Life’s transition moments; loud vs quiet.
I’ve had my fair share of life’s Loud Transition moments, and I know you have too. We all have. And honestly? They’ve all been supremely challenging for me. I’ve spent countless hours in therapy and self-reflection, exploring why that is. From boarding school to moving across continents, navigating illness, and changing jobs, each experience has shaped me, transforming me into a new version of myself. Yet, these challenges haven’t deterred me; in fact, they’ve fuelled my growth and progress.
While psychologists identify five major life stressors - death, illness or injury, divorce, job loss or change, and moving - we often struggle to seek the support we need during these times. From what I’ve heard, parenthood should definitely be added to this list.
Sometimes I seek help, sometimes I grit my teeth and endure, and sometimes I simply wait for time to heal. It's only in hindsight that we truly appreciate the extent of transformation that has occurred.
So, what then is a Quiet Transition?
I’ve avoided the terms “big” and “small” transitions because I’ve learned that Quiet Transitions are just as impactful, though less obvious. They often occur in the quiet moments of reflection, preceding a more significant life change.
Here are some examples:
Recognising limiting beliefs: Feeling unworthy, undeserving, or taken advantage of.
Deciding to change a behaviour: Committing to speaking less during tense situations.
Contemplating change: Considering a new job, relationship, or home.
Embracing a new way of being: Committing to a goal, habit, or path.
Navigating relationship changes: Setting boundaries in relationships.
Feeling a sense of unease: Wondering if there’s more to life and fearing change.
What makes Quiet Transitions challenging?
Difficulty expressing ourselves: Sensitive topics can be hard to discuss with others, especially when we’re still in the contemplative stage.
Interconnected issues: A problem in one area of life often impacts others, making it overwhelming to address.
Limited support options: Therapy, coaching, and family/friends may not be sufficient, especially when we haven’t found the right language to articulate our needs. We can end up on expensive or time-consuming paths that may not be the most effective.
Feeling lost and alone: Isolation can exacerbate feelings of uncertainty, even when surrounded by caring people.
I spent much of my 20s and 30s navigating Quiet Transitions. Despite a seemingly perfect life, I struggled with limiting beliefs, mental health challenges, and self-doubt. I yearned for a sense of balance, satisfaction, and purpose.
I had access to help from therapists, family, friends, mentors, coaches, and health professionals, but I felt something was missing. I needed a centralised approach to empower myself and take control of my life. I couldn’t find anyone or anything to do this for me.
So I created what is now The Continuum Process to guide me through these moments of transition. By organising, structuring, and balancing my thoughts and feelings, I gained clarity, found comfort, and took courageous action. My career in corporate brand, marketing, and communication inspired this approach – if I could transform brands, surely I could transform myself.
Over the past 13 years, I’ve used The Continuum Process regularly to positively impact every aspect of my life: Love, Health, and Wealth. I’ve learned to embrace the impermanence of life and to find balance in each season.
Quiet Transitions are powerful opportunities for growth and transformation. By recognising and addressing these moments, we can live more courageous and fulfilling lives.
When I see the same impact on my clients, it’s hard to name a better feeling. I’m so here for it.
Onward we go.
