As we struggle to return to “normalcy” in our lives, I thought of writing about how comforting it can be to have order, consistency and routine in our lives. When we feel unsure about the future, security in the present can help stabilize us. But as I started to think of examples, I realized that I haven't been striving for order in my own life over the past few weeks. I've been staying up late, taking new driving routes, ignoring my to do list. I think this has to do with my feeling that things just can't be the way they used to be, so my old routines aren't going to work anymore. I'm seeing many things I took for granted as if for the first time. This can be very tiring (one of the benefits of organization is the calm induced by knowing what to do, and when and how to do it). Being in transition is confusing too, since I don't know where I'll end up. It certainly makes sense to hunker down in a comforting routine in reaction to a stressful situation. Or you can throw the doors open to reevaluation. Since I'm doing the latter, I'll write about that.

People can be in transition for many reasons; they've moved, gotten married, gotten divorced, had a baby, had a death in the family, lost a job, etc. But many of the issues of transition remain the same, no matter what their cause. This is true whether the cause of the transition is a happy or a sad one, because all involve change, which causes stress.

Transition means asking ourselves some basic questions about how we're living our lives. What works and what doesn't? Do I want this or don't I? Some changes are thrust upon us, but in other cases we have the opportunity to consciously get rid of what we don't like and get more of what we do like.

Although I've been saying that change is tiring and stressful, let me also say that it is renewing and invigorating. In our daily lives we are often too busy or preoccupied to ask the big questions. We end up doing things without seriously considering them. So if you find yourself in a transition period now, along with whatever big question you're asking, ask smaller ones too.

One of the most valuable tools I use with my clients is my objectivity. I help them see their own situations and spaces with new eyes and notice things that are right there, but were invisible to them before. Being in transition can give you that kind of objectivity.
What would happen if you took a different route to work? How would it work if you paid the bills twice a month instead of whenever they come in? What if the garage were well lit enough that you could find what you needed? Answers to the big questions may not come right away, but you can answer the smaller ones and exercise a measure of control over your life by doing so. The results of making even a small change can be extraordinary.

Making positive changes in your life can be energizing and uplifting. It can give you a feeling of control, which can be very welcome during stressful times. You can arrange your own life so that you are living consciously in the way that works best for you. This is what gives you a stable base to consider, and maybe affect, the larger issues.

Take Care,
Claire