Managing Transitions

The one thing you can be sure of in life is that there will be times when you’re thrown a curveball. Something will happen that you aren’t expecting like 2020.

Even though you know you’ve got the strength to handle anything that life brings you, you might still be taken aback by an unexpected change in your life direction.

These suggestions will help you successfully handle some of life’s transitional times

1. Take a deep breath. 
   Pause for a moment and give yourself time to just breathe.
2. Process the information. 
   Next, allow yourself some time to think through what’s happened. This might take a few days, depending on your situation. From your perspective, what occurred?
3. Talk about it. 
   Call a close friend or family member you trust and tell them about what’s going on in your life. It helps to hear yourself think-aloud whenever you’re faced with an enduring challenge.
4. Consider your options. 
   Although you might not be completely ready to move on yet, try to ponder fully your situation and where you could go from here. Be open-minded about resolving the current issues in the short term.

• If your situation involves an ending of a relationship, for example, maybe you’ll have to find another place to live quickly. Could you move in with a friend or family member, at least for now? Ask yourself what your possibilities are at present.

5. Take time to adjust.
   You might feel you have to make decisions fairly quickly to get moving forward, but still, it’s wise to allow yourself the necessary moments to adjust to what’s happening.
6. Tell yourself that you’ll make it through. 
   After the initial shock wears off, you’ll hopefully reach the point of realizing that “this too shall pass.” Thinking positively is the best way to approach any type of challenging situation. Remind yourself that you have the savvy and fortitude to find your way from this day forward.
7. Begin to formulate a plan. 
   After considerable thinking, you’ll be relieved to see parts of a new plan for your life falling into place.
8. Recognize your strengths. 
   Remember back to a time you struggled through a crisis and emerged better than ever. Maybe you had to drop out of college because there wasn’t enough money. You still made it through and were able to return to finish your studies within 2 years. Realize your strength to help you make it through the current situation.
9. Look at the recent change as an opportunity. 
   Even though it might take some effort, allow yourself to see you’re being given a chance to change your life. You’re in a position to improve something about your existence.

• Let your imagination run free. Regard the coming episode of your life as a new adventure and embrace it.

10. Move forward with a sense of purpose.
    Now that you have the bare bones of a plan, you can proceed ahead with your new life with greater confidence. As time goes by, you’ll grow even surer of the direction you’re heading. Let yourself feel excited about your new goals.

Regardless of what life brings your way, you’ll still keep going. Allow yourself time to breathe and take in the information. Perhaps even talk to someone and ponder your choices.

You have what it takes to successfully manage any transition in life that appears before you. Openly accept this opportunity to let go of the old and embrace the new.