Owning and Honoring Transition

At times we might find ourselves at a moment of transition. Perhaps, we are shifting careers, starting a family, or building a life in a new country. Life is filled with seasons, chapters and moments of transition. This ought to be accepted, celebrated and normalised.

There is great pressure to have our lives settled. Yet, no life is set. Every life comes with markers, movement and constant transformation. It is vital too, that whatever shift we are undertaking - it is one that resonates with who we truly are and with what alligns with 'our' value systems.

Within the linear model of life, it is important too, that we own our transitions and name them. Honoring the in-between; the cocoon stages - is just as powerful as claiming our victories and achievements.

Not long ago, I was invited to a dinner at a Cambridge college, in which some of the most elite academics were seated around a table. As the evening moved on, one disclosed their frustrations over publication rejections - stating that they had received hundreds of rejections. This led to a domino effect of others sharing similar frustrations of rejection. It suddenly occured to the collective table, that they all shared the same frustration, and yet their lack of transparency with one another over transition, the in-between, the work put in before publication - amplified individual feelings of failure, frustration and shame.

It occured to me, that by sharing our in-betweens, our unknowns and our shifts from one stage to another - we might provide deeper resonance, empathy and compassion. This came up again at a dinner with a renowned artist, who revealed a glittering career but a lack of financial stability and a desire to be a father.

It is often the case, that aspects of our lives can shine, whilst other paths drag and submerge. None of us have it all - there is always a quiet struggle that each of us bear. Perhaps, by owning our transitions, naming our in-between stages, sharing our rejections and uncertainties - we might bolster faith in our cocooning; strength in our movement; and generate hope when there feels there is none left.

Name your moment in life. Be transparent about what you might want to cultivate - in doing so, you give others permission to share their in-betweens; you normalise half-moon stages and you remove the shame and bolster the solidarity of movement, unknowns and in-betweens. They are part of what makes a healthy life and it is essential to state and honor our transition points.

Keep moving, keep laughing and don't just share you highlight reels. Be confident in disclosing the stage you are in. It is an invitation for collective wisdom, for others to reveal their unknowns and to gain friendship through common experiences. All journeys have chapters, seasons and cycles. So own and honor your transition - whatever it may be.

Own where you are, share it with those around you and find strength in naming your in-between. It is a vital part of your successes and essential to your awakening.