Embracing Transitions: The New You is Emerging.
Source: Embracing Transitions: How to Navigate Change and Emerge Empowered
Fall is barreling toward us, and the energy of transitions is tangible. What does this season of change mean for you?
Like many, my life shifts significantly from summer to fall. Maybe your routines change drastically, too. We find ourselves gathering what we need for the coming winter, both physically and emotionally.
Just like the squirrels darting around my neighborhood (we have black squirrels here!), you might feel the urge to take a new course, get organized, meal plan, or get back into a structured exercise routine. It’s all about getting your ducks in a row, right?
But transitions aren’t just seasonal. On a deeper level, they happen when life throws major shifts your way—like divorce, loss, or any upheaval that ends a significant chapter of your life. Some may call it a midlife crisis; I prefer to think of it as shedding the layers of expectation, people-pleasing, and survival mode that no longer serve you.
If you’re in the early stages of a transition, it might feel like unexplained sadness or heaviness.
That’s because every transition starts with an ending.
For reading, I recommend “Transitions” by William Bridges. This book was instrumental during my Personal Empowerment Coach certification and Gentle Trauma Release Practitioner training, giving me the tools to support myself and my clients through all stages of transition.
It’s in this early stage of change that I often meet women for coaching. There’s such relief when they realize their feelings are NORMAL—not something to be “fixed.” During the coaching process, we release trauma, and as we do, clients begin to shift out of survival mode. They start shedding the persona they built to protect themselves, reconnecting with their true, raw self.
Here’s where I step in—helping them process what was lost. Trauma always involves loss, and I guide them in a healthy, cathartic way through this necessary grief. With the right tools, they learn to experience emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.
Grieving is an important step on the path toward your empowered self, even if our culture pushes us to just “move on.”
The next phase of transition is the “neutral zone”—where things slow down, clarity feels distant, and confusion creeps in.
This is NORMAL, too. It’s part of the process of letting your new self be built, brick by brick, while gently dismantling the old structures that no longer serve you.
It’s during this time that your identity shifts—your friends, activities, even your personal style might feel like they’re in flux. This back-and-forth between grieving and excitement for your future is all part of the transformation.
Then comes the “new beginning.”
This is when things start to fall into place as you take concrete steps to embody the evolved version of yourself. It can be exhilarating—and a little scary. But in this phase, you’ll find yourself letting go of old coping mechanisms, setting strong boundaries, and raising your standards.
Not everyone will understand or appreciate the “new you,” and that’s okay. You can show compassion for their feelings without making it your responsibility to “fix” things.
At this stage, I help women define what they want, navigate the discomfort of growth, and avoid falling back into disempowered patterns. Depending on how long trauma has affected you, there may be multiple layers of transition as you rebuild various parts of your life.
That’s a lot to handle. It’s why many women continue coaching with me even after the initial crisis has passed—to sustain their well-being long-term.
I’ve got you. If you’re feeling like you’re in transition (or want to be), here’s how working with me through Gentle Trauma Release and empowerment coaching helps women thrive:
Directly addressing trauma. Everything gets easier once this is done. You’ll immediately feel more resilient, resourceful, and creative. You can breathe and think clearly again.
Clearing the trauma aftermath. We’ll gently tend to your self-worth, quiet the inner critic, and release triggers as your body returns to feeling safe.
Nurturing well-being. We’ll build sustainable self-care habits to ensure your foundation for well-being remains strong as you move forward.
Along the way, I help women energize and strengthen their bodies, rebuild a healthy relationship with food, and feel empowered to take care of themselves in a way that feels aligned with their true selves.
Do you have questions about what’s possible for you in this transition?
Let’s talk and get excited about the possibilities.
Ramona Kossowan
Certified Women’s Empowerment Coach
Gentle Trauma Release Practitioner
Fitness Trainer
This article was originally published in Summer (June 1st) Life Changes Magazine 2024 by Ramona Kossowan. Read the original article here.
Note: The author, compiler and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party due to these words coming from the author’s own opinion based on their experiences. This account is based on the author’s own personal experience. We assume no responsibility for errors or omissions in these articles.