Managing change and transition with kindness 💜

Change is one of the few things in life we can be sure of. Whether its going back to school after a long summer holiday, changing job, moving house or becoming a parent. Sometimes we choose this change and sometimes it thrust upon us with very little notice.

For many people, change can bring a mixture of emotions with excitement and unease. It can stir up past anxiety and make us feel unsettled or even trigger a sense of loss for the way things used to be. If you find yourself struggling with change, you are not alone.

Our brains like patterns and familiar routines give us a sense of comfort or predictability. When life changes it can upset this balance and you may notice -

🌱 Difficulty concentrating

🌱 Resistance to new routines

🌱 A sense of loss from what you may have left behind

🌱 Emotional ups and downs that don’t make sense.

These are all normal human reactions, if you can acknowledge this and treat yourself with kindness and compassion things don’t feel as bad.

Self compassion is about treating yourself in the way you would treat someone you love, especially when times are difficult.

Here are some gentle practices that can help:

🌱 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

Instead of telling yourself to “get on with it,” pause and name what you’re experiencing: “I feel unsettled,” “I feel sad,” “I feel hopeful but nervous.” Naming feelings helps you process them rather than push them away.

🌱 2. Soften your expectations

Big transitions can use a lot of energy. Instead of expecting yourself to adjust perfectly, allow yourself some grace. Maybe the laundry piles up, or your focus dips—that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.

🌱 3. Anchor Yourself in Small Routines

When life feels a little turbulent, small consistent actions, like a morning cup of tea, a short walk, or a five minute journal can give a sense of steadiness. These “anchors” don’t need to be big; their power lies in repetition.

🌱 4. Ask: “What Would Be Kind Right Now?”

If you find yourself feel overwhelmed, pause and ask yourself this simple question. Sometimes kindness looks like rest, reaching out to a friend, or finding a new hobby, and sometimes like giving yourself permission to feel what you feel. No feelings are wrong and by acknowledging them you are a step closer to understanding them.

Embracing New Seasons

Just as nature moves through cycles, so do we. Change often carries hidden opportunities: a chance to grow, to discover resilience, or to realign with what matters most. Meeting these transitions with self-compassion doesn’t make them easier overnight, but it helps you move through them with steadiness and care.

When to Seek Support

If a change feels particularly heavy perhaps linked to grief, relationship shifts, or identity it might help to have someone walk alongside you. Counselling can provide a safe space to process feelings, explore your responses, and discover strengths you didn’t realise you had. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, I keep space in my diary for one off sessions or for more regular sessions.

Final Thought

Every transition holds both loss and possibility. By meeting yourself with patience and self compassion, you give yourself the best chance to grow gently into whatever comes next.