SURVIVING MAJOR LIFE TRANSITIONS

By: Dr. Sidney H. Grossberg, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Counseling Associates

Transitions are passages from one condition, stage, activity, place or experience to another. Adulthood is comprised of a series of transitions that challenge our adapting and coping skills. At times, transitions represent change that demands adjustment (such as losing one's job.) At other times, transitions are changes which we have initiated (such as becoming a parent.) Some transitional events, therefore, can be anticipated and planned; others, however, are sudden and unexpected. How we handle life's inevitable transitions determines how our adult personalities evolve and become defined.

Inevitably, there will be all sorts of different emotions that pop up during a transition. They can run the gamut from the excitement and great anticipation of a new challenge all the way through to anxiety and the great fear of the unknown.

How best to cope with one of life's major changes? The following suggestions represent ways others have successfully dealt with the changes:

*Develop a clear understanding of what changes are needed.
*Determine your priorities.
*Put non-essential activities on hold temporarily.
*Divide major reorganizing tasks into manageable portions.
*Set a timetable.
*See this as a time for new opportunities to do things you always wanted to do.
*Interact with others-share your feelings, plan together, ask for suggestions and help.
*Keep your sense of humor, about yourself and your situation.

These transitions become our opportunities for personal growth. If we can succeed in adapting and coping through these unavoidable journeys, we gain self-confidence, strength and personal insight.