PIVOTWorks April 2025

Let’s Begin

Last month on Healthier Hour, we explored fresh starts and new beginnings. How you approach something new depends on whether or not you are intentionally choosing the new beginning or if it is thrust upon you. Is this change something you are celebrating and embracing? Or is this change one you have to put in some work to manage and tolerate? Let’s explore a few things to keep in mind for both.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

When you get to choose the change you are facing, it can feel easier to experience, even if it involves a lot of work and moving parts. At least you can enjoy the power of choosing. A fresh start can allow you to step into the person you’ve been growing into without all the history tagging along. You can use the tools you learned, like Circle Boundaries, to form new relationships. You can use Relational Alignment to take healthy actions and engage in the change process.  A new environment can also be incredibly energizing and even boost your creativity.

On the other hand, when a new beginning is thrust into your life, it can be incredibly destabilizing. It often feels a lot more like a painful ending than a new beginning. It can be hard to look ahead at what’s coming or make plans for the future. When grief, trauma, and drama happen, consider it time for “all hands on deck!” This is the time to load up on your repairs and lean into your Goods – whatever you need so you can show up as your Healthy Adult in the required moments and then gently collapse into your Goods when the days are daunting.

Hitting Reset

Transitions are challenging, even when they’re exciting. Regardless of what’s driving your new beginning, there are a few things you can do to support yourself during this change.

1. Set Realistic Goals. While it’s great to dream big, when you’re navigating the new, it’s crucial to stay in reality. You can look ahead to some of your bigger goals to come from this; just make sure to consider the smaller ones, too. What goals of yours can be broken into smaller parts? What are some simple, actionable steps that you can take to support your goals? How can you measure your progress towards your goals? The fun part of this process is allowing yourself to celebrate every achievement, big and small! Whether it’s unpacking another box or simply showing up for your responsibilities, acknowledge your efforts.
2. Stay Organized. Organization is key. As you navigate your new, consider the different areas of your life that will be supported through staying organized. And it’s not just about belongings and scheduling. What do you need to do with your time to keep your day organized in a way that best supports you? What do you need to do to keep your mind organized? How do you best organize yourself? For me, it’s all about making daily lists on my notepad (the old-school pen and paper kind!) and rolling over items from one day to the next if I don’t get through them. It can be valuable to later reflect on which tasks I keep pushing off and which ones I tackle with more ease. 
3. Circle Boundaries. Keeping your Circle Boundaries front and center during times of change can dramatically impact your experience. This tool will help you know who to go to when you need support and who to call when you need to talk about anything but what you’re going through. As a society, we’ve outsourced so many of the things we used to rely on our Goods for (think: meal delivery, rideshare services). Now is the time to lean in for connection. Isolating will only amplify the challenge. 
4. Know Yourself. Be honest about who you are and how you handle situations. If you’re able to prepare for the change and know that you typically struggle with “new”, don’t let yourself be caught off guard if that happens again. What are some of your habitual do’s around change? What do your parts need from you to feel supported during this time?

Whether you’re embracing a change by choice or facing one unexpectedly, remember that every transition offers an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By setting realistic goals, staying organized, using Circle Boundaries, and understanding your own needs, you can transform challenges into stepping stones for a brighter future. And don’t forget to take a moment to celebrate your resilience and the small victories along the way!