Transitions occur at any age. And at 50 or 60 and beyond, we’re likely to face even more of them.
The loss of a job. The end of a relationship. A change in health. Deaths of friends and family members. Or some internal shift that leaves us restless, bored, dissatisfied, or unhappy without really knowing why. The list of possible transitions goes on and on. Whenever something in our lives ends or changes, we face a transition.
Transitions, with the endings, in between time, and new beginnings that accompany them, are often challenging.
My friend lost her job recently and is facing a big, and sometimes scary, transition. I’m impressed with how well she is taking care of herself, looking for the blessings in her situation, and keeping her attitude positive.
I could write a book about how to do transitions and maybe someday I well. For today, I’ll just share with you part of what I wrote to her:
Transition is an especially important time to:
- Be extra gentle with yourself
- Practice extreme self-care and
- Take lots of time to do what lights you up, what you love, what energizes you, and what brings you joy.
Are you in a transition? What are your best tips for surviving and thriving in transition times?
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i use a combo of shea butter and aloe vera moisturizer. Works great. I use shea butter on my lips, around my eyes and nose (dry areas), My father swears by vasoline.
p.s. I dropped your name on Gina's post, Barb. ;)
Wow, how timely. This is exactly how I feel and I’ve been trying to analyze it to death. Soon to be empty nest (probably another year), I’ve been home with the kids so haven’t worked full time in 20 years. Marriage is a room mate situation. I feel very stuck. I know what I need to do. Get out, find a job. I look online and in the paper for jobs. I haven’t pounded the pavement like in the old days of doing things, but I don’t think that’s how it’s done today anyway. Go from place to place and fill out applications. Like anyone, at this stage of life I’d like to find something fulfilling. I am totally dependent on my husband which I hate. So far life has been stressful in 2010 with losses. I feel guilty because my kids don’t need me as much and feel I’m not pulling my weight. This is totally self inflicted. My husband never makes me feel that way. I will be ok. Just been having a pity party lately.
And we all know how well analyzing works, don’t we.
Yep, you’ve got a lot of transition stuff going on. Sorry it’s such a tough time.
Lovemylife, may I suggest you focus on the 3 steps I wrote about first? Without having to figure out what to do, where you’re going, how to fix your life, etc, etc.
Once you’ve refilled your tank a bit, you’ll have more energy and clarity to see where you want to go and what to do to move in that direction.
If case this might help, here’s a link to a longer article I’ve written about navigating through transitions. http://ezinearticles.com/?Life-Transitions—How-to-Navigate-the-In-Between-Times&id=841333
This blog post is also up on my “Savoring Your Sixties” blog. Sheila, one of my readers there added these comments & I thought they could useful to VN women, too.
“I would suggest adding to #1: Be extra gentle with yourself and those around you. I find when I am stressed, I am less patient and not as aware of those I love. I have to be careful not to take out my frustrations on those around me.
I could also add “and care of those around you” to #2! I find that when I am stressed, doing reiki or massage for my husband or my dog relaxes me and helps me to let go of whatever problems I may be facing.
But, oh, do I need to work on #3! I haven’t been doing as much to find things that bring me joy and energize me. It’s time to start doing more of that!”