5 Tips For Navigating Change from a Life Transition Therapist in Washington, DC
With increased hours of sunlight, we start to feel an energy change. The leaves and flowers bloom, and our bodies feel more invigorated, leaving behind the cold, dark winter days. Believe it or not, humans are also affected by the process of re-creation that occurs in the spring. For some of us, there is a need to "clean house" and begin anew. Maybe you're in a job that isn't making you happy anymore. It may be time to let go of a toxic relationship. Or perhaps the habit that needs "to die" is a little less tangible and may be more internal, like a tendency to people please or a way of being in the world that is no longer serving you. Or… maybe you just need to deep clean your apartment.
This change concept is sometimes referred to as a "shamanic death" or the practice of "dying" over and over again throughout our lives. I promise it’s not as morbid or “woo woo” as it sounds. In Shamanic terms, cycles of death and rebirth refer to periods of our lives when a part of us is ready to "die" so that another part can emerge. Just like a snake shedding its skin or leaves falling from a tree. The "death" part of the cycle can sometimes feel painful and scary when you're in it. Turns out change is hard! But trust me, resisting change is even more challenging.
5 Tips from a Life Transition Therapist in Washington, DC
Deep breaths…below are six tips from a life transition therapist in Washington, DC. They will help you navigate the difficulties that change and life transitions can bring.
1.) Accept What Needs to Go
Are you feeling restless and untethered? Anxious and unsettled? Maybe you feel like you're regressing into old patterns of behavior. Try your best to let go of fighting what is, which often prolongs suffering and ultimately makes it worse. Trust that whatever is happening now is necessary. Acceptance is usually the first step in letting go and beginning the change process.
2.) Make Space For Resistance
After identifying what aspects of your life you want to shift, notice any parts of you that might feel scared or resistant to change. For many of us, these scared and resistant parts are often rooted in childhood. What is this part afraid will happen if it lets go? Become curious about this part of yourself and see if you can send it love and compassion. What would a scared child need to hear right now? Something like: "Of course making this change is scary! This reminds you of when you got the message that change wasn't safe. We will take our time and remember that we are equipped with the tools and resources that we didn't have then. We've got this."
3.) Replace Fear With Curiosity
Humanity's nature requires adaptation, meaning overcoming our urges to resist and avoid change is critical to navigating life's fluctuations.
We may resist the unknown when fear is in the driver's seat. Fear of failure or loss often holds us back from embracing change. Rather than viewing change as an obstacle, try to reframe it as an opportunity for growth. A growth mindset can help us approach change with curiosity and compassion.
We may falsely label periods of discomfort as "bad" because they feel bad. Some of us may feel a strong need to numb or avoid these feelings. However, avoiding is a short-term solution, leading to more pain in the long run. Just because something feels bad doesn't mean that it is. Are you confusing a feeling with a fact? Think of these uncomfortable sensations as natural growing pains. Become curious about the signals in your body. Thank your body for sending you the important message that you're ready to grow and move on. Offering you a gentle reminder that you are part of nature and ready to bloom just like a flower.
4.) Let Go
Practicing mindfulness can help us stay present, open us to the uncertainty of the future, and release us from the prison of fear. Anticipation and fear are the two primary ingredients of anxiety. Letting go is not a method for getting rid of anxiety; it is a method for being at peace with it.
5.) Give Yourself Space To Grieve
Make space for any grief that comes with letting go. It's important to be kind and patient with yourself during major transitions because change is always accompanied by some loss. Old leaves must decay, wither, and fall for new, lush leaves to bloom. Rain must fall to replenish the earth's resources and sustain our ecosystem. Similarly, tears of grief are a natural part of the human experience as we navigate big and small losses. Just as rain eventually gives way to sunshine and new growth, grief gradually transforms into acceptance and resilience.
Remember…You Don't Have To Weather The Storm Alone
If you are experiencing some growing pains this spring and want help identifying self-defeating patterns or to get through a challenging transition period, reach out to The Sterling Group today. We're here to help—you don't have to do it alone.
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Other Therapy Services we Offer in Washington, DC & Throughout VA
Our team knows that you may experience more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why we offer a variety of services including support navigating relationships, coping with depression symptoms, and handle anxiety. We also specialize in ADHD and executive function support, trauma therapy, and therapy for self-discovery. For those in relationships, we offer guided couples therapy to improve your bond. Start your therapy journey today!
