Transitions: a different perspective
Transitions
As the summer is closing and we are heading into the fall season and back to school we are reflecting on transitions. Transitions are defined as the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another. The definition is so fitting not only for this time of year but also for the purpose of us starting our own practice; therefore, a great place to start our blog.
We often look at transitions as a time of dread, fear and anxiety. In doing a Google search for transitions a plethora of “how to” articles about coping and scheduling came up. We would propose a different list of coping skills based on a different outlook of transitions. Other cultures past and present meet transitions such as the changing of the seasons with celebration, song, joy and a sense of wonder and excitement. I would propose these individuals, families, cultures and and societies overall experience less anxiety and depression because transition is a part of everyday life. So in response to that our list of coping is how to meet transitions with a positive sense of excitement and wonder.
Have a positive perspective and view of transitions
A- recovery is all about transitions, everyday you are celebrating success for doing things you have not done before.
B- transitions are a time to reflect and choose the path which best fits you and what passion you are lead to in this life. C- Another reason transitions are good
5 ways to start celebrating transitions
1- Create rituals, big and small, to celebrate transitions
2- Make transitions fun, use songs, chants, sayings and cheers. Growing up with a mother who sang all the I learned the value of this. As a parent this has been something I have passed along; from clean up songs, bedtime songs, wake up songs, dinner time songs; you name it we sing about it. A person in our family once commented they expected woodland creatures and birds to come in through the windows and join in because it was like a Disney movie. What a compliment, I love the idea of a house feeling like a happy Disney scene. One of our family mottos is, we are embarking on a new journey where will this one take us. This falls into my repeated belief of if it is right it will work so follow the path and trust in the process.
3. Make a “to do” list. One of my favorite ways to move into transitions is creating a “to do” list. Let me explain. I don’t enjoy change but as we all know change is a constant. One way I have found to make the changes in the seasons more enjoyable is to create a list of things that I want to do during that season. Going into summer a few of the things on my list included: watch the stars, go for a hike, and make Spanish corn on the cob. My fall list is current under construction. When we have things to look forward to it can help ease the discomfort of the change by giving us something to focus on.
4. Create and follow a routine. A Routine is defined as a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program. Routines are super helpful in our lives, they create a structure and a boundary like the lines on the road guild and instruct us as we drive down the road routines create a guild. This guild often gives us a feeling of security when other things might be more in the air we can use routine to helps us. Some examples might be a bedtime, a get up time, and an exercise routine. It’s also important to remember that during times of transition we may need to be flexible and adjust our routines.
5. Practice good self-care. Transitions can be a time of stress even when they are transitions that we are happy about for example; starting a new school year, welcoming a new baby into the family, or starting a new career path. I had a mentor once tell me at the start of a new path in her life that with the stress that she was under due to this exciting and new activity she was engaging in that she recognized more was required of her so she made sure to take the best care of herself. As she describes that included giving herself the best water, the best nutrition, sleep, and purposeful play breaks. This has always stuck with me when I am in a transition and feeling the stress and strain of it. I remind myself that I am someone worth taking care and making a few special efforts to do so and that has made a big difference for me.