This document discusses various life transitions that can cause confusion, including graduation, marriage, divorce, and retirement. It notes that transitions involve three stages: ending the current situation, entering a period of confusion or "fog", and beginning something new. The document provides tips for coping with transitions, such as journaling, identifying core values, and taking small steps forward each day. It emphasizes that endings are necessary for self-renewal and new beginnings.

1. Smart Steps Life Coaching ‘Aha’ moments for Women Of A Certain Age www.smartstepslifecoach.com

2. “Every transition begins with an ending”

3. We are always going through a transition(so let’s consider some you might be famliar with!)

5. Leaving home

6. Getting married

7. Buying a home

8. Starting a family

9. Getting a promotion

10. Starting a business

12. Divorce

13. Redundancy

14. Bereavement

15. Mid life crisis*

17. So why do we feel confused? The person we thought we were has changed The situation that we were familiar with has changed We are not sure what will happen next We don’t know what to do next We don’t know what we want …we just don’t know any more!

18. Ending Ending Three stages of Transition Beginning… “The fog” Ending

19. Endings… “Are the first phase of the transition process and a precondition of self –renewal.” William Bridges – Making sense of Life’s Changes

20. Kubler-Ross 5 stage grief model

21. Endings come in stages too:

22. Losing your identity The disidentification stage may involve: Loss of a role that previously guided your behavior Lack of a ‘label’ for yourself Not sure who you are or who you want to become “What am I? Who am I?”

24. Nurturing themselves

25. Time alone

27. Fear of the unknown

28. Your inner critic

30. Listen to your emotional signals

31. Begin to identify with the final result – what will it look and feel like

32. Do something everyday, however small, that moves you forward

34. After Enlightenment… …the laundry (Zen proverb)