Navigating Life Transitions

Written by: Lori Howard, MA, LMFT #126074

December 1, 2025

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash‍ ‍

When we experience a life transition, it is a loss. And just like a death, we need to grieve it in order to move forward in a healthy way. 

A life transition can be anything from a move across the country, to job loss, the birth of a new child, becoming an empty nester, divorce, death, or being in a new relationship.

Kubler-Ross gave us stages to consider when we grieve:

• Denial

• Anger

• Bargaining

• Depression

• Acceptance

These stages were meant to accompany someone at the end of their life and are not linear in their progression. Yet, we can look to those stages when we experience any transition because transitions bring change, and change brings up a sense of loss.

For me, this has been sounding like

“Where did my babies go? Will they still need me?  Will we still be close when they move away/have their own babies/get jobs/figure out life? Is my job as a mom over?” 

In order to navigate any transition in a healthy way, we must engage in the loss. 

These steps will help:

1. Give myself permission to grieve the time that has ended. This helps with any denial I have that things will be different.

• Helpful activities during a transition include:

• Life review - look at pictures, tell stories, embrace the memories

• Consider how life will change and prepare for times that may be difficult 

• Set up outings with friends

• Reach out to a mentor

• Engage in a new hobby/activity

• Journal about my feelings

2. Allow the mourning 

• Allow the tears and the sadness - this is a part of grief

• Allow all my thoughts without judgment 

3. Talk to others about my feelings with the transition

• For some, this may mean engaging with a professional to help navigate the changes that are to come. 

4. Understand that all transitions take time, and give yourself the freedom to feel all the emotions without rushing yourself through them

When positive transitions happen, there can be much excitement for what is to come. When negative transitions happen, there can be a very palpable sense of grief. In both situations, there is a sense that time is marching on, and the role we had in life is now changing. Being mindful of allowing the emotions and the loss that is to come allows us to be open to the next chapter in our lives, which brings acceptance to our new phase.

Lori Howard, MA, LMFT #126074

Lori T. Howard is a Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in grief and loss. You can visit her profile below or find her at lorithoward.com