Tis the season for transitions

Late May, so it is the season for graduations, weddings, first jobs, summer jobs, retirements, and more.

These are passages.  And all passages entail transition.

As William Bridges has so astutely pointed out, transitions involve three distinct phases: ending, neutral zone, and new beginning.

Ending.  When something changes, it means that something has ended.  Coming to terms with an ending usually requires a bit of mental and emotional wrestling.  Some of us refuse to admit it for too long, but most of us reluctantly acknowledge it.  Are you experiencing an ending such as school, single life, 40 year career?

Neutral Zone. Once you identify the ending, you enter the neutral zone.  Here, you have all questions and no answers.  This phase of grappling with change and transition can be highly disorienting and discombobulating.  Sometimes, you can get stuck here for a long time, but to experience disorientation is completely natural.

New Beginning.  Ahhh, now the good part!  You land a job, embark on the honeymoon, or find your new routine in retirement.  It’s a plan.  The plan may work for a long time, or perhaps only for a short time.  But, the refreshing nature of a new beginning minimizes worry and ignites your soul with curiosity, fascination, and nervous energy.  Embrace it!

Whatever passage or transition you may be entering, know that these three distinct phases are to be expected.  Remember that other people are experiencing these as well, and help them along their journey.

Happy passages!

Worth Repeating

The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it,move with it, and join the dance.

-Alan Watts