Life is full of transitions-moments that redefine who we are, challenge our resilience, and push us into the unknown. Whether it’s a new job, a move to a different city, or the end of a significant relationship, these shifts can feel like you are standing on the edge of a cliff. But what if instead of fearing the process, the leap, or the transition, we embraced it? What if transitions were not just endings, but the beginnings of something extraordinary?
Going from one place to another is not always a process that many may welcome. Transition is often met with resistance especially when it feels forced on you. Not all changes feel good or are welcomed when it goes against what you may be expecting.
Having to face transitions unwillingly and unexpectedly will sometimes make you wonder if you did something wrong, if you are headed in the right direction, or …even if it’s worth pushing forward in that direction.
Change is one of the few constants in life, yet transitioning from one phase of life to another can often feel daunting. Transitions happen in our personal lives, careers, and relationships. Transitions often are not always embraced with happiness or feel-good emotions. They often bring along a mix of emotions such as excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty.
When change comes, we feel like we are in a struggle to advance or to get free. Transition, too, can often feel painful and mistaken for struggle. You are not struggling. You are in transition, and we tend to shy away from anything that may be challenging to us even if it’s actually for our good. We don’t like the time it takes between where we are and the place we are trying to get to. But no matter what the reason is behind this phase of transition for you, can I encourage you to transition well. Leave this place with the right attitude. Leave this place found doing what you are called to do. Leave this place showing up faithfully. Leave this place with your heart in good condition.
Transition, too, can often feel painful and mistaken for struggle.
So often when transition is taking its time to fulfill what it is that we are anticipating, we can become disgruntled. We can get to a place of complaining and frustration with God. There are moments when we want a microwave blessing, and it seems as if God is putting our blessing in the crockpot to slowly cook. It’s in the transition where our heart’s posture is exposed. The transition is needed so that God can continue to mature us on the way to the next. Don’t become dissatisfied with the wait. Don’t forfeit and throw in the towel.
I am reminded of the process a caterpillar goes through to transform into a butterfly. This process is called metamorphosis. It starts as an egg and changes into a caterpillar. Then it goes through the pupa or chrysalis stage and ends as a butterfly. In short, the caterpillar must eat and grow in order for the body to molt (to shed the old shell, hair, or skin) several times to prepare for what’s to come, the big transition. It forms a protective shell while the transformation begins. In the transition, the body of the caterpillar is reformed into a butterfly. Although this phase involves significant transitions, there are periods of development and restructuring that must happen before we can marvel at the sight of a beautiful butterfly. Once the transformation is complete the butterfly emerges from the pupa. The butterfly comes through fully developed.
Here is why you really opened this blog to get encouraged. In your transition of getting to the place God is shifting you into, it may not always feel good. In fact, it may look the total opposite of what God spoke to you. But just like the caterpillar had to go through changes and prepare for the next stage of its life, you need to know that your pain is not for nothing. You may have to shed your past life, old friends, old way of doing things, old habits, and even trade good things to transition to great things. But you can’t give up in the transition. The caterpillar would have never seen its “beauty for ashes” stage had it given up in the dark, isolated moments of its transition. But that temporary place was necessary for the completion of the transition. Don’t curse what was sent to cultivate you! (That will preach! Amen.) 🙌🏾
Don’t curse what was sent to cultivate you!
So, although it does not feel well, don’t go through with the wrong attitude. Remember our light affliction is but for a moment. The process of the transition passes. But often how we transition is more important than ultimately getting to the place that we are transitioning to. So even if everything seems to be falling apart, consider this, something new could be emerging.
In your transition, anticipate the win.
In your transition, walk in forgiveness
In your transition, work on yourself.
In your transition, walk in obedience.
In your transition, worship the God of the promise.
Transition well.
“Remember that I have told you this: Be strong and do not be afraid. Do not be weak but be brave. I, the Lord your God, will be with you, everywhere that you go." Joshua 1:9 EASY
How to Prepare to Transition Well:
Take care of yourself: Eat well. Exercise. Drink plenty of water. Rest.
Give yourself grace: Change is not always easy. Do the best you can. Learn from your mistakes.
Stay Connected: Have trusted people around you who you can be honest with and who will help keep you encouraged in your transition. Reach out to a therapist or counselor if needed.
Journal: Release all those thoughts onto paper.
Laugh and enjoy hobbies: Transitions can be serious and hard. Take time to fill your cup with things that are light and that you enjoy doing.
Limit media consumption: be mindful of your news and social media consumption if it increases anxiety or worry.
Set Boundaries: Set boundaries with people or situations that drain you.
Practice Gratitude: Acknowledge the positives in your life.
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