The Transition Cycle Part 1 : Endings

Endings happen when we reach an impasse, where we can no longer stay. Or we may be forced to end something, whether that's a career, a job role, a significant relationship, or a life phase. Perhaps a new decade is approaching, or we are moving closer to retirement, and instead of looking forward, it feels daunting.

Endings are usually exhausting and bring a mixture of despair, anger, sadness and fear. Even if we know in our heart it's time to move on, a part of us wants to cling to the known world where everything felt safe and comfortable. However, often the more we try to cling to the old job/life, the more uncomfortable it becomes. Staying too long in a job or marriage will inevitably affect our health and wellbeing, which may lead to illness, burnout and depression. I know this all too well as I've experienced it myself in my 40s.

We all experience different kinds of change in our lives. Perhaps we have chosen to relocate from the city to the countryside, or our professional role has changed through a restructure, or we have experienced redundancy and decided to move into self-employment.

As a change coach, I have worked with many clients over the past 17 years who are experiencing major life and career transitions. Together, we find ways to work through the chaos and confusion of endings. I have come to see that endings arrive to move us forward so that we can experience more of what LIFE has to offer and our soul and heart know this deep down.

Here are some tips if you are experiencing a MAJOR ENDING : -

• Be gentle and kind to yourself.

• Take time to BE WITH what is surfacing

• Prioritise your time and create a sanctuary space/place to BE

• Nurture yourself with quality food and exercise

• Cultivate patience to 'be with' any uncomfortable emotions

• Honour the endings - what you have learnt as well as what you are leaving behind.