Endings, Transitions and Beginnings
The month of MAY! A season of transitions.
There's something in the air right now, isn't there? There are baby showers, wedding showers and graduations all around! Change is everywhere.
Thinking back to one springtime, years ago, I can remember standing in my cap and gown, diploma in hand, beaming with pride... for about 48 hours. Then reality sank in.
The goal I'd been working toward since practically elementary school? Complete. And suddenly, I felt adrift - degree in hand but no job lined up or clear next step, wondering, "Now what?"
This is the messy middle that William Bridges describes so brilliantly in his book Transitions. Every significant change begins with an "ending". We need to let go of the past, enter an uncomfortable transition phase, and start moving toward our next new beginning.
>>>>That uncomfortable space between? That's where the real growth happens.<<<<<
For those of you navigating transitions (or supporting someone who is), here are three practical steps that actually work:
Give yourself permission to rest. Transition requires energy - honor that by creating moments of genuine pause.
Take inventory of what you're carrying forward. Your skills, strengths, and experiences don't disappear with change, they become your foundation.
Mark the shift. Create a small ritual that acknowledges what you're letting go of and what you're welcoming in.
What's worth noting is that it's not just the obvious life events that trigger this process.
Sometimes the subtlest shifts catch us most off guard; changes in economic conditions, unexpected weather patterns, evolving workplace expectations, or even a small rotation in team composition. These seemingly minor adjustments can create a surprising sense of unrest beneath the surface.
When you notice that unsettled feeling, pause. Take a breath. Name what's changed.
This simple act of acknowledging transition, however small, helps you regain your footing and move forward with intention rather than reaction.
Remember, transition isn't just about changing circumstances. It's about making room for a new version of yourself to emerge.
What transition are you facing this month? How are you coping? Comment below once you've tried the 3 step-process suggested and let us know if it helped.