All of us experience transition in our lives. How we manage these shifts, and how we perceive them, prevents crisis.
When we are in a transition, we are:
- in a passage
- experiencing development
- experiencing transformation or realignment
- at a turning point
When transition takes on a sense of urgency and feels like big trouble, or a mess, it becomes a crisis.
There are several ways to avoid major stress as we enter crucial points in life:
1. Develop a healthy mindset – expect that life will change. When we believe that life should forever remain the same as it is today, we are living in a bubble that will burst. When the big pop happens, major disappointment follows.
2. Acknowledge each change. When we foresee the turning points, each choice we make helps to build a strong bridge that carries us over transitions.
3. Take time for yourself. Women tend to take care of everyone but themselves. They manage their home, their career, their family, and they often put themselves last on the priority list. It is okay to be a caretaker, however, the most efficient women take time to ensure their personal needs are met. This means that their health (physical and mental well-being) are nourished — otherwise, the crisis becomes larger due to a lack of energy and frustration. How can you take care of others if you aren’t taking proper care of yourself?
4. Be honest with yourself. What are your needs? What are your capabilities? What do you want to do in life? What makes you feel energetic?
5. Make a plan. You may feel like you have no time to strategize, but when life gets busy, and it always does, the passage from a small and troublesome change grows to a monster-sized crisis in a snap!
6. Find and embrace quiet time. Quiet time = thinking time. Keep a journal to record your daily struggles, joys, and thoughts. Writing is very therapeutic — it helps to sort out your own ruminations, and leads to answers. Meditate and pray. Again, because women are natural caretakers, they tend to not seek out help. If you are a believer, pray for your needs. Take care of you!
7. Find a listening friend. A friend that listens because they want the best for you is priceless. We are living in a very busy world, which leaves people focused entirely on their own daily lives and deadlines. Get off of the merry-go-round and find someone who will listen.
Please, feel free to reach out to me if you need help with this!
MARY HUMPHREY COACHING 