Leaning Into the Wind: Embracing Life’s Transitions
Change. It’s a word that can send shivers down your spine or make you want to dive under the covers and close your eyes to the world. Whether it’s starting a new job, moving to a new city, or navigating an unexpected life shift, transitions can feel like stepping into the unknown without a safety net. But here’s the good news: transitions don’t have to be terrifying. They can also be thrilling—like soaring through the air on a trapeze.
The Moment of Letting Go
Imagine you’re a trapeze artist. You’ve swung out over the crowd, clutching the bar like your life depends on it. Ahead of you, there’s another trapeze bar swinging toward you. But to grab it, you have to let go of the one you’re holding so tightly to.
That moment—midair, arms outstretched, no bar in hand—is where most of us find ourselves struggling during life transitions. And let’s be honest, it’s not exactly comfortable. When these moments happen, it is so easy for our inner monologue to take over, “What if the next bar isn’t there? What if I fall? What will people think if they see me fall?!”
But here’s the thing: if you don’t let go of the bar you’re holding, you’ll never reach the next one.
Trusting the Swing
Transitions are all about trust. Trusting that the next bar is coming, trusting yourself to grab it, and trusting that if you miss, there’s a plan in place to land in the safety net (otherwise known as “plan B”). It’s not blind faith; it’s the kind of trust that grows when you remind yourself of all the transitions you’ve already survived. Remember that awkward middle school phase (I sure do)? Or your first heartbreak? You’ve made it through every one of them.
And just like the trapeze artist, you’re not swinging alone. There are people—friends, family, mentors, a counselor—who can help you navigate the air between bars.
Embracing the Midair Moment
Here’s where it gets tricky. Most of us want to rush through transitions. We want to grab that next bar now, thank you very much. But meaningful growth happens in the midair moments. It’s where you learn to trust yourself, build resilience, and discover what you’re truly capable of.
So instead of panicking about the free fall, what if you could lean into it? Feel the wind on your face, laugh at the ridiculousness of life, and trust that this too is part of the process.
Skills to Stay Grounded During the Leap
Managing stress during transitions is like building your inner safety net. Here are a few skills to help you stay steady while everything else feels up in the air:
1. Breathe the Through It.
When stress takes over, your breath can become shallow and quick. Try slowing things down with deep belly breaths. Or, try box breathing: inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, wait for four, and repeat. Bonus: This can be done anywhere!
2. Get Curious, Not Judgmental.
Instead of thinking, “Why is this happening to me?” try asking, “What can I learn from this?” A curious mindset can help you reframe challenges as opportunities for growth.
3. Anchor Yourself in Routine.
Transitions can feel chaotic, so creating small daily rituals—like morning tea, journaling, or a quick walk—can help you feel grounded. It’s your way of saying, “Hey, I may be swinging through the air, but I’ve still got my feet on solid ground somewhere.”
4. Visualize Success.
Picture yourself nailing the transition. What does it look like? Feel like? Creating a mental image of success can cultivate a heightened state of mental awareness, boost confidence and overall well-being, and motivate you to grab that next bar.
5. Practice Self-Compassion.
If you miss the bar (metaphorically speaking), don’t beat yourself up. Talk to yourself like you would a close friend. A simple, “You’re doing what you can, and that’s enough,” can work wonders.
A Gentle Reminder
Life’s transitions are inevitable. They’re the price we pay for growth, change, and sometimes, the chance to create something beautiful out of the chaos. So next time you’re facing a big shift, remember your inner trapeze artist. Take a deep breath, stretch out your arms, and let go.
So, here is to you the free flyers, the go-getters and the pensive planners of the world. The circus of life may be unpredictable, but you are more capable than you think. Go out there and let them see how high you can fly.
Looking for guidance as you navigate a life transition? Let’s chat. Schedule a consultation today.