The truest, most beautiful life never promises to be an easy one. We need to let go of the lie that it's supposed to be.

-Glennon Doyle

My first self-published book was about life transitions. Little did I know just how much this topic would show up during the COVID-19 pandemic as well. Life transitions can be major, minor or anywhere in between, but they also bring many feeling and emotions before, during and after the transition itself.

The following are some types of life transitions you may have experienced during “normal times.”

Life transitions we have some choice and control over include:

1. Relationships such as marriage, divorce, estrangement, etc.
2. Moving including locally, domestically and internationally.
3. Your career path including where you went to school, choosing full or part time employment, deciding to be a stay-at-home mom or a working outside of the home mom, starting a new job, job promotions, retirement, etc.

Life transitions we have little or no control over include:

1. The loss of a loved one- spouse, parent, sibling, extended family/friend, etc.
2. Women’s health including pregnancy complications, miscarriage, infertility, postpartum mood disorders, menopause, etc.
3. Medical issues including a new diagnosis, an illness, surgery, an accident, etc.
4. Court cases where you’re the one being sued
5. Moving when you didn’t have a choice such as a military post change.
6. Career changes such as a promotion.

What transitions has COVID-19 added to your life?

1. Suddenly staying home when you’re used to moving about freely.
2. No social interaction outside of your family system.
3. Ordering everything online.
4. Full time family togetherness.
5. Slowly venturing back out as states open up.
6. Wondering what’s safe and what isn’t.
7. Trying to set new boundaries in a constantly changing world.
8. Some areas of life returning back to normal such as going to the store, the doctor, etc.

Feelings and emotions that may show up around life transitions:

1. Grief and loss
2. Sadness
3. Fear
4. Uncertainty
5. Frustration
6. Joy
7. Excitement
8. Anger
9. Envy
10. 10.Happiness
11. 11.Irritability

Don’t forget that a lot of “normal” life transitions are still taking place with added COVID-19 life transitions, which can exacerbate already heightened emotions. Continue to be kind, gentle and accepting of yourself and your feelings during this unprecedented time!