Finding Yourself in Life’s Transitions
Why Change Feels Harder Than We Expect
Spring is a season of renewal—longer days, fresh air, and the feeling of new beginnings. It’s also a time when many of life’s biggest transitions seem to happen: engagements, weddings, pregnancies, career changes, relocations, and even smaller shifts like adjusting to a new routine or evolving relationships. These milestones are often seen as positive, exciting moments—yet, no one really talks about the emotional weight that comes with them.
Why Do Transitions Feel So Hard?
Change—no matter how exciting—shakes up our sense of identity. Whether you’re stepping into a new role as a parent, moving to a new city, or making a career shift, transitions challenge us to redefine who we are. Even joyful changes come with uncertainty, loss of the familiar, and the pressure to “have it all figured out.”
You might find yourself asking:
Who am I now that my circumstances have changed?
Why do I feel so unsettled when this is supposed to be a happy time?
Will I ever feel like myself again?
These feelings are valid. Growth—even the kind we want—can feel uncomfortable.
Unspoken Pressures of Life Transitions
One of the hardest parts of navigating change is the expectation that we should simply be grateful, excited, and “go with the flow.” Society celebrates these milestones, but it rarely acknowledges the anxiety, self-doubt, and even grief that can come with them.
Common Life Transitions That Can Feel Overwhelming
Weddings & Marriage: The focus is often on the “perfect day,” but what about the identity shift that comes with merging lives, changing names, or adjusting expectations?
Pregnancy & Motherhood: While bringing a child into the world is beautiful, it also transforms your body, routines, and sense of self—yet, many women feel pressure to “bounce back” instead of allowing themselves space to adjust.
Career Changes: A promotion, new job, or career shift can bring excitement but also imposter syndrome, pressure to succeed, or fear of failure.
Relocation: Moving to a new city or home is a fresh start, but it can also bring loneliness, the loss of a familiar environment, and the challenge of rebuilding a sense of belonging.
Loss of a Loved One: Grief is a transition no one prepares us for. Even if it was expected, navigating life without that person can feel disorienting.
Shifts in Motherhood: Parenting comes with constant transitions—going from newborn to toddler, toddler to school-age, school-age to teen, and eventually empty-nesting. Each phase brings joy but also a redefinition of your role and identity. (Hello, this is me currently and it is HARD!)
How to Stay Grounded in the Midst of Change
While change is inevitable, struggling through it alone doesn’t have to be. Here are a few ways to navigate life transitions with more ease:
Validate Your Feelings
Just because something is “good” doesn’t mean it’s easy. You can feel grateful and overwhelmed at the same time. Let yourself process all the emotions that come up without judgment.
Prioritize Self-Compassion
Instead of rushing to “figure it all out,” give yourself permission to move at your own pace. Transitions take time, and it’s okay to not have all the answers right away.
Create Small Anchors of Stability
During uncertain times, routines and small daily habits (like morning walks, journaling, or mindful breathing) can help ground you. Find something consistent that helps you feel connected to yourself.
Seek Support from Community
You don’t have to go through this alone. Finding like-minded people who understand your transition can be a game-changer. Consider:
Facebook groups & online communities related to your life stage (e.g., “New Moms Support,” “Moving to NYC” groups, or “Career Changers Network”)
Local networking events or meetups that help you connect with others in similar situations
Mom groups, book clubs, or fitness classes to create a sense of belonging in a new chapter of life
Reframe Unhelpful Thoughts
When you feel lost in a transition, notice the self-talk that comes up. Instead of “I should have it all figured out,” try “I am figuring things out as I go, and that’s okay.” Self-compassionate thinking can make a huge difference in how you experience change.
Practice Letting Go of Old Expectations
Sometimes, what makes transitions difficult is the expectation that things “should” feel a certain way. Maybe you thought you’d feel instant joy after moving into your dream home, or you assumed motherhood would feel more natural. Allow yourself to grieve the expectations that didn’t match reality.
Find a Safe Space to Process
Therapy, coaching, or support groups can be incredibly helpful in working through transitions. Talking with someone who understands can help you gain clarity, process emotions, and build confidence in your new role or phase of life.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
If you’re finding yourself lost in a transition, know that it’s normal—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. I work with women who are moving through life’s changes, helping them reconnect with themselves, their confidence, and their well-being. If this resonates with you, let’s talk.
