Ways to help navigate life transitions and transformations.
As Socrates said, the secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.
Number one... KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Everyone goes through life changing transitions at some point.
Reach out and talk to someone. Coach, friend, parent, therapist or counselor- whatever helps. Again, everyone goes through transitions, maybe not exactly what you are going through, but sometimes we find the best advice in the most surprising places!
Keep A Journal. Something many coaches encourage during swim season is also an amazing tool to carry over into your regular life. Journals are great ways to find inspiration, talk through a decision, capture memories, important events, and achieve goals.
Give Yourself Time To Reflect. Take the time you need to think about, evaluate, or give serious thought, to whatever change is going on in your life.
Reframe Your Thinking. You will always be a swimmer. It is okay to move on and become something else (altogether or in addition to). Life is about growth and change. This is just one of many transitions you'll face on your path.
Find New Activities- Swimming is great. But so are other pursuits. Such as other sports, or learning about something new, joining a book group, or volunteering.
Exercise- a great way to mitigate stress and give yourself time to think.
Practice mindful meditation and affirmations.