transition scaffolding
sitting in the messy middle of a transition in my life currently, I came across the “Anatomy of a Transition” article from the Modern Elder Academy. really cool resource, and although it hits to many general transitions of midlife that one may face - which may be slightly lateral to where I occupy - my current transition season has me sitting in a similar headspace. so I chewed a bit and came up with a framework that I find has held true to many transition seasons.
revelation – external or internal stimuli to shift; a new word, option, or direction
release – from current space, close doors, depart well, let go
receive – rest, refresh, refuel; step through new door to new space; soak in gratitude, acknowledge gifts/blessings of the before and the after
ready – prepare for the next; ready yourself for battle; take skills/growth inventory; reskill + learn for the gaps
rewire – restore equilibrium in the “new normal”; establish habits for growth and success in new space
beyond what I see as a rough timeline through the liminal space of transition, I think there is an extra phase of resistance that almost always finds its way in at some point of the process – even if the transition is a positive one.
it’s the inherent friction against forward progress, the inertia against initiating movement or stopping momentum. but ultimately the resistance’s main outcome, intention would be to halt forward progress towards intended goal – unless the key phase of reflection is inputted.
reflection acts as the secret weapon to resist the resistance. take inventory of your personal win, loss, and growth resume for confidence in the battles you have overcome and the skills you carry to face this new one.
reframe your current situation to the big picture. this helps to find common themes and threads to why this transition might be happening or how to find the lemonade from the lemons. reflect to reframe. I’d dare say this resistance is perhaps significantly smaller than what you have going for you.