As we approach the end of summer I’m reminded that brings transitions for many of us. Transitions can be stressful, even the good ones. What if stress didn’t have to automatically be the rule? What if we could change our perspective about transitions? My relationship with transitions has definitely changed over the years.
When I first started on the path of my recovery journey I was introduced to the idea that in order to change outcomes I can change my thoughts, which in turn would change my behavior. At the time (I was dealing with a lot) I didn’t apply this thinking to the many transitions I was experiencing. Transitions were scary, so I feared and tended to avoid them. My belief was that if I did the right things I would be able to get to a magical place with no transitions. I hear a lot of people say something like “I just want things not to change.” Ironically, that has changed for me. I am now more comfortable than ever with change.
photo by Aditya Saxena
It is impossible to live a life without transitions.
This realization took time and I’m still improving on the concept and how it works in my life. It was a while before I could embrace transitions with elegance. I encourage you to take a closer look at your own beliefs around transitions that you might be experiencing. To make it easier, here’s a list of some ideas for you to consider to aide in stress reduction.
Consider why you want things to stay the same.
Tend to your nervous system and give yourself room to slow down.
Determine what is in your control and prioritize actions that will assist you.
Share your concerns with others.
Continue to remind yourself that life is full of experiments and many good things can come with transitions.
So here’s to having the courage to face, talk about, and take on our transitions. Here’s to having deeper conversations about transitions and what we all have to work through and overcome.
—Kristina Dennis, life coach
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