seasons of the soul
Using Life Transitions as a Catalyst for Reflection
Some seasons change with the weather. Others change within us.
We mark time in birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and milestones. But we also feel the quieter shifts—the ones that stir deep inside when life pivots, when chapters end, and when new ones quietly begin. These are the seasons of the soul.
Moments of transition—whether joyful or difficult—hold extraordinary power. They offer a rare invitation: to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves what’s changing within me, too?
Why Transitions Open the Door to Reflection
When life changes, we lose some of our old rhythms. The familiar becomes unfamiliar. We notice what we miss, what we’ve outgrown, or what now feels tender or true. This in-between space, though uncomfortable, is fertile ground for inner clarity.
Reflection during these times helps us:
Integrate our experiences
Make sense of what we’re leaving behind
Define what we want moving forward
Recenter ourselves in our values
It can be tempting to rush through transitions—to "get back to normal." But there’s wisdom in the pause.
Common Life Transitions That Invite Reflection
You might be in a season of transition if you're:
Sending a child off to college or becoming an empty nester
Navigating a move or career change
Experiencing loss or grief
Entering a new relationship—or leaving one
Celebrating a milestone birthday
Facing health changes or a new diagnosis
Retiring or shifting roles within your family or community
Each of these moments nudges us to ask:
Who am I now? Who am I becoming?
How to Reflect During Life Transitions
You don’t need perfect words or long hours to reflect meaningfully. Try one or two of these gentle practices:
Journal Your Journey
Use a guided journal like The Fabric of Me to explore prompts about identity, values, legacy, and change. Start with a simple question:
What part of me is growing right now? What part is tender?
Revisit the Threads of Your Story
Look back at previous chapters of your life. What patterns, values, or lessons have always been with you? Which ones are ready to evolve?
Create a Ritual of Release
Write a letter to what you’re letting go of. Thank it for what it gave you. Then, if it feels right, burn it, tear it up, or tuck it away. Honor the ending.
Light a Candle for the Unknown
Transitions often come with uncertainty. Instead of rushing to fix it, try sitting with it. Light a candle. Breathe. Simply acknowledge: This is a threshold. I am in between.
A Gift for Future You
When we reflect during times of change, we don't just process the moment—we create a gift for our future selves and for those we love. We make meaning. We gather insight. We carry our story with more intention.
These soul seasons may not show up on a calendar, but they shape us all the same.
So if you’re in a moment of change, take heart. You’re not lost.
You’re becoming.