Approaching Life’s Transitions by Vanesha Brown


Approaching Life’s Transitions
by Vanesha Brown



       I am sure many of us have found ourselves in the position of the individual in the picture above. One moment we are getting things done on time and are making graceful strides in accomplishing the goals we have identified as part of our life plan. The next moment we are doing a brisk jog until we look up and realize we are actually running around like crazy trying to figure out how to make life turn out the way we pictured. In these moments, feelings of hopelessness or despair may materialize, and life can seem like a whirlwind from which we are so far removed.
In the last few years, I experienced this out-of-body experience when I clung to the idea that I held all control for the outcome of situations that occurred in my life (lost relationships, school performance, etc). I realized I took on this line of reasoning to ensure that I knew where to place blame if things did not work out the way I predicted because I was not comfortable with the unfamiliar or unauthorized periods of transition.  
      However, life has proven to me time and time again that there will be moments in which I feel I hold the reigns to control and other moments when I might not have the slightest clue of what to do. I am learning now that the biggest determinants of preserving the outline of my life plan is how I allow my feelings of control or lack thereof to inform my decisions or next steps.
Therefore, I believe how you position yourself to approach a transition or period of change can foreshadow the experience you incur. For example, if you approach your transition period in an oppositional manner, it is likely that this period will not be a pleasant one for you. I hope that you will keep this in mind as I leave you with the following questions. How do you want to set the stage for transition? How will you position yourself during your next period of change?

 Also, check out the link below from Psychology Today for some 
great tips on making it through life’s transitions.



Comments