Transitions and Change
Susie Mason, LGPC
A central theme in our society is change, and adults today are facing increasingly challenging times.
As the pace of change continues to accelerate, adults are experiencing more personal,
relationship, and work transitions. Approaching new situations can evoke a
mixture of emotions, including elation, excitement, anxiety, self-doubt, and
depression.
All transitions begin with an ending that must be dealt with
in order to move on. Some transitions are expected and some are not. Sometimes
it requires examining answers to such questions as, “What happened? What went
wrong? Why is this happening to me?”
Not all endings are negative but still require adjustment,
such as graduating from college, being in a new relationship, starting a new
job, getting married, going into retirement, etc. The most difficult of
transitions include loss of a loved one, divorce/end of a serious relationship,
being fired, and facing a serious illness.
Transitions are comprised of an ending, followed by a middle
period of uncertainty, confusion, or distress, and eventually a new beginning.
Transitions are key times in personal development and often self-renewal.
Endings often require examining the past and letting go. How one handles the
middle period will determine the path and success of the new beginning. It is a
time for new possibilities and new growth. It is always a transition from
something to something.
Difficult transitions, especially a succession of difficult
transitions can challenge one’s sense of optimism and confidence. Change can affect
the whole person - mentally, physically, and emotionally. People need to have
coping strategies to face challenges, and mental strength can be learned.
Mental strength involves having an unyielding desire to succeed and the belief
that you can, as well as being able to roll with the punches. People who are
unable to maneuver through change or adapt are in danger of becoming trapped in
their circumstances.
People who are and have been experiencing change have
offered the following quotes:
On becoming a new mother. “I never thought of it this way,
but now it seems to me that I’ve crossed some kind of threshold and there’s no
going back. My old life is gone. How come nobody talks about that? They
congratulate you on your new life, but I have to mourn the old life alone.”
On moving to a new location. “I’m excited about my new move
and yet, at the same time, it’s hard leaving behind the people and places that
have defined me. I need to keep those connections and work on making new ones. It’s
been hard leaving it all behind.”
On retirement. “Why is letting go so difficult, especially
since we have been looking forward to this for so long?”
Working through transitions is an active process
requiring energy, strategies, and courage. Adults need coping strategies to face
challenges. Consider examining your transitions by :
·
Recognizing and accepting an ending.
·
Realizing what needs to be let go of.
·
Accepting the middle period of uncertainty.
·
Examining the options.
·
Speaking to a friend, confidant, or
professional.
·
Utilizing relaxation methods that work for you -
meditation, exercise, deep breathing, etc.
·
Developing a working plan that can be adjusted
as needed.
·
Moving forward with hope, faith, and belief in
yourself.
As life unfolds, trust yourself. You may find out you know
more than you think you know.
Working with
compassion and creativity to help people through life’s changes and challenges.
Susan Mason, LGPC, Healing Circles Wellness Center, 10
N. Jefferson St., Frederick, MD, 21701
No comments:
Post a Comment