5 Things to Bring With You on a Transitional Journey
Yes, change is constant. But there are ways to prepare for the journey ahead.
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ― Joseph Campbell
This year, I've been learning how to be more present. Whether it's taking steps outside my comfort zone or honoring a slower pace.
Here's one thing I'm learning — during a season of change, it's hard to be in the present moment:
You need to make a big decision — should I take this job?
You're in limbo — will I win the bid on the house?
You're in a new role in life — how do I do this!?
If you’re in a funk right now, you’re not alone. Despite the blooming flowers and the sunshine, the spring season can be a hard time for many people.
There are several possible reasons why, including shifts in our circadian rhythm, which can interrupt sleep and impact our mood when we depend on routine to keep us grounded.
But ultimately, spring is a time of change. And change is hard.
Luckily, a shift in perspective can help us embrace this bittersweet time of year. If "spring fever" seems to hit you in an emotional way, it's a great time to donate clothes, get your hands in dirt to prepare for new blooms, or update your resume.
But positive actions can also bring on hard feelings like grief (letting go of the past) or fear (thinking about what's to come).
For me personally, I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s next. And I’ve had to take a look at where I’ve been to figure that out.
A season of change consists of shedding layers of who we are that no longer serve us, forcing us to say goodbye to the past and take a glance into the future.
Yes, change is constant, but spring is a special time of year in which we have an opportunity to be proactive with how we want to change for ourselves.
Who have I been? Who do I want to become? Where am I today?
Asking these three questions can help you reflect on the past and think about the future while staying grounded in the present moment. It’s both healing and inspiring.
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” — Dolly Parton
If you're feeling as if you're on the brink of change, here are some questions to reflect on:
What's working and what's not?
What areas in my life need more attention?
What could use less of my energy and time so I can focus on what matters?
What do I need to prioritize more of, and what can I let go of?
5 Things to "Pack" for Your Transitional Journey
Once you've done your reflection, it's time to prepare for what's ahead.
Here are five things I recommend you include in your metaphorical luggage.
1. Your Personal Values
Take a look at your personal values.
As we grow and change, so does what we value in life. Identifying what you value helps you make better decisions on where to put your time and energy.
For example, as a working mom, I now value efficiency more than doing more. I've become much more efficient at work, as I'm not able to catch up on weekends or stay late.
I also have to make better decisions about how I spend my free time, since it's more limited now.
2. A Growth Mindset
Building a growth mindset is like exercise for the brain.
It's a daily practice that pushes you to think about your thoughts and challenge them. It's easy to say, "I can't do it" and much harder to tell yourself, "I don't know how to do it, but I will learn." But make it a habit and it becomes easier over time.
A growth mindset is what helps you stay motivated despite challenging times. It's the opposite of having a fixed mindset, which will keep you stuck and your wheels spinning.
Want to learn more? I highly recommend this book.
3. Break Down Big Goals into Microsteps (No Bigger than 3.4 Ounces 😉)
Okay, I know we're not talking about liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage, but you get the point.
It really comes down to daily habits. When you identify big goals, microsteps are the things you do daily that will take you one step closer to your goal every day.
Full transparency — this is something I find very hard to do. But when I succeed at it, it reduces the feelings of overwhelm. Here's a great article about the power of microsteps.
4. Travel Buddies
Having people in your life who support and believe in you is the most important thing during a transitional phase.
Your "travel" buddies could be a combination of family members, friends, a mentor, colleagues, and other cohorts of people that have common goals or interests.
Maybe you want to read more this year, so you decide to join a book club. Or maybe you're looking to start your own business, so you join a group of entrepreneurs to keep you accountable. Maybe you look to your mentor to help with the next step in your career.
Having different sets of people to go to for support in specific areas of life is invaluable. Some people are great at providing emotional support, while others have the wisdom and credibility to give sound advice. Some people in your group might love and care about you, but that doesn't mean they can give you helpful advice in specific areas of your life.
You might be fortunate enough to have someone in your life who can provide both! But it’s helpful to have a diverse group of people in your life that can support you in different ways.
5. Self-Kindness
Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens." — Louise L. Hay
Self-kindness. Boy, that's a hard one.
Self-kindness is the act of showing compassion towards yourself as you would to your best friend.
Your support team can show you compassion and kindness, but if you don't believe in yourself, what others have to say will go in one ear and out the other. Self-kindness is powerful because it comes from your heart.
When going through life changes or working towards hard things, it helps to have a plan on how you'll handle setbacks before they happen, so you can better prepare yourself emotionally.
Whether it's an affirmation you'll tell yourself (e.g., "this does not define my worth”) or a set time period to feel the hard things before jumping into a logical step forward.
It’s easier to be kind to yourself when things are going well, but much harder when things are challenging. Practicing self-kindness can be your armor during emotional battles.
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Spring is a wonderful time for deep reflection. It’s a way of healing from what’s behind you and gaining newfound energy for what’s ahead.
Think back to a time when life changed for you. What helped you navigate the change? Share below in the comments!