Life Transitions

Our lives are in constant change. Although we may not necessarily stop and think about what changes may be taking place, we are a product of change and adaptations. Sigmund Freud famously proposed a theory which identified our earliest stages of development. This theory essentially described how we, as children, progress and overcome certain crises during our childhood which needed to be resolved before we could take on new challenges. If left unresolved, certain behaviors would become fixated and remain part of our pathology. Inspired by Freud’s work, Erik Erickson took a longitudinal perspective and considered that an individual’s stages actually carry throughout our lives. Like Freud, Erickson’s stages also needed to be resolved before a new stage could be confronted. Failing to meet our milestones could leave us stuck at a stage or inevitably taking on a less desirable quality that could shape our relationships, our sense of identity, and prevent us from reaching personal fulfillment. 

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In more concrete terms, life is in constant motions. We may enter and exit relationships, change careers, relocate to a new city, decide to have a child, or perhaps send the last one off to college. We may enter the age of retirement or simply decide to take some much needed time off to explore our true calling. These transitions can sometimes feel foreign and restrict our ability to freely make decisions. A new mother may not know how to enter the role of being a mother yet. Someone who has just moved to a new city, may worry about whether they may make friends or not know how to manage their ambivalence of being excited and equally feel homesick.Some individuals may be tired of their day to day job and may question if this is something they can do for another 30 years. They may want to explore a new position, a new challenge, or simply make a complete career shift. They may not know how to effectively negotiate a new raise or go about starting a new line of work. They may dread the uncertainty of stepping a bit too far from their comfort zone. Other individuals may be stricken with an illness or a condition which will need to be prioritized over all else. Lastly, others may be entering a new relationship or rolling into a stage where perhaps greater commitments are being made.

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These changes can produce severe emotional stress on an individual’s life and may prevent them from fully doing what they love. They may need guidance, support, or a second set of eyes to see if they are perhaps not seeing the whole picture. Important decisions or changes can be delicate and due diligence can improve the probability of making a wiser investment. Changes in life can also carry a significant amount of emotional weight. Ending a relationship or at least to the degree to which it may have previously existed, can make us feel sad, lonely, or anxious.