Transitions
We all go through transitions in our lives. As we enter the summer of 2021, it is hard not to think about all the transitions that took place over the last 14 months or so. While some transitions are life-altering, others just interrupt us for a day and then we go about our business. Either way, they can change the way we think about the future and how we continue to move forward on our journey.
As we go through these transitions, our priorities and goals change. I would like to share with you a little about my current state. My partner and I are embarking on our second move across the United States in five years. Consequently, we are taking a look at the various transitions taking place in all the different facets of our lives and making a lot of assessments, adjustments and big decisions.
Over the last year our priorities changed. It became clear that being closer to family was one of the most important things in our life. Our goal was to move from California back to the East Coast of the United States in July of 2021.
As we were going through the process of setting this goal, we had to ask ourselves:
What does being closer to family look like?
Where do we want to move and why?
How much time do we need to make this happen (realistically)?
What needs to be in place to make this possible?
Who will help us?
What obstacles will we face?
How will we overcome those obstacles?
Whatever the circumstance, transitions are a time when we have to modify our routines, rituals and habits. Even when we anticipate transitions or have carefully thought about them, there is always a level of uncertainty we have to endure. With uncertainty comes stress and anxiety.
How can we curb these unsettling feelings and turn the process of a transition into a positive experience?
Come up with a Plan
I am wired to plan things in advance. If you read my last blog post about making lists, you can probably guess that I am also a list-maker! I treat many big life events as “personal projects.” This move was no different!
Creating a plan can help relieve some of the uncertainty about what should happen next.
Knowing that we had six months advance notice to move gave us time to develop a pretty solid plan of action. Part of my strategy with any plan is to create timelines and deadlines. Solid due dates can make such a difference! From there it becomes manageable to work backwards to outline tasks. Tasks can then be broken down into manageable action steps. Plans don’t have to be beautifully documented, but thinking about the steps that need to be taken can help relieve some of the uncertainty around what should happen next and by when.
Clear the Clutter
I help keep my stress at bay by clearing the clutter in my thoughts. I ensured that anything related to the move that entered my brain got out ASAP! If I thought of a task or action step, it went right into my calendar. If something was just an idea, a note, a question or a part of a bigger task and I didn’t have a spot for it in the calendar yet, I dumped it into my “move notebook.” It served as a depository to write down anything and everything that was in my head about the move. Of course, I then needed to organize all of this. The important thing is that my thoughts were on paper and not in my head!
My partner and I have started to realize what can be left behind and what to take with us as we move forward - both in physical terms as with furniture and tangible items and in terms of commitments and responsibilities that consume time and energy. It was imperative to edit things out of our schedules to allow for time to plan the move.
During times of transition, there are always going to be challenges or obstacles to overcome. Taking time to think, regroup and decide on the next plan of action is part of the process. Having some extra time set aside for strategizing and reorganizing the unexpected is definitely helpful.
Celebrate Accomplishments
During times of transition or while we are making changes, we will meet milestones, accomplish great feats and realize that things we never thought could have been possible are indeed possible. I can’t stress enough how much all these things are worth celebrating! It is important to stop and embrace those moments of joy along the way.
Whether small changes to your daily routine or big life transformations, transitions are all around us. Times of transition allow us to reflect on what has worked in the past and what hasn’t so that moving forward we can make more informed decisions. Personally, I enjoy going through the process of reflection and growth as I go through these life transitions.
Do you find yourself asking “How do I get from point A to point B in an organized way?” I would love to chat! I support individuals through life transitions or times of change. I help people come up with plans, timelines and processes that align with their values and goals!
