Embracing Transitions and Thresholds

Two things take place when change is inevitable. We not only face the transition necessary to accept the change but also the “threshold” of the space in between as we move from one thing to the next. I usually call this often uncomfortable time, “limbo.” I was recently reading an article that offered some new insights into both thresholds and transitions.

According to Elizabeth Davies in her article, “Transitions and Thresholds,” “Transitions signal the end of one thing and the beginnings of something else, but they also include a threshold: a ‘space between’ that incorporates the ending of the former with the beginning of the new.”

Author William Bridges defines transitions in his book, “Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes” as “the inner orientation and self-redefinition that you have to go through in order to incorporate…changes into your life. Without a transition, a change is just a rearrangement of the furniture. Unless transition happens, the change won’t work, because it doesn’t take.”

John O’Donohue in his book, “To Bless the Space Between Us” describes this interim space before transition takes place, “A threshold is…a frontier that divides two different territories, rhythms, and atmospheres, [where] a great complexity of emotion comes alive: confusion, fear, excitement, sadness, hope. Listen inward with complete attention until you hear the inner voice calling you forward. The time has come to cross.”

How about you? Are you in transition moving on to a new life perspective or actual physical change or are you in the threshold, the “space between.” This month we’re going to explore ways to manage both the thresholds and the transitions of life.

I’d love to hear your story. Please write to me at info@yourrefreshedlife.com and tell me your story or share your questions with me. I look forward to hearing from you!