Whatever pain you can’t get rid of, make it your creative offering.
-Susan Cain
Life transitions and changes can be so hard to navigate. So often we’re navigating the bitter with the sweet together. It also always amazes me the things that I am grieving on the other side of a transition, sometimes things I expected to miss, but more often things that weren’t even on my radar at all. Can you relate?
Here’s what’s to come in this blog: bittersweet moments that surface with life changes, common types of life transitions, and self-care ideas to use during life transitions.
Bittersweet moments that surface with life changes:
Bitter:
- Endings
- Grief
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Frustration
- Goodbyes
Sweet:
- Beginnings
- Gratitude
- Joy
- Excitement
- Calm
- Connection
- Hellos
What else would you add here?
Common types of life transitions:
- Marriage
- Pregnancy
- Postpartum
- Stay-at-home mom
- Injury
- New diagnosis
- School
- Moving
- Motherhood
- Accident
- Working outside of the home mom
- Illness
- Infertility
- Miscarriage
- Career changes
- Divorce
- Loss of a loved one
- Menopause (and perimenopause!)
- Retirement
What else would you add to this list?
Self-care ideas to use during life transitions:
- Go outside
- Go for a walk
- Tighten and relax your muscles
- Write about it
- Schedule alone time
- Focus on your five senses
- Listen to a guided meditation
- Focus on your breath
- Connect with someone who understands- family, friends, therapist, coworker, etc.
- Show yourself compassion
What other self-care ideas help you during your own life transitions?
If you’re struggling right now, know that you’re not alone. Many people struggle during life transitions and changes, which can often be so bittersweet. If you could use more help and support in your life today, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area. Know that I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion your way!
