Life is full of surprises, some planned and others surprising. Some shake up our everyday routine and force us out of our comfort zone. A few common life changes include:
- Ending a long-term relationship
- Losing a loved one
- Relocating to a new state or country
- Expanding your family
- Pursuing a career-related dream
Transitions can be thoroughly challenging and cause feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and/or uncertainty. Below, PTSD Solutions Therapy shares some strategies for navigating these transitions while finding clarity and purpose in the process. We also touch on how to turn a passion — newfound or long-standing — into a flourishing career.
Acknowledge the Reality of Change
It’s natural to want to block out a situation when it becomes overwhelming. But one of the most important things to do when facing change is to acknowledge and accept that a major life change is happening. This is the first step toward accepting the situation and finding ways to cope.
Coming to terms with reality allows you to shift your focus from what was to what is happening, and it creates a platform for planning your future. Acknowledgment doesn’t mean accepting negative consequences; it means being honest with yourself so you can begin to move on.
Turn Your Passion Into a Career
You might think it impossible to pursue your passion while navigating a major life change, but turning something, you genuinely love doing into work is what dreams are made of. And chasing down a dream can give you the inspiration and motivation necessary to thrive during your life transition. Take a moment to pause and identify what is truly meaningful to you.
Identify what skills or training you need to acquire and begin taking the necessary steps. This might include enrolling in a class or a course, pursuing shadowing opportunities, or networking with like-minded individuals in your desired industry.
Brainstorm and research your available career options — whether it’s becoming a freelancer or finding a job in your desired industry — and establish short-, medium-, and long-term goals for yourself. Then, start building your resume, cover letter template, and portfolio.
You can use a PDF merger like this tool to organize all your work samples in a single file. When combining PDF documents, you can move the pages until you have your content exactly as you want it. Remain persistent and patient as you nurture your passion, and you can transform it into a lifelong career.
Seek Support
There’s no denying that major transitions are often daunting, and it’s crucial to seek support along the way. Join support groups or online communities or attend group therapy sessions for solace and insights from others going through similar situations.
You might be surprised by the number of people going through the same transition, even if it feels like you’re alone. Talk to friends and family as well; sharing your thoughts and emotions with loved ones can do wonders for helping you heal and find hope.
Develop a Routine
Routines have a way of alleviating the anxiety that comes with change, and they can provide a sense of structure as you navigate your new life. Building a routine around regular work or responsibilities helps create a motivational drive during difficult times.
For instance, you could set aside time weekly for physical activity or exercise, plan your meals ahead of time, or commit to spending more time outdoors to connect with nature. Having structure can serve as a healthy coping mechanism to help you adjust and bring a degree of predictability to an unstable period.
Wrapping Up
Major life changes often leave us feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. But you can successfully navigate any transition with a healthy mindset and the right strategies. And you can emerge stronger on the other side!
Remember to accept your new situation for what it is, take time to discover your passions, and get help from loved ones or support groups. Then, you can begin establishing regular routines and building a new life for yourself. Throughout your journey, remain patient and persistent, and keep your eyes on your end goal. You might discover strengths you never knew you had!
Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our therapy services? Visit PTSDSolutionsTherapy.com today!
Howard Chusid, Ed.D., LMHC, NCC has a doctorate in Counseling Psychology, Board Certified Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family and Circuit Civil Mediator. He works with children and adults with ADD/HD and with veterans with PTSD. He has written many articles on ADD/HD and Divorce Mediation specifically focusing on divorcing with special needs children. With offices in both Hallandale and Coral Springs, Florida and now Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Chusid can be reached at our website;
www.PTSDSolutionsTherapy.com Call 954-455-0388 for any questions. In Israel Call 058-455-0388.
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