Coping With Life Transitions

Willamette Valley Counseling

Transitions are interesting times when life reshuffles the deck and we are dealt a new hand. Whether moving to a new city, graduating from high school or college, getting married, having a baby, changing careers, or going through a challenging break-up, Transitions are a part of life. Transitions can be a time of crisis or a time of great opportunity.  More often than not, they are both.

Oftentimes transitions mark the loss of familiar structures and routines that give order and meaning to our lives. Loneliness, vulnerability, grief, heartbreak, confusion, anger, and fear are normal and healthy parts of transitions. Despite the roller coaster of emotions, you can still be the anchor point in your life. Drawing on your courage, strengths and abilities for change. 

So, where does courage come from – especially at times you seem to need it most?  For some, it may be acting “as if” you are courageous that awakens it. For others, it may be leaning toward the very thing you are most afraid of that inspires courage. It goes without saying that great transitions require courage. I’m speaking of the courage to face the unknown and to take risks that expose you to failure, loss and rejection. 

Here are some suggestions to help you access courage during times of transition:

• Call to mind past challenges you have faced and any positive outcome. 
• Lean into the very thing you are afraid of: such as calling on a job connection, visiting a city you might want to live, or reaching out to your support system.
• Create a list of your accomplishments to review for the times you have trouble remembering what you have achieved in your past.
• Think of change as hope. If you are taking a risk and making a life change, good chance you are calling on hope for a brighter future.
  
• Acknowledge your feelings without buying into them.
• Remind yourself of what you are excited and passionate about. It’s hard to be afraid when you are full of enthusiasm.

By believing in believing in yourself — you can navigate the passage to your next destination, and discover that you are able to let go of the past, sit with the unknown, and embrace a new life and identity.

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