I talk, write, and coach individuals and groups about life and work transitions so you would think I would be quick to recognize transitions going on around me. This is not always the case.
It wasn’t until my husband and I began talking over dinner about all that was going on in our extended families that I was able to identify many life-altering transitions. Are you able to recognize life transitions when they happen in your life or the lives of those you know and love?
• Getting married
• Starting a family
• Going back to school
• Becoming an empty nester
• Being promoted
• Going through a divorce
• Moving to a new location
• Changing jobs
• Retiring
• Facing a life-threatening illness
• Grieving the death of a loved
It may be difficult to recognize transitions that are not personally affecting you. However, even if you do not feel the impact of the life or work transition happening to someone you care about, your compassion, support, and understanding may be greatly needed. This may be especially true of the single adults in your life, as I wrote in “Transitioning as a single adult.”
My husband and I are fortunate to come from large families. We both are the second oldest of five siblings and we both enjoy being with our extended clans. We find it especially heartwarming and encouraging to see how we all support each other as family members move through a variety of life stages. See if you recognize transitions we are experiencing in your own circle of family and friends.
• One of my nephews and his wife just had their first baby
• One of my nieces is planning a fall wedding
• Another nephew and his wife will send their firstborn daughter off to college in the fall
• They will begin the process of empty-nesting
• My husband’s brother and sister-in-law are downsizing
• We have friends battling cancer and other life-threatening diagnoses
• Others are facing life after the death of a spouse and being newly single after divorce
• Last but not least, we have many friends and family members at various stages of retirement: the early stages of planning for when/where they will retire from their careers, in the process of retiring, or having already retired and being actively in the process of redefining themselves
By being able to recognize transitions as they are about to happen, you can be pro-active. You can find the resources and support you yourself need or you can offer your encouragement and help to those you know and love.