When Everything Changes at Once
I wrote this blog before the unexpected passing of my precious mom. If you would like to read my tribute to her, please click here.
A few weeks back, we experienced a weekend full of big transitions. We moved Jude, our middle son, into university for the first time and celebrated our eldest, Noah’s, graduation. My husband and I stood together in the college quad, knowing it was probably the last time we’d do so, grateful for everything that had taken place, but also quietly sad that this chapter was closing.
Alongside this, I speak with my dear mom every day. I sent her photos and videos of the graduation ceremony, and of Jude’s new room, and she cried and cried. With her sudden onset of advanced dementia, I’m moving from the relationship we once knew into something unfamiliar, tender, and profoundly challenging.
And that same weekend, a brown paper parcel slid through the letterbox. At first glance, it looked like nothing special, but inside was a symbol of something that had been quietly in the making finally becoming real - the first copy of my book, actually in my hands for the very first time.
It was a lot to take in.
Life is full of transitions, some we choose, others choose us. Almost every one of us will be in the midst of some sort of transition (or, if not, you’re just through one, or heading into one).
Whether it's a new job, a move, a relationship shift, or a personal reinvention, change can feel like both a weight and a wind. It can be exhilarating and exhausting, liberating and overwhelming.
In this week’s podcast, I explore why major life transitions often feel so hard, and how we can navigate them with more compassion for yourself and the process. Drawing from personal experience, listener insights, and expert perspectives, we explore the emotional and practical terrain of change.
I’m not going to spoil the episode - it’s worth hearing for yourself - but here are three pieces of wisdom from you and me that you can start your day with right now:
Major transitions stir up a mix of emotions - excitement, fear, grief, hope. Even positive changes can trigger stress because they disrupt routines and challenge our sense of identity. Bruce Feiler talks about “lifequakes” - moments when everything shifts - and how these moments are more common than we realise. Transitions can feel destabilising, even when they’re opportunities for growth.
Life coach William Bridges outlines three stages of transition that help us make sense of change:
Letting Go - Releasing the old identity, role, or situation. It can be painful, but necessary. Say goodbye to the habits, roles, or ways of thinking that no longer serve you.
The Neutral Zone - The in-between space where the old is gone, but the new isn’t fully here. This is often uncomfortable, but it’s where reflection, learning, and creativity happen.
The New Beginning - Stepping into a new phase with clarity and confidence. This isn’t instant; it comes with trial, error, and adjustment. Celebrate small wins and acknowledge progress.
Understanding these phases helps us normalise the uncertainty and see that discomfort isn’t failure, it’s simply part of the process.
Acknowledge Your Emotions: Allow yourself to feel everything that comes up—fear, grief, excitement. Talking it through with someone you trust can help process it.
Create a Map, Not a Master Plan: Break change into smaller, manageable steps. Knowing what you can control reduces overwhelm and gives direction.
Lean on Your People: Build a support system of friends, mentors, or peers who can offer perspective, encouragement, and accountability.
Focus on Daily Wins: Big transitions feel less daunting when you celebrate small progress. Look for what went well today and what you learned, rather than obsessing about the ultimate outcome.
Embrace Growth, Not Perfection: Change rarely happens smoothly. Treat mistakes and detours as part of the learning process, not as proof that you’ve failed.
Transitions aren’t easy, but they are inevitable. And the truth is, the discomfort we feel during these moments often signals that growth is happening. By giving ourselves permission to feel, reflect, and move intentionally, we can navigate major changes with courage and clarity.
With love,
Hannah x
P.S. I’d love to hear from you: What strategies have helped you during major life transitions? Hit reply to this email to share your thoughts.
P.P.S. If you’d like to support my work, then please consider pre-ordering a copy of the book (or two!) With just over one month to wait, now is the perfect time to get your copies on order - click here!