Oxford dictionary defines transition as "the process or period of changing from one state or condition to another."
Major life changes, even the most exciting ones or the ones we plan and anticipate, tend to throw us off. Transitioning from a chapter of ones' life to begin the next, can foster newness, a fresh beginning, and time for improvement. With any ending, there is a sense of loss of what one has known and has been accustomed to. Transitional periods can be very uncomfortable and challenging to navigate. Feelings of uncertainty, self-doubt, and fear are common emotions felt during transitional phases.
With every transition there is an expectation to change. Transitions can require us to change our identity, such as becoming a new mother for the first time, leaving the workforce and becoming a retiree, ending a relationship or marriage and once again becoming single. Sometime these transitions represent rebuilding a community including friends, support, and acclimating to a new culture.
Some common life transitions include:
Major life changes, even the most exciting ones or the ones we plan and anticipate, tend to throw us off. Transitioning from a chapter of ones' life to begin the next, can foster newness, a fresh beginning, and time for improvement. With any ending, there is a sense of loss of what one has known and has been accustomed to. Transitional periods can be very uncomfortable and challenging to navigate. Feelings of uncertainty, self-doubt, and fear are common emotions felt during transitional phases.
With every transition there is an expectation to change. Transitions can require us to change our identity, such as becoming a new mother for the first time, leaving the workforce and becoming a retiree, ending a relationship or marriage and once again becoming single. Sometime these transitions represent rebuilding a community including friends, support, and acclimating to a new culture.
Some common life transitions include:
- Marriage, divorce, beginning or ending a relationship
- Parenthood
- Living independently, leaving parents' home for the first time
- Relocation to a new city
- Graduating college
- Career change, job loss, promotion or demotion