On Transitions

It's September, which is a transitional time for many of us. We move from the Summer season to (hopefully) cooler months. The new school year starts, with children and parents adjusting to those changes. Also, we enter the last few months of the calendar year, many of us wondering "Where did the time go?!" We become reflective (and maybe a bit stressed) around transitions, which can make September particularly poignant. We may be asking ourselves: What do I want to do before the end of the year? What is my (or my child's) goal for this school year? How do I feel about the way the year has gone so far? Where am I with my 2024 goals/desires? In our first blog post, we offer some suggestions on managing this transitional period.

1. Assess without judgment: All humans judge - it's just how our brain works! However, we can observe and assess ourselves and others without judging (that is, forming a good/bad label). This is particularly important when assessing where you are on your goals, and setting new goals. We have to assess without the self-criticism that judgment brings in order to make a realistic and doable plan! (Here is a tip on how to know when you are in judgment: ask yourself, "Would I say this to someone I care about?" If the answer is no, you're in judgment.)

   
   

2. Keep your health in focus: It can be tempting to go hard if you realise that you aren't where you want to be. But the adage "slow and steady wins the race" rings true. Consistency is key, and often relies on creating sustainable habits. That means taking a measured approach rather than a harsh one. As you strive to complete your 2024 goal list, do your best to maintain (or even take the opportunity to form) your wellness routine, instead of focusing solely on the goals. Getting exercise, making time for meaningful connections, doing hobbies, and taking rest are especially crucial in times of transition.

   
   

3. Keep (or start) counting small wins: Research shows that having a gratitude practice is a major contributor to psychological resilience (which means the ability to recover from adversity) and overall health. One simple way to practice gratitude is to consciously note "small wins" - the seemingly routine, everyday things that go right. We have to make a deliberate effort here because the human brain has a negativity bias, meaning we are better at noticing and remembering negative information more than positive information.

We're hopeful that this blog can become a communal space. Let us know in the comments how you manage transitions, and how you're experiencing this September.