Transitions: The Ebbs and flows of our days

Do you know, whether you recognize it or not, your life is full of transitions? NOT Changes, transitions. I have spent the better part of today engaging with the subject of transitions, as I prepare to begin a course on Navigating mid-life transitions. So, over the day, I learned the difference between change and transition.

Change?is external. It happens to us and around us. For example, the dramatic rise and fall of the USD in the Kenyan marketplace—something beyond our control.

Transition, on the other hand, is internal. Transition is the psychological process by which we deal with change. For instance, (for Kenyans) if you had USD under your mattress that you were doing mental math of how much you had in Kshs at a rate of 160, and you were only waiting for it to get 170 so that you could make a kill, then you woke up to a rate of 150, 145, 135 etc, you have to emotionally come to terms with the paper loss, and pivot into a new plan that you had not anticipated.?

This topic (transition) has always had a pull on me, or should I say I have always found it fascinating? Perhaps I recognize that I am always transitioning, and because many people do not understand that space, one finds themselves in unfamiliar territory, with very little in terms of a support system. ?

Transitions encompass a wide spectrum of experiences, such as:

• Career Transitions: "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." - Alan Watts. Moving from one job to another, changing careers, or transitioning from education to the workforce are all examples of career transitions.
• Life Transitions: "Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely." - Karen Kaiser Clark. Significant life events such as marriage, parenthood, relocation to a new city or country, retirement, or the loss of a loved one often mark life transitions.
• Personal Transitions: "The only journey is the one within." - Rainer Maria Rilke. Internal changes in beliefs, values, identity, or perspectives that lead to shifts in behavior or lifestyle constitute personal transitions.
• Societal Transitions: "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X. Changes in societal norms, cultural practices, technological advancements, or political landscapes that influence collective behavior and institutions are examples of societal transitions.

Lately, retirement has become a focal point in conversations with friends and family. Questions about downsizing, relocating, financial planning, and coping with loneliness underscore the myriad transitions individuals face. These discussions illuminate the complexities of aging and the uncertainties that accompany life's transitions. I have heard rhetorical questions such as:-

• We are empty nesters- do we still need to live in this huge house? ?Can we afford its maintenance? Are our knees still capable of taking us to our upstairs bedroom? Should we sell it? Rent it? ?
• All our friends seem to have left the city- should we also follow suit and relocate to our rural home? Even the estate composition is changing- we are the oldest around here...
• Now that I am officially retiring in 6 months, should I start a new business? Invest in stocks? Money market? Start putting up an apartment? What if the money runs out?
• How do I deal with loneliness and a change of routine?

You get the drift- there are as many scenarios as there are different human beings. ??

Transitions can evoke a range of emotions, including excitement, anticipation, anxiety, fear, or sadness, depending on the individual's circumstances and perceptions. While some transitions may be embraced as opportunities for growth and renewal, others may pose challenges and uncertainties.

These conversations have made me realize the frailty of our lives, and that being an adult doesn’t necessarily mean one knows what to do, but we put on a brave face. To digress- do you guys know that the spirit is forever young, and it's only the body that grows old?? The adage the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak starts to make sense as you age.

As I finish writing, I feel a level of sadness and compassion for all those people aging and feeling like life is edging them out; out of office, out of a neighborhood, out of the system etc. Please be more compassionate to those in your lives going through the changes bravely, knowing too we are all headed there- hug them more, call them without a reason, and listen to them more. Let them know they are NOT alone. Let us recognize that aging is not a journey traveled alone but a shared experience woven into the fabric of our humanity.

In closing, as I look ahead to my course, I'm buoyed by the belief that aging is not a constraint but an invitation to evolve, crystallize, and soar to new heights. Together, let us embrace life's transitions with grace, gratitude, and a spirit that knows no bounds.