The Human Show: Processing Emotions During Major Life Transitions
Life is a series of transitions, each bringing its own set of challenges and opportunities for growth. Whether it's a divorce, a career change, or the complexities of parenthood, these transitions can often feel overwhelming. However, understanding the emotional landscape of these changes can empower individuals to navigate them with grace and resilience.
While it can feel like a lonely and isolating, many individuals experience similar feelings of uncertainty, fear, and grief during major life changes. One thing that helps is connecting with others going through transition and discussing your shared experiences and lessons learned. That’s why I joined fellow Adult Chair® Coach Trish Herron on The Human Show podcast to explore the emotional challenges that come with life transitions. We discussed several types of major transitions, the feelings that arise, and the ways we can navigate them in emotionally healthy ways.
This episode covers:
(03:15 - 03:25) Trish discusses her motivation for starting a support circle for women going through various transitions, including divorce and career changes.
(05:04 - 05:14) LaShonda shares her experience and focus on helping women navigate emotional challenges during transitions, particularly in midlife.
(09:24 - 09:34) The complexity of experiencing multiple transitions simultaneously and how it compounds emotional challenges.
(14:03 - 14:14) The importance of recognizing and honoring grief during transitions, emphasizing that grief is not just associated with death but with any significant loss.
(36:48 - 37:08) The power of words in reframing experiences, particularly in the context of divorce, and how changing language can help alleviate shame and empower individuals during transitions.
Acknowledging Grief in Life's Transitions
When you think of grief, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the loss of a loved one, but grief shows up in many forms and moments—especially during life transitions. It might be the quiet mourning of your old self when you become a parent or the ache of losing a familiar lifestyle after a significant change. These feelings can be surprising, even unsettling, but they’re completely natural. Acknowledging this grief is essential. It’s not about wallowing in sadness but giving yourself the space to process emotions rather than pushing them down. When we honor what we feel, we create room to heal.
The Language of Transition
The words we use to describe change matter more than we might realize. Think about terms like “divorce” or “unemployment”—heavy words, often laced with shame or judgment. But what if we shifted the language? “Uncoupling” feels less loaded, and “transitioning to a new role” opens the door to possibility. Changing how we talk about transitions doesn’t erase the challenges, but it can help us see them differently. Words are powerful tools for shaping how we feel about our circumstances. By choosing them carefully, we give ourselves permission to reframe our stories in a more hopeful and compassionate light.
Tired of reading? Listen to this podcast episode on Spotify.
Feeling It All
Have you ever found yourself avoiding an uncomfortable feeling, hoping it will just go away? It’s tempting to brush aside sadness, frustration, or anger, but emotions don’t disappear when ignored—they wait. And often, they return stronger. Instead, what if you allowed yourself to sit with these feelings? It might feel uncomfortable at first, but letting emotions flow through you—without judgment—can bring unexpected relief. Feeling doesn’t mean losing control; it means making space for awareness and healing. And in that space, you may discover a strength you didn’t know you had.
Finding Calm in Chaos
Transitions can leave life feeling unsteady, even chaotic. While some things might be beyond your control, focusing on what you can influence can ground you. Maybe it’s creating a daily ritual like journaling or pausing for a deep breath when overwhelm creeps in. These small acts of care remind you that even amidst uncertainty, you have choices. Regaining that sense of agency, even in tiny ways, can bring clarity and calm to a turbulent time.
One Step at a Time
Big changes can feel like staring at a mountain with no clear path to the top. But mountains aren’t conquered in one leap—they’re climbed step by step. The same is true for life transitions. Break them down. Focus on one day, one decision, or one small action at a time. Maybe today, it’s reaching out for support or setting aside 5 minutes to reflect on what you need. Each small step builds momentum, and before you know it, you’re moving forward.
The Gift of Transformation
Life transitions aren’t just endings—they’re beginnings. They’re an invitation to explore who you are and who you’re becoming. Yes, they’re messy and uncomfortable at times, but they’re also where growth happens. By embracing the grief, the challenges, and even the unknown, you open yourself to transformation. And on the other side, you might find a version of yourself you never imagined possible—stronger, wiser, and ready for whatever comes next.
LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES NEXT :
The Adult Chair®: A Simple & Practical Tool for Your Emotional Healing Journey (Episode 01)
How Understanding Your Inner Child Helps You Heal Emotional Wounds with Joan Mwangi (Episode 03)
How to Connect to Your Emotions to Understand Your Needs (Episode 16)
Favorite Resources For Emotional Wellness for Midlife Women
Clarity & Connection examines how intense emotions accumulate in our subconscious and condition us to act and react in certain ways.
The Adult Chair: A Guide to Loving Yourself is a straightforward how-to guide on identifying what “chair” you are in emotionally so you learn to navigate and manage your feelings as an emotionally healthy adult.
Emotions Journal for Women is designed for women to track their daily feelings to help you enhance your emotional well-being, relieve anxiety, and improve mental health.
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