As we continue to deal with changes in our lives whether due to the pandemic or something else, there are many tools to help navigate these changes and deal with transitions. One such tool is to create a ritual or tribute to mark the transition. Negative events need closure, while positive events, such as a child’s marriage or a new job or relocation, need celebration and acknowledgment to mark the new beginning. These “rituals” take many forms-a memorial service where friends and family members mourn the past or a party to celebrate the future…a good-bye letter written to a deceased partner or former life…a name change, such as a return to a maiden name…cleaning out a home…shaving off a beard or switching to a new hair style…a once-in-a-lifetime activity, such as skydiving… or something else entirely.
A ritual is something you can take control over at a time when much of life feels outside or your control. It also reinforces to you-and your family-that you are not going back to your old life.
Keep coming back to this website for more tools to help with life changes. As always you can contact me for suggestions for goal setting and commitment strategies. My office is still closed to inperson sessions but I am available by email or phone at 361-442-9590 or holtadams2002@yahoo.com