…What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within us out into the world, miracles happen.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Be assured that change is inevitable.
Life is constantly evolving and creating, and therefore transitions will naturally occur…. sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, but continously for sure. Transitions are life’s catalysts for assisting us to grow and learn more about ourselves. Transitions push us into uncharted territory to discover and experience other attributes of ourselves that we had no idea existed. Some transitions can be prepared for, some are totally unexpected, some are wanted, while others are certainly not. Whatever the case may be – a new baby, a career change, caring for your parents, or perhaps a death of a loved one – transitions happen to all of us, and we all move through them in our own unique way.
A couple of weeks ago, a very dear friend of mine passed away. Her name is Diana. She had been diagnosed with cancer about a year ago, she fought the good fight… and she left this Earthly existence in her beautiful home up in Mount Shasta. I’m sure an entourage of angels escorted her Home, where she was greeted by her loved ones that had gone before. Although I had known about her health condition since she was diagnosed, I was truly shocked when I heard the news. It was so surreal, as my mind could not comprehend the fact that she was gone…gone from my life in the way that I had been used to being with her. Diana and I had spoken the week before she died, and I’m truly grateful that my parting words to her were, “I love you so much”.
Death’s powerful message is always –
Live now, enjoy life, it goes by so fast.
So, I am encouraged to look around, be present to really what’s going on and to appreciate what I have… to use the good china, open that bottle of aged Port, call that friend, forgive and let go of past grievances… for no other reason except that I can, and now is as good a time as any.
Now I’m someone that has read a lot (and I mean a lot) of spiritual/self-empowerment books, and no matter how many pearls of wisdom I know, it still does not take away the deep sadness that I sometimes experience.
So, I’d like to share some suggestions to help ease those times of transitions…
that can often bring about feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, fear and sadness…
Jean Trebek’s 13 Tips
To Help You Move Through Life’s Transitions
1. Accept Your Feelings
Be more compassionate or accepting of your feelings, resisting them takes more energy.
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality.”
― Lao Tzu
2. Ask yourself …
Given what is … what would bring me comfort?
3. do something sweet for yourself
Buy some flowers, get a massage, a new tea, or enjoy an ice cream sundae.
4. Move it
Move – walk, run, stretch, dance, swim or ride a bike. Physical exercise can lift up your mental well-being by reducing your stress and anxiety over life transitions. It increases your ‘feel-good’ endorphins, promotes confidence and can shift your thinking away from negative thoughts with a good healthy distraction.
5. Do something nice for someone
Do something nice for someone else…it get’s you out of your head, and it always feels good to give to another. “And the best thing is the feeling you are left with, like a little surprise party for the soul”
6. Ask for help
When you are uncertain about what may lie ahead, asking for help can be beneficial in reducing your stress and gaining perspective.
7. Get some zzz’s
Get enough sleep. Skimping on sleep can mess with your mood and make it tough to focus. Staying sharp and positive can help you discover an easier path to move through the changes presented before you.
8. be with your pet
The companionship and sheer joy of simply hanging with your pet has an amazing mood-boosting power!
9. watch a comedy movie
Shift your focus and give your thoughts a rest. 100 best comedy movies of all time
10. talk with a friend
Hey, we all go through tough times. A good friend will listen and sit next to you on the bus.
“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”
— Oprah Winfrey
11. journal
Put your frustrations and troubles down on paper. Actively engage with your thoughts.
“A personal journal is an ideal environment in which to become. It is a perfect place for you to think, feel, discover, expand, remember, and dream.” – Brad Wilcox
12. calming rituals
Create a significant ritual – light a candle and say a prayer. Calming rituals are proven to reduce stress.
13. take a salt water bath
Elevate your mood and sleep better by taking some relaxing time for you with a calming hot bath!
And remember…. this too shall pass and you are never alone.
Jean Trebek’s Five Practices to Help Ease Fear & Anxiety
“I’ll share here that just before my wedding, I remember feeling very “off”….Letting go of “one way of being” and embracing a new path can conjure up fear.”
By JEAN TREBEK
Jean is a Professional Religious Science Practitioner, Reiki Master and Sound Healer. She grew up on Long Island, NY, and now lives in Los Angeles. She has two wonderful adult children, Matthew and Emily, with her beloved late husband, Alex. Jean enjoys taking long walks, watching movies, and traveling. She is very grateful for her family, friends, Luna (the dog) and good coffee.
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Sending big love your way, sweet Jean.
Jean,
You never fail to inspire me.
Love you
Sheri D.
This is the first time I have read any of your writings. Having lost my husband of 43 years ,it seems like a very lonely road . It has been a very hard adjustment. I didn’t know it would be so hard. Thank you for your words! It has given me a different outlook!
Dear Betty,
Thanks for your heartfelt comment…I’m sorry for your loss.
Sending you my kindest thoughts. Jean
Thank you for inspiring me! So sorry for your lost”❤️
My husband is dying from advanced prostate cancer. Unless a miracle, he won’t be here next year at this time. My 39 yr old son was just diagnosed with brain cancer; Ependymoma, a rare cancer in adults. His prognosis is not perfect. I feel so drained that I haven’t done anything in weeks. Just sit and sleep. Glad I found this blog…in my search of how to cope with the fact that I will be burying both my husband and my only child. Jeanette
Oh Jeanette, our hearts are with you. We are so happy you are here and we hope our postings provide some helpful information, a connection or a much needed chuckle. Please remember to also take care of YOU as your care for your dear family. Wishing you the strength you need for each day.
Oh how bittersweet transitions are. And yes! They are truly catalysts for growth. My husband’s transition brought me to A Course in Miracles which I’m turn brought me to Religious Science. I am not the same person I was back then. I have said “Farewell” to 27 people since my husband’s departure, most recently, my beloved mother. I miss them all, the little things that made them who they were on this planet. But I am blessed because those relationships continue across the veil. The love continues to fill my heart. I honor those moments of tears, I cherish the moments we spend together now. Thank you, Jean , for reminding us how very thin that veil is and the bittersweetness of transitions ❣️
Oh Jeanne, my heart is with you.
Letting go is not always easy…..sending you all my Love.
Jean! I love your website. I came across it in the beautiful People Magazine article on you and Alex. You are always in my prayers and I will never forget the warmth, inspiration and grace you gave me when we met. You are an incredible light and excellent role model for women, wives and moms everywhere!
Thanks so much, Amy!
Many Blessing to you and your loved ones.
XOXO, Jean
Awe Jean ,you are an inspiration to all ! It’s a pleasure to read your beautiful words, it’s also helping me cope with every day living..it has not been easy these last years…but what you are going through with your own burdens, I find myself pretty lucky …love to you and Alex my wonderful cousins..hugs to Mathew and Emily..love Claire ????❤️????❤️????