They say that all good things must come to an end sometimes. But the truth is, ALL things – “good” OR “bad” – must eventually end, and there are certain things you can do to prepare for the transition that naturally occurs afterwards.
Whether I want to admit it or not, my Epic Road Trip is rapidly coming to an end. Even if (when) I decide to pick up and hit the road again, this particular adventure is over. The fact that I’ll be pulling back into New York is not the only reason I say this; it’s a feeling.
A feeling that I’m done, and a feeling that it’s time to shift my energy into something more introverted.
The thought of stopping is both exhilarating and terrifying. On one hand, I know I’m ready to slow down and plant my roots somewhere. But on the other hand, there are all of these questions.
But that’s to be expected: There are ALWAY’S questions when we’re entering into unknown territory.
Even when I left jobs and relationships that I was miserable in, as the ending approached, it was terrifying – so much so that I often found myself walking away in tears.
Familiarity is comforting, and it’s easy to become comfortable with being uncomfortable, especially as we’re nosediving towards the end.
But there are definitely ways to ease the transition, and to make the situation less painful.
So here are 5 ways to prepare yourself when there’s about to be a big change in your life:
1. Be Clear
Over the last few years, I’ve ended a lot of things – relationships, jobs, projects. But one thing I made sure of in every situation is that I was clear about why I was doing what I was doing.
I’m ending this road trip because I’m tired; because I need a break; because energetically I want to go inward for a while, rather than physically moving all the time; and because my goals have changed.
The more clear you can be with why you are ending something, the easier it will be in the eleventh hour when the alarms are blaring, screaming at you to turn around, go back and reconsider the change you’re about to make.
2. Practice Self-Care
During every major change I’ve made, I’ve gotten sick. Like, really sick. Why? Because endings are stressful, which means your immune system is going to be working overtime.
This past week, I’ve been preparing to make the final journey North towards New York. Sure enough, I’ve been knocked out with a low-grade-something-that-sucks.
Rather than fight it, I decided to listen to what my body is telling me and take the necessary steps to ensure a healthy and happy road trip up the East Coast. How?
I’ve let myself get more rest; I’ve been diligent with my diet; and I’ve been slowing down, staying in and taking space.
Self-care is key, and prevention is the best way to go. So when you know somethings about to end, be proactive and set your immune system up for success by taking vitamins, eating right and exercising. Listen to your body.
And give yourself time to transition. Don’t jump right into the next thing. Part of self-care is understanding that you are human and you can only take so much.
3. Express How You Feel
The closer I get to New York, the more I feel the need to process my feelings.
That’s what happens when something ends; we want to reflect upon everything that’s happened in the past and we often feel anxious about what’s going to happen next. This is why life coaches, therapists, psychologist, best friends and Chai Bears exist. This is also why people journal.
It’s healthy to process how we feel, and the more we try to stuff our emotions down, the bigger they become. So get it out!
Write about it. Talk about. Even sing about it if you have to. (I’ve been known to dance it out sometimes…. in my car…. with Chai Bear… Just sayin’)
4. Surround Yourself With Support
Even when we’re clear about why we’re making a change, it definitely doesn’t help to have unsupportive people around; you know – those people that question EVERYTHING you’re doing.
Find people that understand you and spend more time with them. They’re the ones that are going to be there when you start to panic at 3 am on a random Sunday night a week before you’re about to drive back to NY.
Or 5 minutes before you’re about to quit your job.
Or moments before you’re about to file for divorce.
This is not the time to allow negative nelly to enter your personal space.
This support network will also be there for you during and after the transition. They’ll be there to catch you when you fall, to nudge you forward and to gently whisper, “You’ve got this.”
5. Focus on the Beginning
This Epic Road Trip is ending. But that just means that I’m creating space for something even MORE epic.
I’m choosing to focus on the BEGINNING that will occur once I’ve made the transition out of Epic-Road-Trip-Mode. I have an idea about what I’d like to see happen next, but who knows where the road will take me?
Every ending is the start of something new. Even if you don’t have a clear idea of what that next step is, that can be an awesome adventure in itself.
So in those moments when you feel uneasy about what’s going to happen next, remember that you’re in the driver’s seat; and at any moment, you can change directions.
Endings don’t have to be overwhelming, and transitions don’t have to be painful. With a little preparation you can ensure clear open highways ahead.
You’ve got this!
Are you about to make a big change in YOUR life? Tell me about it in the comments below!
