Journal of Sacred Work

Days 37-38 – Change and Transitions

Aliceinwonderland_sm [Note: The following essay was written by Liz Wessel, R.N., M.S., in her new role as a contributing writer for the Journal covering weekends. We are grateful to Ms. Wessel for her help and support.]

"Who are you? Said the caterpillar…" "I-I hardly know, Sir, just at the present, "Alice replied rather shyly. "At least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have changed several times since then."

~Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Change is the one constant in life. Our country's current economic situation is wreaking havoc in the lives of so many families, friends and co-workers. The impact of the financial downturn seems to have a domino effect that is far reaching in magnitude. Future trends in healthcare, skyrocketing costs, controversy over healthcare reform, all point to the need for radical change and innovation. Proactive and forward thinking leaders recognize that in order to survive and thrive into the future we must reinvent ourselves.

Change may be necessary but that does not make it any easier to embrace. Understanding the change process can lessen stress and worry. Kurt Lewin's model of change describes three distinct stages. I find the analogy of an ice cube helpful in understanding these stages.

Stage I is the beginning of change, or the unfreezing of the ice cube. All transitions begin with an ending and accompany a loss. We must ready ourselves to let go in order to receive.

Stage II is the transition phase; the ice cube has melted and it is without form. This is an in between phase characterized by chaos. What once was, is no longer. But we have not yet transformed into something new. It is a dangerous time when people often lose heart and are confused.

Stage III is the end of the change, or the refreezing of the cube. It is a time of renewal, new energy, and the beginning of a new life chapter. 

How can we help one another transition through change with the least amount of distress?

William Bridges recommends the following actions:

First, be reflective, take a step back and ask yourself,  what is ending?  What am I losing? (Control, purpose, understanding and support are common.) What is the impact on my life?

Remember, letting go is hard, even when we are looking forward to the change, so give it time and be patient. Consider creating a ritual to help mark the ending.

"You may feel in limbo waiting and wondering, this is a natural part of the process. Although life feels confusing it can also be a time of great creativity."

"It may feel like everything is up for grabs. What once worked no longer does. This distress is necessary as you move through the changes in your life. You may discover that your distress holds the clues to your relief."

 "Just remember, 'When the student is ready the teacher will appear' and trust that you know what you need to do to move forward into your future."

(My learning's on change adapted from an in-service presented by Anne S. John, Organizational Development Expert, 2006.)

~Liz Wessel

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14 responses to “Days 37-38 – Change and Transitions”

  1. Diana Gallaher Avatar
    Diana Gallaher

    You mention trust in your last sentence. I think trust is so important when experiencing change. In my experience, if I am not mindful of trusting the process of change then I can become immobilized, very fearful.
    Thank you Liz for your continuing presence at the Journal.

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  2. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    I believe that people are basically creatures of habit. Some do well with change and others resist it. I say embrace it because change is inevitable in life. Be patient with change ….some times we don’t understand change but with patience and understanding ..it all works out in the end.
    When in doubt….don’t give up….look up….
    Always a pleasure to read your writings ~liz and always thought provoking too…
    Much love…..

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  3. Erie Chapman Avatar
    Erie Chapman

    Liz – Congratulations on your first column in the Journal. It is terrific!
    I also hope that readers will like the effort we’ve made with the new design of the Journal.
    Be well,
    Erie

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  4. Angelica Avatar
    Angelica

    This is a beautiful reflection on change, Liz. I especially like the metaphor of the ice cube, how ice can be reshaped into something different because it can be melted and refrozen. It reminds me that in our lives, with all the experiences we face, we gain new insight and wisdom to make the choices we make. We can change our minds if something does not previously go well for us and try something new with the hope that it will be better. Even if the outcome isn’t necessarily better, the change that we experience may be a necessary step, possibly one step of many, to becoming better individuals.
    Thank you, too, for reminding us about the importance of moving forward. One can experience change and benefit but still hold on to past hurts that may inhibit true transformation. I agree with what you say…it is important to embrace the change. This can take a lot out of a person. It can make one long for a past that is so familiar, so comfortable. But being able to embrace change, remain patient, and trust God’s plan will help us overcome that feeling and shape us into who we need to be. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us, Liz.

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  5. Marily Avatar
    Marily

    While I was reading the one above me… my thoughts went.. “everything I have in mind to share has been eloquently said, I feel good that I am not alone.. even in my thoughts I share it with someone”. With great surprise is when I saw the name of the special person who wrote it. My first born!!! AA, I love you dearly, through out the years you also have tons and tons of changes. I am always every grateful to God’s Wisdom you have embraced. As you are preparing to be one precious gracious caregiver not only for physical benefits of your patients but of their souls… let us embrace “Change” positively, patiently and trustful in His ways. Thank you Liz and everyone, may I spend more time in here.

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  6. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Trust…patience…affirmation…wisdom…moving forward…love. Thank you one and all for your wonderful insights that enrich this Journal reflection tenfold… gratitude…this is what I feel for you!
    The following thought resonates within, “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.”
    ~Anatole France

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  7. Yvonne Ginez-Gonzales Avatar
    Yvonne Ginez-Gonzales

    Very nice Liz and thought provoking…Change and transition..what a great way to start your contributions to this Journal..Thank you for being you…

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  8. Elisa (Xiaomei) Pan Avatar
    Elisa (Xiaomei) Pan

    Liz, a very good reflection. I like the new design of the journal, it is very beautiful, easy to access and response.
    Change is constant in my life. Most of the time, I face it as a challenge. However, when I am not very sure for the consequence of the change, I will be very streesed. Thank you for the suggestion: To be reflective, be patient and trust will decrease the distress when facing change.

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  9. Rorie ramirez Avatar
    Rorie ramirez

    Liz:
    Your column shows intellect as well as heart! When I have faced my losses i.e. deaths, distrusts(changes) I could certainly identify with the distress.
    The outcomes, mainly support and feelings were overwhelming and positive! Patience,prayer, a loving family, kind friends have gotten me through. These are the lessons of life.
    Thank you.
    Rorie

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  10. Sue Avatar
    Sue

    Liz, So you are taking on the priviledge of such a splendid journal. I am one who embraces change and reflect what it has on my life. Sometimes I am challenged at what I see. But I always treat each person with respect and dignity. I pray to God each day and ask him why he gave me this journey. But then I remember my quest for adventure in every way. Body, Mind and Soul. It can be scary,but if you do not do it, you will never know. The more you think you know, the more you know you do not know. And then there is that protective piece. Forgetting about what you do not want to remember so that you can always move forward. Gosh, getting stuck in stone can be so annoying….

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  11. ann kaiser Avatar
    ann kaiser

    The student was ready ( me) and the teacher ( a patient) appeared. Just like you said Liz, this happend to me on Sunday. Amazing story. Posted today, MOnday. Thankyou for all your insight Liz. I appreciate you!

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  12. Suan B Geh Avatar
    Suan B Geh

    Liz: thanks for the reflection, well written. Change and transition is part of life and part of the process is the willingness to let go and move on. With the love of travel I have landed in this continent and have gone through changes. Situations may not be easy. Through these processes I have to learn to grow inwardly. I have gained experiences in the Lord: inward strength, trust in the Lord to guide my path and appreciation for His provision.

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  13. Marie Ma Avatar
    Marie Ma

    Thank you,,Liz,,for this most thoughful and timely insight.Change can be very difficult for many of us. Yet, exciting when the process has evolved to see some tangible results, either spiritually or physically.
    So many are having difficulties at this time and I see fear with anticipation of changes regarding governmental applications or new and progressive thought patterns.
    I love the line that you quote..” When the student is ready,,the teacher will appear”
    That is so true. I feel that God helps us ready for what we are about to experience and mindfulness helps us to accept the metamorphosis and allow it to flow as we grow through it.
    Thank you for being a regular contributor to the Journal! You continue to share joy and provide insight for many. Bless you!!

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  14. Louise Jones Avatar
    Louise Jones

    I haven’t been able to get around to reading this until now because of all of the changes going on in my life. So, how fiiting that change is the topic! I very much like your explaination of Lewin’s change theory and how you liken change to he ice cube. As I reflected on that I thought even more about how change and ice cubes are similar. Change come in different forms as does the ice cube (water vapor, liquid, solid, even the slushy in between state). Sometimes change can be almost undetectable as in th vapor form or it can be a huge mess like he slushy wet rain and snow we saw here in Southern California a few weeks back that mademe late for work everyday for a week!! But, I wonder how we embrace the unfreezing stage. So many people are so rigid in their routines that getting them to even allow change as a poosiblility can be difficult. And yet others are gung ho ready to mix everything up and find possibility for change in everything. That in between stage may be the hardest to endure but if you’re committed you can visualize the end result and keep that as motivation. It is that unfreezing stage, that blind faith that everything will turn out for the best that scares most people. But, when all else fails, use he ice in a nice glass of lemonade!

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