Embracing change is a way of life. A way to live that is spontaneous, open to growth and new experiences. Life is a constant ebb and flow of change, a series of transitions. Baby to infant, child to teen, school to work, single life to being in a relationship, from one chapter to the next, transitions are part of being human.
We can embrace transitions with grace and resilience, or we can try to avoid them and end up having a clunky, awkward time. An understanding of what is happening will help you manage life changes well.
Changes come in 3 stages; beginning, middle and end.
Transitions can feel very confusing because we are no longer in familiar territory. It can feel as if we’re stumbling around in the dark, just trying to find something recognisable; an existing framework to hang on to.
A planned transition can begin with a mix of excitement and fear. If we’re moving for a job, we can do some online research, make contact with a real estate agent or email a friend of a friend so that we know at least one person in the new place. Anticipation can be fun.
The middle of a transition can feel isolating and dark. We lose sight of where we are going because it’s not panning out as we expected. We are no longer what we were but haven’t quite become what we are aiming for yet. There are some challenges, we are being called upon to adapt, it’s more surviving than thriving.
Then, the end of the transition can be a relief. We have finally found our feet, we’re more settled, it’s feeling ‘right’. But, it takes a while to get to this place where we feel ‘at home’. It takes life skills such as confidence, knowing how to adapt, make new connections, persistence, how to find resources and helpful information. These skills are not innate – they need to be modelled and taught, and then practiced.
Settling In takes time
It is said that when relocating to a new area, it takes 2 years to really settle in. I’d suggest that there is a similar time frame in a new job, or a new life stage. Remember that transitions mark our growth and maturation, so they are worth doing well.
If you get stuck in the middle of a transition and can’t adapt, a counsellor can help you work through your values, goals, identity and life stage so that you can navigate this time of life successfully. Ebb and Flow would love to meet with you to support you in your current season. Jump over to the Book Now page and pick a time that suits you to talk about embracing change.
