Embracing Change: 4 Tips for Managing Grief in Transition

You have come to a fork in the road; maybe even a few.  You are sitting in the discomfort of the in-between and wondering what is next.  Likely, this moment, this process, has been triggered by some kind of loss; a loss that evokes question and uncertainty of identity even.  Perhaps you have lost a job, celebrated a marriage or a birth of a child, or graduated.  Regardless of whether the event is conventionally rejoiced or shamed, we are thrusted into a transition that sparks within us a deep grief of some kind of loss.  We must now reconcile this grief of what we have become so accustomed to and relearn this new emerging self.  

Just like with any loss, acknowledge it. 

It’s impact.  Allow yourself to feel your grief.  Take stock of the secondary losses experienced in this process. Sometimes, these secondary losses carry more weight in the moment than the primary.  What do these losses mean about you? About others and the world around you? Sometimes this realization can shift worldviews and be jarring to come to terms with. Allow yourself the time, space, and energy to feel whatever comes up for you. 

Lean into the awkwardness of being a novice again. 

With all the work we have put into our former self concept and identity, being thrown into a new role comes with it discomfort, frustration, and perhaps a trigger of wounded self esteem.  Be curious of your inner critic at this time.  What does the inner critic have to say? What does it want from you? How is it trying to keep you safe? At the same time, showing the novice compassion and grace in its new journey.  It may feel as though you are starting from square one, but remember the foundation of skill sets, supports, and gifts you are standing on. 

Take this as an opportunity for introspection.  

Take an inventory of your core values of your current self.  You have put so much work into what you have known.  The structures.  The habits.  The assumptions and core beliefs.  If you are feeling stuck, with kind curiosity, ponder on how staying stuck may be (or may have been) helpful.  What patterns are no longer serving you? How can you release them and make room for something new? 

Cultivate your self. 

With the losses and shedding of old skin comes an opportunity to decide what is worth rebuilding and how to move forward.  Upon looking inward, what did you decide was worth holding onto? Which values and parts of self do you want to carry into this new season? Which new identities, patterns, and beliefs do you want to discover and work towards in this opportunity for exploration? This may require some goal setting, action planning, and a bit of support.  

Getting re-acquainted with yourself after transition is a brave act, and it doesn’t have to be an isolating one.

Book a 15-minute consultation to have a supportive guide join your journey.