Spring is here, a time for new buds and trees to blossom. It can also be the time to do a little spring cleaning, an opportunity to purge the things we no longer need and prepare for what’s to come. To a smaller or greater degree, it’s a reminder that our lives are in perpetual change.
Of course, some of the changes are of our own choice: a new home, new friends and family members, or a new job. And some are changes brought to us. It can be difficult to accept these transitions that we don’t choose. In our workplace, for example, we may have a new parent company, a change of leaders, a different team, or new processes. At times, these transitions may not necessarily feel like a positive step.
Moving through the stages
Whatever the change, it is important to acknowledge that we typically move through it in stages. These stages include:
Ending. Grieving the loss of something we have been used to that has served us well. Taking time to reflect on past successes is key.
Letting go. Getting to a place where we have let go of the past and feel ready to explore what’s to come. We may deal with a mix of anxiety and excitement (sometimes concurrently!).
New beginnings. Taking active steps to embrace change, including anchors from our past that we can still lean on as we move forward. While we may feel positive overall about what’s to come, it is perfectly normal to have temporary moments of doubt.
Note that each individual processes change at a different pace, and a strong team culture can help to ensure that all members get any support they need.
Transitioning to meet your evolving needs
Note: In the Ophthalmic Professional world, we are working through transitions too! As part of our commitment to meet your evolving needs, we have invested in a newly-designed website (ophthalmicprofessional.com) that offers easier navigation, an archive of past issues, and exclusive content that will supplement the great articles you will continue to enjoy in print. Moving forward, our print issues will be published quarterly and will, as always, feature our signature “practice profiles” and solutions-based content, curated specifically for you.
Enjoy the read! OP
