May is a month of transitions. It marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer, a time when we say goodbye to the old and welcome the new. This season of change can be both exciting and daunting, as we embark on new journeys, leaving behind familiar routines and habits. The month of May reminds us that life is full of transitions, and each one presents an opportunity for growth, learning, and transformation.

I am currently in transition and have been quite uncomfortable with the quick changes I have had to make but also grateful for the opportunity to continue growing and learning. Since last November, I have been working for a startup company but I quickly outgrew the environment which was a personal testament for me recognizing what is for me and what is not. Along with the job change, my health has taken me by surprise in the last couple of months. I am not privy to health issues so dealing with the reality of where my health is, has truly given me a new outlook on life.

Life transitions are significant periods of change that can be triggered by major life events, such as a new job, a move, a breakup, or the loss of a loved one. These transitions can be challenging, as they require us to let go of what is familiar and embrace the unknown. However, they can also be transformative, offering us the opportunity to learn new skills, develop new perspectives, and discover new aspects of ourselves.

The 6 stages of a life transition are:

1. The Call to a Larger Life: This is the stage when we feel a deep longing for change, a desire to move beyond our current circumstances and explore new possibilities. It is a time of reflection and self-discovery, when we begin to ask ourselves what we really want from life.
2. The Departure: In this stage, we take the first steps towards change, leaving behind the old and familiar. This can be a scary and uncertain time, as we step into the unknown and face our fears and doubts.
3. The In-Between Time: This is the stage when we are in limbo, neither here nor there. We may feel stuck, confused, or unsure of what to do next. However, this time of waiting and uncertainty can also be a time of growth and learning.
4. Lessons Learned: In this stage, we begin to make sense of our experiences and learn valuable lessons that will guide us in the future. We may gain new skills, insights, and perspectives that will help us navigate the challenges ahead.
5. The Return: This is the stage when we integrate what we have learned and apply it to our new circumstances. We return to our daily lives, but with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
6. The Gold: This is the stage of transformation, when we have fully embraced the change and become a new version of ourselves. We have gained wisdom, resilience, and a deeper understanding of who we are and what we want from life.

If you are going through a life transition, here are three book recommendations that may help you navigate the process:

1. Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes by William Bridges: This classic book offers practical guidance and insights on how to navigate life transitions. Bridges outlines a three-stage model for understanding transitions and provides tools and exercises to help readers move through each stage with greater ease and clarity.
2. The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving-Kindness by Pema Chödrön: This book offers a Buddhist perspective on life transitions, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and self-awareness. Chödrön offers practical advice on how to cultivate these qualities and use them to navigate life’s ups and downs.
3. Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown: This book explores the power of vulnerability and resilience in navigating life’s challenges. Brown offers practical tools and insights on how to overcome setbacks and transform adversity into growth and learning.

In conclusion, May is a month of transitions that reminds us of the constant changes in our lives. By understanding the stages of a life transition and seeking guidance from books and other resources, we can navigate these changes with greater ease and clarity, and emerge stronger and wiser on the other side.