Transitions and life changes

Change can be hard

Life is full of change. Whether we seek it or try to avoid it, change always finds a way to shake things up and push us to take some time for reflection. And that can be hard, even when we’ve chosen that change ourselves. Not only does it force us to step out of our comfort zones and into a new environment or routine, but it also prompts us to examine parts of ourselves that may have been taken for granted. You may start to question your choices (both past and present), your values, your identity, and your relationships.

For example, say you’re moving to a new city. What can at first seem like nothing more than a change in location can turn into bigger and more widespread changes. This can be a wonderful opportunity for growth and reflection, but it can also be challenging to come face to face with all of these aspects of your identity.

Change can be even more challenging when you didn’t choose it for yourself. Maybe you were happy with how things were, and can’t how imagine how anything different could possibly be better. Sometimes you don’t even realise how much you appreciated what you had until you realise it won’t be there forever.

Whatever kind of change you’re going through, whether it’s starting a new chapter in your career or education, leaving a faith or entering a new one, or moving to a new location, you may be struggling to redefine yourself in your new environment. New communities bring out different sides of ourselves and encourage different skillsets or value systems. Who you are in one environment is not going to be the same as who you are in another—and that’s okay.

These transitional periods are a unique opportunity to examine what’s important to you and how you want to live your life. Counselling provides a space to explore these questions free of judgment and to find a new way forward that feels right for you.