No matter what age you are, you experience life transitions. Transitions can affect us all differently depending on the circumstance and bring up many emotions. When thinking about life transitions, it is essential to differentiate between them. By better understanding the life transition you are experiencing, it can be easier to navigate the situation. In my experience, regardless of the transition type, I learned a lot about myself, mainly when I reflected and took the time to understand the change.
Anticipated life transitions– Anticipated life transitions are those you are prepared for and expect. These changes include a new job, marriage, and having a baby. Even though the growth is planned, it can be overwhelming and bring up a mix of emotions. Although anticipated life transitions can be exciting (like having a baby), they can also be scary and overwhelming, sometimes even a loss of self and grieving can occur. Just because you are entering a new or exciting phase in your life, doesn’t mean you won’t yearn and miss your old self.
Unanticipated life transitions- Unanticipated life transitions can be the scariest, most overwhelming, and most painful. Examples of unanticipated life transitions are illness, the sudden loss of a loved one, or the unexpected ending of a relationship. Although unplanned life transitions can be scary, they also provide an opportunity for moments of personal growth and clarity. Having the opportunity to reevaluate choices, put life into perspective, and the chance to try the unknown is often how you grow and change for the better!
“Non-event” life transitions– When something you expected to happen doesn’t happen or happens when you hope it will. “Non-event” transitions can be the hardest to understand and feel the loneliest. When something doesn’t happen, the people around you may not even know you are experiencing this. Examples of non-event life transitions are not being able to have a child, a big project falling apart, or not getting the promotion you wanted. Part of dealing with a non-event transition means acknowledging the grief and loss of something you expected and imagined.
“Sleeper” life transitions- These transitions often sneak up on you or happen so slowly over time that you fail to recognize them until they happen. Sleeper transitions can be positive or negative and bring a range of emotions. Examples of sleeper transitions are the slipping away of a friendship, falling out of love with someone over time, or getting more comfortable and confident at work. With sleeper transitions, it is essential to step back, reflect, and acknowledge that a change has occurred.
Take a step back and consider all the transitions you’ve gone through. Think about the different transitions you’ve experienced and how you dealt with them. Some reminders when you reflect on changes and navigate them are:
Acknowledge the transition you are experiencing and prepare for highs and lows. Regardless of the type of transition, it can be overwhelming, so be prepared for different emotions to arise and hold space for a mix of feelings!
In any transition, be patient, stay curious, and be kind to yourself
Everyone has unique circumstances and deals with situations differently. There is no “right way” to feel
Reach out for support! Having someone to talk to, explore, process, and hold space for everything you feel can help!
It’s common to feel like your transition may not be as severe as someone else but you and what you are going through matters- respect that everyone experiences things differently, someone else’s life and experiences are not more important than yours
Try activities that help you reflect on situations, and always remember that you are never alone. With the proper support and mindset, any transition can be a source of strength and hope, leading to a brighter and more fulfilling future.
Reaching out can be scary and overwhelming; you don’t have to do it alone, and it can be on your terms. Rebound Total Health offers in-person, online, telephone, and couples counselling to help you navigate transitions. Regardless of what you are going through, there is someone to help you through the situation!