Are you thinking about switching careers? Are you contemplating leaving a serious relationship? Do you want to buy a new house, start a family, or even open your own business? No matter your age, life transitions are a normal part of our developmental processes. 

Change can be as exciting as it is terrifying. However, with the right mindset, you’ll be able to cope with these adjustments with grace and gratitude. Let’s get to it. 

Fear is Normal

Some people think that they need to be completely excited when undergoing significant life transitions. Unfortunately, this fallacy just isn’t true. Excitement may be one of the emotions you experience, but it probably won’t be the only one. 

Even exciting transitions (getting married, buying a home, graduating college) can feel terrifying. That’s because these changes signify entering uncharted territory. You’re about to embark on a new adventure, and it’s reasonable to feel anxious, sad, or insecure about what lies ahead.

Try not to beat yourself if you feel these emotions. Remind yourself that fear is a normal part of any growth. That said, fear alone doesn’t need to dictate your actions. If you let the negativity prohibit you from moving forward, you risk feeling stunted and dissatisfied in life.

Understand Your Priorities May Change

Change is an inevitable part of any growth process. As humans, we are not meant to be stagnant- we are meant to adapt and evolve.

That said, when experiencing major life transitions, your priority shifts may surprise you. For example, after having a child, you may notice that you no longer value your career in the same ways. If you experience a major death, you might find yourself no longer caring for a specific friend who wasn’t supportive.

Priorities can and do shift in times of change. That’s okay. Trust that your values will guide you in the right direction. As long as you honor your integrity, your priorities will align in the ways they are supposed to.

Lean On Your Support 

When change happens, we may feel alone with our feelings or experiences. These feelings are exacerbated if we are the “first” in our group to experience such a transition.

However, support is essential during this time. That mantra, it takes a village, absolutely applies when it comes to navigating new changes. Find and lean on the people that you know have your back. Ask them for advice and depend on them for comfort. 

If you don’t feel like your friends and family can support you during this time, it may be time to reach out for professional help. Individual therapy provides a safe and nurturing space for you to share your thoughts and feelings candidly. You don’t have to worry about “sounding good” or “appearing brave.” You just have to show up and be honest about what’s going on.

Accept The Discomfort 

Acceptance is ultimately the goal of any life transition. Acceptance refers to tolerating all situations for exactly what they are. Rather than judging, expecting, or hoping for change, you merely accept the outcome.

You will experience some growing pains during this transition. You may make mistakes. You may even have some regrets. Accept that this part of your process.

Most of us want to avoid discomfort. We numb, suppress, and deny ourselves to avoid experiencing such difficult emotions. Unfortunately, these strategies are rarely sustainable. Instead, they only tend to prolong pain and suffering.

By accepting (and maybe even embracing) the inevitable discomfort, you open space for gratitude. And by opening space for gratitude, you can find profound meaning in even the greatest of struggles.

Self-Care Matters (More Than Ever)

You may feel busier than ever during a major life transition. The change may distract you from your normal routine. As a result, self-care may be the last thing on your mind!

However, self-care should be a top priority during this time. You need to be physically, mentally, and spiritually sharp. You need to feel healthy and confident- this will allow you to conquer whatever obstacles enter your path.

Remember that self-care doesn’t need to be complicated, time-consuming, or expensive. It can be tucked away into five minutes of meditation. It can be achieved through a walk in the park with your dog, singing aloud to your favorite song, or sipping a cappuccino from your favorite cafe. 

Final Thoughts On Coping With Life Transitions 

We all experience life transitions, and we all react to them differently. Remember that you don’t need to cope perfectly to cope successfully!

Aim to lean into the process (without judging yourself or others). Take care of yourself like it’s a top priority. And remember that asking for help is a sign of self-love and, therefore, a sign of immense strength! 

Need a little extra support during this change? I am happy to support you- no matter how scary things may seem.