How to Navigate Challenging Life Transitions

Change has been a constant in my life. I moved often, at times every two years, growing up as a missionary kid in France. Each transition brought a mix of emotions—the sadness of leaving behind friends, the nervousness of starting at a new school, the challenge of adapting to a new place, and the excitement of discovering a different culture. Every time we packed up our home, I felt the weight of what I was leaving behind, but also the anticipation of what was ahead.

As a child, I learned to say goodbye often. I had to figure out how to start over, make new friends, and adjust to unfamiliar surroundings. But as an adult, transitions have felt even heavier. Every move our family has made has come with greater responsibility, deeper emotional weight, and more unanswered questions. In those moments, I’ve wrestled with anxiety, wondering how everything would work out. And yet, time and time again, I’ve seen God’s faithfulness. I may not know what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future. And He is trustworthy.

If you’re facing a difficult life transition, I want you to know—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to navigate this season without hope. Here are some things that have helped me find steady ground when life feels uncertain:

1. Be Still & Let Yourself Breathe

When change feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of stress and worry. But I’ve found that some of the most powerful moments of peace come when I allow myself to be still. Psalm 46:10 has been a lifeline for me:

"Be still, and know that I am God."

There have been times when all I could do was take a deep breath and whisper this truth to myself. Slowing down—even for a moment—helps calm the storm inside. It’s a reminder that I don’t have to have everything figured out. God is already at work, even when I can’t see it.

2. Face the Unknown with Faith, Not Fear

Uncertainty has always been the hardest part of change for me. I like to know what’s coming next, to have a plan. But life doesn’t always give us that luxury. Over the years, I’ve learned that instead of fearing the unknown, I can choose to trust that God is already there.

One verse I’ve clung to is Deuteronomy 31:8:

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."

That promise has carried me through so many transitions. God isn’t just walking alongside me—He is already ahead of me, preparing the way. Even when I can’t see what’s next, I can trust that He is leading me somewhere good.

3. This Season Won’t Last Forever—So Be Present for It

When I became a mother, my mom gave me a piece of advice that I’ve never forgotten:

"I know the hard days feel long, but this season won't last forever. It will be gone before you know it."

I didn’t always believe her in the middle of sleepless nights or overwhelming transitions. But looking back, I see how right she was. I learned to not only endure it—but to find the beauty in it. Every stage had something special, even the difficult ones.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds me of this truth:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

Instead of just waiting for the next chapter, I try to pause and truly take in today. The laughter of my children. The quiet moments of reflection. The unexpected blessings. Even in change, there is beauty to be found.

4. Honor the Transition with Meaning

Growing up, one of the hardest parts of moving was feeling like I was leaving behind a part of my life. But I found that creating small ways to honor each transition made it easier to move forward.

Here are a few things that have helped me:

• Putting together online photo albums – Looking back at pictures of past places and friendships reminds me that those memories don’t disappear just because I’ve moved on.
• Journaling my thoughts – Writing down my emotions, prayers, and reflections helps me process both the loss and the new beginning.
• Taking time to thank God for both the past and the future – Instead of only grieving what’s ending, I try to take a moment to acknowledge the blessings that came with it and trust that new ones are ahead.

Even the hardest transitions deserve to be acknowledged. God is writing your story, and every chapter matters.

You Are Not Alone

If this season feels lonely, I want to remind you: You don’t have to go through it alone.

God is with you. And so are we.

If you’re struggling to find peace in this transition, reach out. Our counseling team is here to walk with you, offering support, encouragement, and hope. You don’t have to carry this alone.

Schedule an appointment today, and let’s take this next step together. 

Written by Rebecca Muyres, LPC, CPCS, RPT-S, CCTP, CATP