25/07/2024
A friend recommended Bruce Feiler's book, “Life is in the Transitions,” and it’s been a thought-provoking read. Feiler suggests our lives experience major transitions every 18 months, with significant “life quakes” happening 3 to 5 times over a lifetime. These life quakes, like the death of a loved one, divorce, or major career changes, are often personal and involuntary, leaving us to cope while the world moves on.
This got me thinking about how we prepare for life’s inevitable changes. While we can’t always have a ‘to-do’ list, there are strategies to help navigate these transitions:
1. Embrace the idea that nothing stays the same.
2. Prepare for chosen changes, but expect the unexpected twists.
3. Focus on what’s important to you, not what others think should be.
4. Practice gratitude, even for small things.
5. Remember that everything is temporary, both good and bad.
One major life quake many face is retirement, which is considered one of the most stressful life events. The shift from a structured career to a new routine can feel like the ground is shifting beneath you.
Preparing for life events, whether it’s retirement, starting a new career, or ending a relationship, can help reduce stress. Developing coping skills and making plans for these transitions is crucial.
If you need help creating your own plan for upcoming changes, feel free to email me. Let's navigate these life quakes together.
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