For those of you who don’t know, I live in an RV. My partner, Susan, and I have traveled through 36 states and 2 provinces in the last 2 ½ years. We came to Tucson last August, and will be staying here until at least April, maybe longer. Staying put wasn’t always the case for us. When we first started out, we were traveling to somewhere new every weekend, doing our coaching Monday through Thursday. We moved around a bunch. This stay in Tucson will actually be the longest period of time that we are staying in one place.

Living in an RV and being on the road has truly been an adventure day in and day out. We even have a separate newsletter to talk about it. Usually, it’s a most awesome lifestyle and there is very little I would like to have different. It is very rarely a drag even though we are constantly in transition.

Let’s look at transitions. I want to share with you some of the strategies Susan and I have used to insure that we continue to enjoy this lifestyle.

Big Transition Strategies

At its core, a transition is simply passing from one stage to another. It doesn’t have to be hard, though sometimes it might be. For all of us there are big transitions and there are little transitions. Big transitions are those involving lots of steps like moving into a new home or changing careers. Little transitions might be getting to and from work and going to bed at night. Big Transitions can be especially challenging. You never know quite what to expect around the next corner when you are crossing into new territory.

Here are some strategies I have found useful to ease through the big transitions.

a.. Breathe – In stressful situations, our bodies are in a fight-or-flight response. We hold our breath to be prepared for action. This was a useful adaptation when our lives were on the line facing a wooly mammoth. In today’s modern world where we no longer have wooly mammoths on our tail, holding our breath actually works against us. Breathing consciously, slowly and deeply is well known to create a feeling of relaxation. And, this will support your being more present to whatever is in front of you.

b.. Look to what’s going “right” –During a transition, we sometimes get stuck on what is not going the way we want it. Actually, between the “wrong stuff” there is a lot of “right stuff” happening. Notice it (even if it’s small). Just be open to what is going your way. You never know what you might find there.

c.. Prepare for an easy and flowing transition – One of my clients has a wonderful ability to flow through transitions. Here’s what happens: we talk about what she wants to accomplish. We talk about what life will be like once the transition is complete. We talk about what she will be giving up and what she will be getting. Suddenly like a champagne cork popping, she announces that she has made the big move. I realize that she is laying the foundation for an easy and flowing transition, and once ready, bursts into action. What will help you to burst into action when the time is right?

Here’s my coaching request for you: Are you currently in or coming upon a big transition? Watch yourself. Do a study of how you cope. Enlist someone else’s support if you need an outside opinion. And, implement one of these suggestions above to give yourself a smooth transition.

More Tidbits on Transitions

a.. Transition day – This suggestion was given to me a long time ago by my coach at the time. I block out on my calendar an extra day after any traveling. That doesn’t mean that I do nothing on those days. I just don’t schedule any regular appointments and catch up on those things that have piled up during my absence including answering emails, returning phone calls, and going through the mail. I have found it to be very useful in helping me to be fully present when I do go back to work the following day.

b.. Do you have a challenge with any little transitions (though they may not be little for you!) like getting to work or going to sleep? You can smoothly move through your transitions, big or small with the strategies you will receive in a free coaching call with me. Contact me today.

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Scott Lewis, MSW, CPCC   •    scott@LovingMeAndADD.com     •    651.442.9181