The world seems to be changing faster than ever. With multiple crises unfolding at once—climate shifts, economic uncertainty, social upheaval, and technological disruptions—it’s easy to feel unmoored. These times serve as a powerful reminder of something that has always been true: everything is temporary. Some changes we choose, others are thrust upon us. Some we welcome with open arms, while others we wish we could avoid.
No matter how change arrives, it shapes us. Think about the recent shifts in your personal or professional life. Even when we actively pursue change, we often expect to feel only excitement or relief. But the truth is, even the most positive transitions—starting a new role, welcoming a child, or embarking on a new chapter—begin with an ending. And endings deserve acknowledgment.
As the only constant in life is change, we are continually in transition in different parts of our lives—whether in work, relationships, or family. Can you identify where you are internally in relation to these changes? Are you at the beginning, filled with uncertainty or anticipation? In the middle, navigating the discomfort of the unknown? Or at the end, finding clarity and stepping into something new? And how could this awareness support you in moving through these transitions with greater ease and purpose?
Change is what happens around us; transition is what happens within us. Every transition unfolds in three stages: an Ending, where we release what was; a Neutral Zone, where uncertainty and transformation take hold; and a New Beginning, where clarity and renewal emerge (Bridges & Bridges, 2019). When we take the time to recognize where we are in this process, we move through change with greater awareness, making space for growth rather than resistance.
In today’s world, where uncertainty is the norm, navigating transitions consciously is more important than ever. When we embrace the inner work of change, we cultivate resilience, lead with greater clarity, and create meaningful impact—not just for ourselves, but for those around us.
Source: “Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes” by William Bridges, PhD, and Susan Bridges. William Bridges Associates. 2019.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Lies at Unsplash
