The Transition Model is the work of William Bridges, a psychologist who gave us the vocabulary to talk about the pain and difficulty of transitions, and to acknowledge that the experience may be very confusing.

Endings:

All transitions begin with an ending. What are you leaving behind? A job, a marriage, a loved one, a home or special place? This could be a good ending – maybe you are moving into retirement, a new job, gaining a grandchild or a new home. These endings can make us feel sad or excited but they all require an internal process of letting go.

The Neutral Zone: 

This place has many other names including the fertile void. The Modern Elder Academy calls it the “messy middle” and spiritual teachers describe it as “liminal space”. It can be confusing and uncomfortable. I felt like I was walking in quicksand. You are trying to become someone you can’t yet identify. You are in between the old without sure footing on the “new”.. If we were used to running something – a business, a project, a team, a household or family - we are no longer in action and may feel useless.  You may wonder ”Who am I now that I am no longer ___?”

This is also a time of creativity, experimentation and personal growth. You can try new things. You can pick up hobbies or activities you used to love but then never had time for. You can make new friends. You can dream about what’s possible. You should be comforted by knowing that this stage  is totally normal. And there is no timeline.

New Beginnings: 

This stage is full of hope, optimism, and excitement. You will feel energized because you are living from your values, doing what matters to you. You may find a new job/career, a new partner, volunteer for a new organization, take up a new sport or something you always wanted to learn.

Note:  Remember that “changes” are not the same as “transitions”. Changes are what happens on the outside. They are situational. They can be an event such as the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, an empty nest, a wedding or divorce.

Transitions are what happens on the inside. These are our feelings, emotions and experiences of change. They are more gradual and longer than changes.