Transition is a fancy word for change.

Transition is defined as "the process or period of changing from one state or condition to another" (Oxford Languages online).

Wow, 2021 is definitely starting out with a few transitions. I (Misty) was let go from my other job due to company downsizing and COVID restrictions. All I could think about were the projects and people I would be leaving behind, and what the #*@$ am I going to do now. And then my skills made their way through my emotion mind.

What was your last transition? Did you notice it? A transition may be as subtle as leaving work at 5pm, washing dishes after dinner, selecting a new show to binge (OMG Bridgerton on Netflix) or more complex such as changing jobs, disengaging from relationships, or starting new healthy habits. We start experiencing transition as children as a way of learning about time and task management (bed time, tv time, school time, play time, clean up, etc). Some people may need ongoing support around life transitions for various reasons. 

Would you like to have a skill or two to help you navigate your next transition? 

The mindfulness skills of "How" and "What" can help you ground during the more difficult transitions. This improves the experience as well as the outcome. You can also use these skills for daily transitions to enrich your connection to self and others.

I recommend watching the happiness scene in the video linked below, "About Time". These skills guide you to care for yourself and see the transition for what it is - a moment - a change - an opportunity.

"How" skills are like DBT spirit guides that foster and teach a sense of being non-judgmental (of self, others, and the events), one-mindful (staying present without distraction or avoidance), and effective (see it through as completely as possible at this time).

"What" skills are an order of operations (you may remember the technique of PEMDAS, from grade school math, to remember mathematical order of operations - link below if you want to know more). You do each step keeping in mind the "How" skills.

• First, you "Observe" (one-mindfully, non-judgmentally, and effectively), which informs you of who, what, and how is transitioning. This could be you, people around you, traffic, etc.
• Next, you "Describe" (using the guides) what is specifically transitioning without blame or shame or labels (I still struggle not using my favorite 4-letter words).
• Finally, you "Participate" in the transition. I mean, it's happening with or without you, so why not have you in the driver seat as much as possible for your moment.

By this time you may be feeling calmer, thinking clearer, and ready to say or do something with the knowledge, wisdom, or resources to make the best of the transition.

So bring it 2021!

Our team at Hope for Healing Counseling is ready to help you through transitions with skill development.

About Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVm8NnUzbXk&list=RDYVm8NnUzbXk&index=1 

PEMDAS https://www.mathsisfun.com/operation-order-pemdas.html   (just in case you need to help your kids with math homework).  ;-)

​Post contribution by Misty Andersen

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