We go through phases in our life when one thing ends and another begins. Sometimes these transitions can be marked by a graduation, and sometimes the wind blows back with a misting of change. During seasons of transition, it’s important to remember where you came from and where you are headed. Because although change is the only thing that will never change throughout life, sometimes we need a reminder of what stays constant.
If you are in a similar season as me, you might be in a season of transitions too. When everything begins to change, it can be hard to find a constant. In my scenario, I just graduated from High School. That means I will be moving out of my childhood home and I will be moving away from my family and friends. I will leave my community and my school behind to journey to a different city and university. When life has been so predictable to a certain point and then all of a sudden shifts, it can feel like you are stuck in the middle of an earthquake or a raging fire.
Remember in school when our job was to “stop, drop, and roll” if we were on fire? The same applies to transition. When change becomes too much, we tend to stop and drop and roll away from the fears and anxiety we are going through. It can feel like we are in the middle of a raging fire. But, unlike a fire, when an earthquake is happening, we need to drop, but then we need to cover ourselves and hold on. We are told in school to hold onto our desks because they are sturdy. When we are enduring change, we need to find something sturdy to hold on to as well.
Some examples of stability are: people (family members, friends, and mentors are really important to support and encourage you throughout this time), yourself (keeping a healthy relationship with yourself and keeping your mental health in check), God (if you are a religious person, praying and knowing that you aren’t alone), and physical stability (such as money, a place to live, and food is important).
So once we are able to ground ourselves and reach out for that stability, we are able to endure transitions in a better way. Other people are by far the most important and helpful ways of regaining stability. Humans are made for community. We are made to do life with other people. Having someone to talk to about the transitions happening in your life is super important. Find that friend or family member going through a similar transition and walk beside them. Going through something with someone else is far better than walking alone.
So when you go through seasons of transition and life feels like an earthquake, reach out and find what will keep you grounded. Having stability amidst the change will be a game changer as you embark on this new life adventure.
EMILY DICKINSON 