Transitions are a part of life, either by choice or by circumstance. Jobs change, relationships evolve, or we might relocate to different places. Or it could be a shift in priorities or opportunities to try something new. I've been through over 20 moves and three career changes in my life, so I know from experience that transitions bring both real challenges and unexpected opportunities. So, the question isn’t if or when but rather how we navigate the process – the season in between.

Here are some thoughts on how we can more deliberately embrace the shift from our past to our future:

• Practice the "both/and" mindset It's totally normal to feel grateful for what you're leaving behind AND excited about what's next. You don't have to choose one or the other. You can miss your old job while being enthusiastic about the new one. It’s understandable to feel sad about moving while also looking forward to your new home.

• Take a mindful pause One of the many famous quotes by Viktor Frankel states, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” A simple yet effective way to create that space is to practice S.T.O.P. mindfulness: Stop, Take a deep breath, Observe what’s happening, and then Proceed with intention. Creating space between ourselves and what is happening to (or for) us allows us access our power to choose our response, instead of simply reacting.

• Focus on small, consistent actions Rather than of overhauling everything at once, pick a few small things you can do regularly, like reading for 10 minutes about something that interests you, taking a short walk to clear your head, or trying one new thing each week. I’ve committed to a regular yoga practice and it’s heartening to see how much stronger I am and how far I’ve progressed. Small, consistent actions add up!

• Set goals for clarity and purpose As the saying goes, it’s harder to get there if you don’t know where you’re going. Setting goals can provide a sense of direction and purpose, motivating you to take focused action and ultimately achieve desired outcomes. You’re probably familiar with SMART Goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Here at ithrive31®, we use the B.R.I.T.E. Goals: balanced, realistic, innovative, time for me, and energizing – check out this post from ithrive31 founder Dorene for more about this framework!

• Practice self-care It is critical to do the things that we know work for our overall well-being. This might be scheduling time for manicures and massages, but it can also look like eating well, exercising regularly, or taking more breaks. A helpful reference is The 7 Types of Rest That Every Person Needs. You can also check out our ithrive31® Model of Well-Being, which is part of the ithrive31® personal development approach called Living Intentionally – a 31-day framework that invites you to write down the things that bring you energy in all areas of your life!

Perhaps we can take inspiration from nature and make the most of whatever transition or season of life we may be in right now. What if we reframe what’s happening from something we have to do, to something we get to do? How might we cultivate greater intentionality toward next steps and a more positive and fulfilling future for ourselves and others? Instead of rushing through our own in-between moments, we can strive to embrace them. These transitional times in our lives are perfect for getting intentional about where we're headed and how we can create something better – not just for ourselves, but for the people we care about too.