According to Google the dictionary, a “transition” is defined as “the passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another,” or “a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another.” There’s also a third definition of: “an abrupt change in energy state or level (as of an atomic nucleus or a molecule) usually accompanied by loss or gain of a single quantum of energy.” (#science)
Transitions. They happen to us frequently, unexpectedly & sometimes, annoyingly.
When I think about transitions, I think about a flurrying of events. Sometimes they’re big events but often time they’re smaller–a series of seemingly insignificant occurrences that rapidly accumulate to create this bigger transition. When I think of transitions, I think of things happening (kind of like that atomic nucleus definition). Nothing is standing still, everything is moving and dynamic.
But what I didn’t realize is that transitions can be prolonged, too. Sure, some transitions are quick & defined–going to college, starting a first job, getting married. But in normal everyday life, sometimes transitions stretch out for long periods of time–weeks, months, even years. There are slow shifts, imperceptible changes that you don’t realize are happening until the full transition is over. They leave you antsy & anxious, like you know something is happening but you can’t put your finger on what. A transition is not the starting point, nor is it the destination. It’s the inbetween part, limbo part, the changing part.
This is how I imagine our 20’s: a series of long transitions.
honor here & be kind (to yourself)
Ampersand 