A Transition Checklist

Image by Washington State Dept of Transportation via Flickr

By Bev Peters, Franklin County Extension

Times of change can be painful, frustrating and confusing.

Transition occurs any time you are faced with a change in the familiar – a job, a relationship, or a way of life. Remember that it takes courage, time, and emotional support to explore new directions.

When you’re in the middle of a transition, keep in mind the following points:
· Take your time. You can’t make a transition overnight. Everyone changes at a different rate.
· Accept a given situation as temporary. For example, you may be uneasy at your new job now, but feelings change.
· Expect some discomfort. Most changes involve loss. People react differently to loss, but many feel angry, anxious, or sad at times.
· Don’t act for the sake of action. Sometimes people feel that anything they do will help. Stop and think about what you’re doing and know why you want to do it.
· Take care of yourself in little ways. Treat yourself to your favorite hobby, an hour of recreational reading, or something you enjoy and over which you have some control.
· Find someone to talk to. Share your feelings; it may influence how you react. Someone who’s been in the same situation can better understand how you feel.

Transitions are inevitable in life. With a healthy attitude, you can work through this process and find the stability you want.

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