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A Vocabulary Lesson

6/1/2023

2 Comments

 
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I’ve always said that in life one thing we can surely count on is change. Sometimes we can plan for it and sometimes it is thrust upon us. Sometimes we’ve grown older and wiser, and sometimes we’ve simply become bored. Consider:

RELATIONSHIPS, COLLEGE, MARRIAGE, PARENTING, EMPTY NESTERS, CHANGING JOBS, RETIREMENT!

​When facing a change, we often say, “Well, it’s a transition. Change offers challenges, adventure, and an opportunity to grow.” All that is true, but the words ‘change’ and ‘transition’ have two different meanings. Here’s the difference:
  • Change refers to the need to move away from the way things used to be to the way they are now.
  • Transition is the psychological process we go through to adapt to the change.
To quote the author William Bridges, “Without transition, change is just a rearrangement of the furniture.”
​Think about that for a moment. Now, think about how it relates to Retirement. Transition requires a psychological process to have a successful change.

There are three stages to TRANSITION:

Stage 1: Accepting the Ending – Long Goodbye
​
Ok, so you have left work. You must accept the fact that your days will be different. You will no longer have the structure, calendar and organization you had before. Where you spend your day, and who you will be with will change.  
Stage 2: Living in the Neutral Zone – Messy Middle
​
Yes, you read that correctly. Accepting a Messy Middle is an important mindset to
​have. Realizing that things really are different and that it will take time to figure out what you really want and how you will find your purpose to feel satisfied can be a bit uncomfortable (and messy) in the short term.
​Stage 3: Reaching Your New Beginning
​
Take a victory lap! You have figured it out, so find comfort in this new beginning. You also can relax because you realize that you can tweak it along the way as you experience the many new adventures you have been curious about. 
Those are the facts. If you jump from Stage 1 directly to Stage 3, you may find yourself very unhappy. Spend some time in Stage 2 (the Messy Middle) so you can really enjoy that victory lap!  

I leave you with the words of Dr. Seuss:

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​Let me know if you need a little help.

Loretta
~Also seen in the monthly Let's Talk Retirement! column in the Jewish Observer~
2 Comments
linda shecter
6/12/2023 02:59:50 pm

Always and inspiration is such a refreshing way..

Reply
Leslie Zuckerwise
6/18/2023 08:47:15 am

Thanks, Loretta. I needed that!

Reply



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    Loretta Saff, M.A., CPC, CPRC
    As an active writer, both nationally and internationally, Loretta Saff's humor columns, blog, and lifestyle articles reflect an insight in dealing with situations that helps people get to their core issues and encourage confidence, trust and support.

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  • Get Started
    • You + Coaching
    • Executive Coaching
    • Coaching Areas >
      • Parents & Students
      • Personal Empowerment
      • Retirement
    • Book Sessions
  • About
    • About Loretta
    • Emotional Freedom Technique - a Healing Tool
  • Blog
  • Handbooks
  • Inspiration
    • Create Your Own Retirement Adventure
    • Daily Support for Make Happy a Habit
    • Make Happy a Habit
  • Videos
  • Contact