Embracing change with grace and wellbeing
“The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.” ~ Steve Maraboli
Lately, my life has been shifting in profound ways. Some of these changes were expected — my youngest child has moved out, leaving me with an empty nest; my body is moving through menopause, reshaping itself in ways that feel unfamiliar yet powerful. Even though I knew these transitions were coming, they still arrived with an emotional impact I wasn’t entirely prepared for.
There’s a strange quiet that settles into the house when the familiar rhythms of family life — the sense of my children nearby, the daily catch-ups and laughter, the pile of dirty laundry in the corner of the bathroom — disappear. There’s a disorientation that comes with having my body transition into its next, autumnal, phase. And there’s a new sense of self I’m discovering; a reframing of my very identity.
At first, I wrestled with these new routines and roles. I struggled to find my place without the ‘anchors’ of mother, advisor, and caregiver. But I’ve come to appreciate that transformation isn’t something to fight, it’s something to welcome. Just as nature moves through its seasons, shedding the old to make space for new growth, we too are in a constant state of renewal. And when we stop resisting, we open ourselves to something profoundly beautiful: the possibility of stepping into the next phase of life with grace, trust, and curiosity.
We are nature. And nature has never been static. The tides shift with the moon, rivers carve new paths over time, and each generation of a species brings adaptations and experimentations. Transformation is woven into the fabric of our natural existence, reminding us that change isn’t an exception, it’s the rule.
Many indigenous cultures — still deeply connected to the natural rhythms of the cosmos — honour this truth. These wisdom traditions view time as cyclical rather than linear and accept transition and change as a foundational law of reality. The Māori concept of whakapapa speaks to this deep interconnectedness between past, present, and future, reminding us that change is part of our evolving story rather than a disruption to it.
To mark these transitions, our ancestors turned to rituals — whether coming of age, grieving, or stepping into new life phases — offering a way to process change with intention and acceptance. When we create our own rituals, whether through quiet reflection, movement, or even simple symbolic acts, we allow ourselves the space to acknowledge the shift and move forward with courage and purpose.
If you are currently in a time of transformation, here are some tips to help you remain curious, courageous, and connected as you evolve:
1. Acknowledge the transition.
Change often carries emotional weight. Whether it’s menopause, becoming an empty-nester, or any other life shift, the first step is simply recognising that transformation is happening and allowing yourself to feel it. Many of us instinctively push discomfort aside, but by naming our emotions we honour the transitional experience and embrace our ability to grow through it.
Consider reflecting on the following:
- What emotions are surfacing for you in this change?
- What narratives or expectations are you holding onto that might need reevaluating?
- How would it feel to embrace this change instead of resisting it?
Allowing yourself the grace to process can bring relief. Change doesn’t demand that you have all the answers right away, it simply asks that you acknowledge where you are.
2. Create your own rituals
Rituals help provide structure and meaning in times of transition. They ground us, offering a sense of continuity amidst change. Many indigenous cultures weave rituals into daily life, honouring transformation as part of the natural flow.
Consider crafting a simple ritual or rite of passage to mark your transition:
- Write a letter to your old self, expressing gratitude for all it has carried, then a letter to your emerging self, welcoming new possibilities.
- Light a candle as a way of acknowledging your evolution, intentionally commit to a new accomplishment or challenge, or release something physical, such as donating old clothes, to signify shedding the past.
- Spend time outdoors, observing how the world around you embraces transformation with ease. Witness the shifting seasons, the ebb and flow of tides, and become aware of your own innate natural rhythms.
The key is to choose something that feels meaningful to you.
3. Seek out community and connection
Transformation can feel isolating, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Cultivating supportive relationships — whether through friends, mentors, or community spaces — can make navigating change more enriching.
Ways to nurture connection:
- Speak to people who have undergone similar transitions. Whether it’s elder wisdom, friends in similar life stages, or even literature that explores these themes, hearing others’ experiences can validate your own.
- Engage in cultural and ancestral perspectives. Indigenous traditions often view transformation as a rite of passage rather than an inconvenience. Learning from these perspectives can unlock ancestral wisdom in your psyche and shift your mindset towards change.
- Join (or create) supportive spaces. Whether an online group, a book club focusing on transformation, or an informal gathering with friends, shared experience fosters resilience. If you can’t find a supportive community space that resonates with you, create one!
Transformation becomes less daunting when it is witnessed and honoured in connection with others.
4. View change as an opportunity and invitation
Often, transformation is framed as something to endure. But what if it was viewed as an invitation — a doorway into deeper wisdom, new possibilities, and fresh self-discovery?
Instead of resisting change, try asking:
- What opportunities does this present to me?
- Who am I becoming through this transformation?
Even better: Who do I have the willingness and power to become? - How can I embrace uncertainty as part of my personal growth and evolution?
Many indigenous cultures trust in cycles rather than final destinations, regarding change as a natural unfolding rather than an obstacle. This perspective is not only aligned with nature, it’s innately empowering, encouraging us to walk forward with curiosity rather than fear.
These past few months in my life have been awkward, intense, and disruptive at times. But they have reminded me that transformation isn’t about reaching a fixed point — it’s about moving with life’s rhythms and trusting in the wisdom of personal evolution. With each transition, we are stepping into a new version of ourselves, shaped by experience, resilience, and the beauty of change itself.
Ultimately, transformation is not something that happens to us. It is us. We are always in motion, always developing, just as nature is. And in the acceptance of that perpetual becoming, there is an immense amount of power, optimism, and beauty.
Many of us, in our modern lives, have become disconnected from the concept of natural timing and life’s innate rhythms. For the remainder of 2025, I will be exploring what it means to have a healthy relationship with time and the natural cadence of life. My exploration starts this month of June when I will be sharing tips on how to navigate life’s inevitable transitions. Join me on Instagram or Linkedin for regular updates and insights.