Navigating Life’s Transitions

If you read my last email, you’re aware that I’m in the midst of a hefty transition.

On June 1st, I embarked on a solo cross-country journey to establish a new home base in Asheville, North Carolina.

As I told one of my clients last week, “I’m feeling all the feelings on the feelings chart!”

All that to say, this is a great time to use my tools.

Tools, or coping skills, are designed to support you when you’re having a hard time, going through transitions, or just need a little extra support.

We all have tools, but it's helpful to take inventory of the toolkit to make sure you use ones that are healthy and actually make you feel good in the long run.

For example, my go-to tools used to be alcohol, weed, and hardcore working out.

But as I’ve progressed on my healing journey, I’ve learned that those tools are temporary at best and usually leave me feeling worse.

Thankfully, I’ve developed others that have proven to be more sustainable.

On my first full day in Asheville, after being on the road for 7 days and before that running around like a chicken with my head cut off, I sat down for some much-desired quiet meditation. 

But before that, I moved some pent-up energy with some basic breathwork.

Next, I got out a pen and paper and journaled about how I've been feeling. 

After that, I went for a hike to move my body and connect with nature. I even saw a bear!

Which, as I’m learning, isn’t such a rare sight out here. The first week I was here I saw at least 1 every day. 

That day, I saw 3. 😳

Other tools that have been helpful during this transition have been reaching out for support when I need it. 

As much as I love being Miss Independent over here, having a select few I can call on when I’m in my feels is vital to not feeling so isolated and alone.

Another key factor in keeping myself sane is giving myself permission to feel. 

That’s right, permission is another tool I use because without it, my inner critic would constantly remind me that, “you made your bed, and now you need to lie in it.” 

But is that really helpful? No, not at all.

I’m aware I’m in a transition. I’m aware that it’s going to take time until I get into my routine, make new friends, or even find a place to live that’s all mine. 

These things take time, just like all good things. 

Giving myself permission to feel everything that comes up—the good, the bad, and the ugly—helps me accept myself just as I am right here, right now.

So, what are your favorite tools to help you when you’re going through a transition? 

Comment and let me know; I could use a few more ideas as this transition is going to last quite a while.