Thursday, January 31, 2013

"Good" Changes Cause Grief and Loss

Clients have asked me, "I made a change in my life for the better, so why do I feel sad?" The way I view change is that there is always something left behind. For example, if you decide to quit a stressful job to start a new one, it might seem as though you should feel only relief and happiness. However, there is something lost in any transition. Change can be stressful, even if it is "good" change. Change often means leaving a familiar routine for a brand new one. Questions, doubts and fears may arise. Unresolved feelings connected with your job experiences may surface. Fears about the next steps may come up. You will likely feel more aware of the things you WILL miss, possibly casting doubts about your decisions. Additionally, in the case of changing jobs, you will be ending your current co-worker relationships, and forming new ones with strangers. It is important to keep all of this in mind as you go through any type of transition, and welcome in emotional responses and feelings as they come and go.