We are usually threatened by change. Whether the change is in our work place, residence or some other personal situation/encounter/relationship. Our stability and confidence – even our level of trust – is tweaked upon meeting a newness in our life. The comfort of knowing the ground rules and the expectations of the status quo is unsettling, to say the least. Experiencing a sense of loss of the familiar and the way it was is very normal.
In his book, Managing Transitions, William Bridges (author) discusses the importance and value of the often forgotten zone of the transition state. The transition state is the bridge part in and of itself between leaving the way it was and embracing the new way. We plan for the change and look forward to how we will implement the change, but we often forget the most critical bridge that connects the two. Not attending to transition can make or break success with the forthcoming change.
The transition period begs the question of honoring what has preceded the change – respecting the history and status of what was. Additionally, providing ongoing support and communicaiton as the change unfolds also plays a key role in the successful implementation of a change. Bridges challenges our consciousness as he draws from the words of French poet Paul Valery.
“Every beginning is a consequence. Every beginning ends something.”
How have you met new beginnings in your work place, professional or personal life? What support systems have been instituted by your own efforts, or that of others, to insure a smooth flow from what was to what is? What difference has a smooth transition – or not – made in your life? As a writer, what does Valery’s words mean to you? What steps must you take to be aware of your transitory place, honor the past and give yourself support for the future change(s) you may encounter?
I have been away for a couple of weeks visiting my family and honoring my roots. Bridges’s book offers a freshness of thought on the importance of what writers do each time they sit at a computer or uncap a pen.
Thank you, dear writer friend, for stopping by the cozy corner and taking a few moments to Spin a Good Yarn with me.
See you next week ~ Happy Writing and Happy Memorial Day Weekend~
2 thoughts on “TRANSITIONS and BRIDGES”
I love the line that beginnings end something. I think that is important. Every time you begin you are meant to learn something about yourself or your craft when you finish. Sometimes those learning moments come earlier than later. I think family and friends are important to the transition process, whether it be personal or professional. I also think your personal confidence decides how smooth or rough those transitions can be.
Thanks for giving me something to think about.
I created a small bridge by clearing out all of the “not now” pieces of writing off my desk. It felt great!
I love the line that beginnings end something. I think that is important. Every time you begin you are meant to learn something about yourself or your craft when you finish. Sometimes those learning moments come earlier than later. I think family and friends are important to the transition process, whether it be personal or professional. I also think your personal confidence decides how smooth or rough those transitions can be.
Thanks for giving me something to think about.
I created a small bridge by clearing out all of the “not now” pieces of writing off my desk. It felt great!