Navigating Transitions
Welcome back to season five of the Wellness Compass Column and Podcast. We are glad to be back with you.
Fall is a time of transitions, and we have one of our own to share with you regarding the structure of this column. Just as a compass has four points, our new format will feature four essential points of wisdom each week on a different wellness or mental health topic. We think you will find this new structure easier to remember and more practical for application in your life. What remains the same is our mission of our overall non-profit Wellness Compass Initiative, now in its eighteenth year: to enhance mental health and resilience in individuals, families, schools, organizations, and communities. As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions for future topics you would like to see addressed.
And speaking of transitions, our first column and podcast for this season offers four points for navigating transitions with greater awareness and intention. Whether you or someone else is navigating the transition of being back in the school routine, or any of a myriad of other changes —such as a job change, a move, coping with loss or a death, adjusting to a new health reality, or a change in a relationship —we hope you find these four points helpful.
Four Points for Navigating a Transition
1. Normalize and accept the feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty that come with transitions--our own and others. The bigger the change, the deeper the feelings, and the longer the adjustment will take. Don't rush the process of adapting to the change or loss.
2. Relationships tend to be tender during transitions. Resist acting out or projecting your feelings onto others when you are in the midst of change.
3. Small daily practices, such as morning routines, regular exercise, mindfulness/meditation, and consistent sleep schedules, can provide stability and comfort when life feels uncertain or in flux.
4. Seeking support from friends, family, and professionals during transitions is a sign of strength, as they can help you process emotions and gain perspective.
Making It Personal
Do any of these points speak to you regarding a transition you are navigating? If so, what might you want to do in the near future to make your transition easier for you?
Do you know someone who is in the midst of a transition that could use your support? How specifically could you support them?
If you want to hear more about our thoughts on this topic, listen to this week’s 10-12 minute episode of the Wellness Compass Podcast, which you can find by clicking on “Podcast” at the top of this page. In this week’s episode you will learn about a unique new way you can interact with the Wellness Compass Podcast that includes recording an audio message that might appear on a future episode.
Speaking of podcasts, Scott has his own podcast, which is just him speaking about a topic that he is passionate about: the integration of spirituality and wellness. The Living Compass Podcast can be found HERE or in your favorite podcast app.
