Transition: in Birth and Business
In childbirth the term transition refers to a time in labor where the contractions are the longest, strongest and closest together.
On the mental/emotional/spiritual level it’s often the time when the birthing person wants to give up—they don’t feel like they can go on, and they don’t believe it’s possible.
The good news is that it usually means you’re getting closer to the end—and the beginning of a new phase of life. (Plus, there’s a baby at the end of a birth! :)
Transition in business has similar qualities…
The other day I was talking to a friend and I was kind of wallowing in not wanting to do anything around my business.
Chalk it up to winter doldrums, March Madness, or very real fears about the future, but I was tired of doing outreach and feeling kinda stuck in my business—not inspired, not capable, not enough. I was also feeling really annoyed with myself for feeling that way!
My friend mentioned the word TRANSITION and everything shifted.
I connected with that moment in birth when you want to give up, and how hard it all feels, and how lonely.
I felt a spark of energy as I connected with the fact that it also meant I was moving through something—not totally stuck even though it felt that way.
As one phase ends another begins, so being in transition, even though it can be the hardest part, actually means something new is coming, a fresh start and new beginning. I always love a fresh start.
That conversation was so meaningful because it normalized what I was going through—that we all have times when we question our choices and struggle to keep moving forward.
It also helped me see that this is a moment — not an indication that growth and progress won’t ever happen.
Shifting out of being stuck in a holding pattern like transition sometimes takes one insightful conversation to shift the energy around it.
AND backing that up with consistent action (and continued support) makes that moment lead to what’s around the corner.
Suffice it to say that I'm much more energized lately--and the budding crocuses, birds chirping and sun shining help a lot, especially here in NE Ohio!
If you're feeling stuck, or recognizing that you're holding yourself back in some ways, what helps you? What support do you need?
And if you're not sure what you need and are struggling to connect to yourself and your purpose, I would love to have a call with you to get clarity on where you are now, where you want to be, and how I can help you get there. Here's my schedule link.
Wishing you joy and wonder each new day.