Change is great when it is for the good. But how do we navigate it when it’s challenging—in cases such as the ending of a relationship, marriage or job?
Change happens when our circumstances shift. Transition is the inner process of how we navigate and adjust ourself in response to this change. What once was a space filled with the familiar has been emptied out leaving with it many mixed emotions that can be challenging. Here are some tips on how to navigate:
Let go of the past. Without letting go of the past, we remain stuck in the energy of ‘what was’, which inhibits the progress and transitional shift to occur. Be aware of your thoughts and the stories you are telling yourself that may be keeping you in a space of longing to go back to the way things were.
Don’t stuff it. Sometimes the past is difficult to let go because we have lingering feelings of anger, regret or resentment. Perhaps we are unwilling to let go of our familiar sense of identity or we are scared of giving up old ways of doing and being, which leaves us with losses. Perhaps we think that life will never be as good as it was. Take the appropriate time to grieve, process and resolve emotions instead of stuffing them away, as doing so will only affect your body’s health in the long run.
Use it as an opportunity to grow. Evaluate the situation and any lessons it taught you seeing how you can apply them moving forward. What parts of your self is being triggered by the change? What parts of you feel the most vulnerable? Identifying your emotions and the fears behind them are all good indicators on some self work to do that will help shift your transition through new beliefs and perspectives by preparing your new path. Mark the old ways of being over so you can move on and step into the new.
You are more resourceful than you think. Make a list identifying any losses. Think about how else your needs can be met in this new period of change and ask yourself how you can use your inner resources to help fulfill these needs. What new ways of doing and being will help you navigate this new space?
