinovsky on Oprah Daily.
People Who Make Good First Impressions Never Do These 4 Things – Even ‘When They’re Nervous,’ by Celeste Headlee on CNBC.
How We Heal: Uncover Your Purpose and Set Yourself Free, by Alex Elle. You can find the book on Amazon and Bookshop.
Are You a Toxic Forgiver on Red Table Talk with guests Sheree Zampino, Jana Kramer, and me. You can watch this episode here.
Nedra Nuggets has moved to Substack. It’s the same great, short content in a new space. You will notice some additional features and changes in format.
Change Is Inevitable, Stop Fighting It
In Fall of 2020, my younger sister passed away unexpectedly. In these last two years since, I went through the process of obtaining guardianship of her 2 very young boys, I got married, left my job and I moved to a new state. These two years have put me through the ringer, and the worst part about this all, is my new area is very rural, and other than my husband who works long hours, I have no support with the kids and very limited windows of time to care for myself. I feel as if I never going to be myself again. I'm trying to be patient with myself, but my area is rural and also lacks the resources I need such as quality mental/physical health care. If anyone has resources to offer, I'd really appreciate it, especially to counseling services online that you've used. I searched my entire state and couldn't find a therapist for myself and my family that was
a good fit or that would see kids their age. Thanks so much.
I retired a bit over 2 years ago but still work part time for my previous employer. Though I love retirement, I’ve found I have been struggling with my professional identity (afterall, I only worked 38 years for this company!). The challenge has been saying no to too many tasks…and I’m working on that!