The Power of Change: How Life’s Transitions Shape Us

Embracing Life’s Changes

When I moved from Kenya to Wisconsin, it was one of the biggest transitions of my life. Everything was new—the culture, the climate, the people. Leaving behind the familiar was difficult, and there were moments of doubt and uncertainty about the future. But, as challenging as the experience was, it became a defining part of my journey. Change, though uncomfortable, is often necessary for growth.

Right now, I want to ask you: What transition are you going through? Whether it’s starting a new school year, moving to a different place, making new friends, or stepping into a new job, change is always a part of life. But the bigger question is: how do we handle it?

Let’s explore this idea through a surprising analogy—diaper changes.

The Diaper Change Metaphor

Have you ever noticed how much babies hate getting their diapers changed? They cry they wiggle, and they try to avoid it—even though we know the change is good for them. It’s uncomfortable in the moment, but without that change, they would be stuck in a messy situation—literally! Ignoring the need for a diaper change would lead to discomfort for both the baby and the parent, and in the long run, it could cause health problems.

Life transitions are not so different. They might feel uncomfortable or even painful at first, but they are often necessary for our well-being and growth. Just like diaper changes, these life changes help us move forward and avoid getting “stuck” in situations that no longer serve us.

Navigating Life Changes

When I first moved to Wisconsin, I felt like I was caught in an in-between stage. This feeling reminds me of the three phases of change described by William Bridges (2004): the ending, the neutral zone, and the new beginning.

• The Ending: Leaving my life in Kenya was the ending. It meant letting go of the familiar.
• The Neutral Zone: Adjusting to life in Wisconsin was the neutral zone. It was an uncertain, sometimes uncomfortable, period of figuring things out.
• The New Beginning: Finally, I settled into my new life. New routines, new friends, and new opportunities began to shape my experience.

But, like babies resisting diaper changes, I initially resisted the discomfort of that transition. Yet, just as a clean diaper keeps a baby healthy, navigating these life changes opened the door to growth and new opportunities.

Langston Hughes and the Winds of Change

Poet Langston Hughes beautifully captured the essence of change in his poem Winds of Change:

“The winds of change blow away despair
And fill the sails of hope and care.
They clear the skies, make way for light,
And turn the darkness into bright.”

Hughes reminds us that while change may feel like a strong wind pushing us in a new direction, it also clears the path for better things. Even when we resist life’s transitions, like a baby resisting a diaper change, those winds of change sweep away what’s no longer needed and make room for new growth.

How to Handle Life Transitions

So, how can we handle life’s transitions, especially when they feel overwhelming or uncomfortable? Here are a few strategies:

1. Accept Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel anxious or uncertain when things change. Just like babies resist diaper changes, we resist life transitions because they feel uncomfortable. But acknowledging those feelings without letting them stop us is key. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches us to accept difficult emotions while still moving forward. Research shows this approach reduces stress and helps us cope better with life’s transitions.
2. Focus on the Positive: Just as a diaper change prevents a rash, looking for the positives in a situation can help us handle change more easily. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) encourages us to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more helpful ones. Studies show that focusing on positive outcomes makes transitions less stressful and more manageable.
3. Set Small Goals: When facing a big change, breaking it down into smaller steps can make it feel less daunting. When I first moved to Wisconsin, I focused on manageable tasks—like learning how to navigate the grocery store or finding places to meet new friends. Research shows that setting small goals helps people feel more in control during transitions.
4. Lean on Support: Like a parent helping a baby through a diaper change, we need support during life’s big transitions. Friends, family, and mentors can provide guidance and comfort when we feel lost or overwhelmed. Studies show that having a strong support system reduces stress and makes change easier to navigate.

Conclusion

Whether it’s moving to a new place, starting a new chapter in your life, or even dealing with smaller daily changes, transitions are a constant part of life. And, much like babies need their diapers changed—despite how much they resist—embracing change is crucial for our growth, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Langston Hughes’s Winds of Change reminds us that while the winds of change may feel strong at first, they ultimately clear the way for new opportunities. By accepting the discomfort, focusing on the positive, setting small goals, and leaning on the support of others, we can navigate life’s transitions and come out stronger on the other side.

So, what change are you going through? And how will you handle it?