In the midst of life’s biggest changes, there are always lessons to be learned. There are little nuggets of truth or wisdom that can be gleaned from seasons of significant life transition.
This is true whether the life changes we are experiencing were planned or desired, or totally unexpected.
Here’s the catch…You have to look for them.
Sure, sometimes the lessons we should be learning smack us in the face. They are so obvious it truly would be difficult to ignore these learning experiences.
But other times, perhaps even most times, the lessons to be uncovered through change are more subtle. They require some intentional thought, awareness, and reflection.
Without taking the time to reflect, you may miss the opportunities for growth and learning that come through transition.
So, I invite you to take a moment and reflect with me!
Think of a time in which you experienced significant changes or transition in your own life. These changes could be recent, or further back in your past. (There are still lessons to be learned from experiences that happened a while ago.)
Find yourself a quiet spot, somewhere you can truly think and process. If you’re anything like me, you may find a journal or a notepad helpful for processing and recording your thoughts.
Alright, here we go!
REFLECTING ON TRANSITION:
Step 1: Remembrance
Let’s begin by simply remembering. What were the circumstances of the life transition you’ve chosen to reflect on? Were you starting a new job? Getting married? Moving?
Was this transition something you chose and planned for? Did it catch you by surprise? How did you feel about this transition as it was happening? After?
Take a moment to visualize yourself during this season in your life. If it’s helpful, feel free to record a few notes in your journal or notebook.
Step 2: Finding the Good
Whether you wanted these changes to occur or not, there is always some sort of “good” that results from change, IF we allow ourselves to recognize potential blessings and opportunities. As you reflect on the good that came from your season of change, here are a few questions to consider:
- What did this season of change make possible that I otherwise would not have been able to do?
- Were there any new relationships I formed as a result of this transition?
- What new skills did I acquire through navigating this change?
Step 3: Learning From Mistakes
Mistakes happen, ESPECIALLY when you’ve found yourself dealing with new or unfamiliar circumstances. That’s okay! In fact, these moments of perceived “failure” often lay the foundation for future success.
As you continue to reflect, I invite you to reframe your story. Instead of judging yourself for past missteps, choose to view these moments as opportunities for learning and growth.
Consider this:
- What “mistakes” did you make during this season of change?
- What lessons did you learn from these mistakes?
- How are you a better person today because of what you learned in those moments of “failure?”
Here’s the truth: Transition can often feel difficult, dramatic even. These seasons (as is much of life) are filled with ups, and downs. However, your life does not need to feel like a soap opera.
There is a steadiness that comes when we make a conscious choice to embrace and learn from the up and down roller coaster of life. Instead of making a crisis out of every transition or change, we gain the ability to experience, learn, and move forward.
If you are currently in a season of change, I invite you to check out the rest of this blog series. These articles are packed with tips for handling transition with grace and wisdom.
Interested in what our community has to say about transition?
One community member, Teri Johnson, had this wise nugget to offer:
“In the moment, the best you can do is the best you can do. Don’t beat yourself up for coming apart.”
Article was contributed by: Maria Lees, Team Writer with Sarah Boxx
