How do you respond to transitions? Because you are in a constant state of renewal, it is important to be aware of how well you adapt. In his book, Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes, William Bridges points out that transitions are comprised of an ending, a period of confusion and distress and a new beginning.
Everyone at some time in their life finds endings to be difficult. If you struggle with change, don’t worry. It is not a sign that you have some unusual problem that others don’t. There are many inspirational sayings designed to clarify that change, though necessary and survivable, is something we all struggle with. Transitions are uncomfortable, especially when they start with an ending. The truth is, if you’re moving toward something new, you’re letting go of something else. The act of letting go, especially if a change is forced upon you, can be a difficult process.
Think about the child who deals with the divorce of his or her parents. It is a change that’s been forced upon him. Not only has the life he knows ended, he has zero power or control over that ending. The entire course of his life has been altered permanently and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Even if we haven’t been the child of divorce, we can all relate to the emotions involved in this kind of change. The feelings of powerlessness, anger, fear and hopelessness affect everyone at some point. These are common emotions that come with transitions created by outside circumstances.
The more adept you become at seeing the opportunities that change brings, the more positive those transitions of letting go will be. The more you are able to accept that moving toward something will end something else, the more welcoming you are of upcoming changes in your life.