Walking A New Path

I lived in Illinois my entire life before moving to Texas, and know it from top to bottom. It is a familiar and comfortable place for me and it was hard to leave. The move brought with it all sorts of interesting transitions for me and my family. Some have been easier to navigate than others, but all are necessary. One of my favorite things is artwork depicting paths or roads that seemingly appear to be endless or going nowhere in particular.  When I learned that I would be moving, my eyes immediately went to a photograph of a moving river hanging in my office done by a local photographer. It embodies both turbulence and serenity. The image of a path, with no clear endpoint, elicits different reactions from people. Some experience a sense of dread, others fear the unknown, and some excitement. The photograph offered me a reminder that change happens to everyone, and it is how we manage the transition that often comes with the change that matters most. Transition is the psychological process that people go through to come to terms with a new situation. It is not a linear process but does have stages that define the process. In the beginning, letting go of how things were is key to establishing new routines and relationships. For a period of time, people can exist in a “grey zone” of the new and the old. The old is gone but the new is not yet fully established. After a period of time, the compass is reset with new understandings, values, attitudes, and identities. As I reset my own compass, I have moments where I miss my old life but I do not linger long in the feelings of loss because Texas has welcomed me and my family with such warmth and hospitality. I can’t promise I will trade my Cubbies for the Rangers, or the Bears for the Cowboys, but I am open to all that Texas has to offer. If you are struggling to find your path or navigate a new path, I can help.