Grandparents will notice a big change in their grandchildren after not seeing them for several months, but the change occurs over time, your kids don't wake up one morning and find themselves suddenly different, they have time to adjust. More sudden transitions, like moving to a new job, new school or the loss of someone close to you affect you more deeply and can bring on the anxiety of transition.

Several things can help you survive periods of sudden transition. Remind yourself that this time will pass, that nothing lasts forever. This time of transition will become just a part of your normal life, given time. Allow yourself enough time to adjust to the new things it brings and find positive enjoyment wherever you can in these new experiences.

Use your strengths to help you through this time of transition. You have been through many transitions before in your life. Remember a period when you successfully went through a transition and identify the tools that helped you through. Was it a positive attitude, your determination to make it work, or the strong support network of friends and family that got you through?

Remember that you don't have to go it alone. Draw on the support of friends and family and surround yourself with people who will help you through. If you feel you need more support than your friends can offer, get professional help to support you. You will get through this time but you don't have to do it all on your own.

Coaching

The part of transition that provokes the most anxiety is not knowing what will happen. Reassure yourself with your experience of past transitions where everything worked out for the best. Gather all the support you can, in the form of family and friends or professional coaches or therapists. Focus on the positive aspects of this transition and remember always that this will pass in time.

Coaching Question

Is transition anxiety getting you down?

Daily Action

Write a list of the things that make you feel anxious about this transition period. Share the list with a close friend or trusted professional. Ask for their help to find ways to reduce the anxiety. Create a list of positive actions you can take and keep the list handy for whenever you feel an attack of transition anxiety coming on.

Quotes

"Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome." Isaac Asimov

"When I was going through my transition of being famous, I tried to ask God why was I here? What was my purpose? Surely, it wasn't just to win three gold medals. There has to be more to this life than that." Wilma Rudolph