Embracing Transitions
Transitions are part of life that is inevitable whether it’s related to work, relationships or related to your child.
For some transitions are easy and for some, not so much. For me personally, transitions are much easier when I am aware of what is coming my way (this might be true for many mothers who favor structure in their lives). In other words, I am more accepting of the transition when I am prepared mentally and emotionally. Being self-aware and fully accepting this side of my personality, has made many transitions easy throughout my life.
Now, the new transition I am going to embark on is my 5 year old joining the big boy school this fall while our world is still figuring things out during a pandemic. I am feeling all the emotions I was feeling right before ending maternity leave and him starting day care. On one hand, I am excited for him to have an opportunity to explore a whole new world, while nervous at the same time because we are leaving our beloved surrogate family of FIVE years, our loving daycare!
So, what are some of the things you can do to better prepare yourself for a transition?
Here are some ideas:
Instead of avoiding the feeling, sit with it, embrace it because if you do not then those feelings are likely to surface in other ways.
Start making friends/connecting with other parents who are preparing for this new phase just like you are. Some might be seasoned moms and be able to provide new perspective.
Allow yourself to be verbal about some of these feelings, setting examples for your child to see how to cope in healthy ways. Most importantly, teaching them that its ok to have these feelings.
Practice mindfulness or grounding techniques when you are feeling overwhelmed.
With technology these days, you can join various groups on social media that provides support that meets your needs.
Just like all the previous transitions, you will strive and gain new appreciation/perspective on life. Embrace these transitions, they hold so much meaning than what we can see at the time.
Shivangi Patel, MBA, M.Ed, LPC