Navigating Life Transitions and Grieving Change
- Kimberly Freeman, BA.Psych, Dip.Couns, Registered Counsellor
- May 22
- 4 min read
Updated: May 24
The only thing constant in life is change. Life is full of change and transitions. Some are joyful — like the birth of a child or starting a new job. Others bring a complex mix of emotions, including sadness and grief. Whether it’s relocating, watching your children grow up, stepping into retirement, or feeling a shift in who you are, the process of change can be both emotional and disorienting.
As a counsellor, I often support clients navigating these kinds of turning points — and what many don’t realise is that grieving life transitions is not only normal but healthy. It’s how we process what we’re leaving behind so we can find meaning in what comes next.
Let’s explore some of these transitions, the subtle grief they carry, and ways to move forward with self-compassion and clarity.
Relocating and the Emotional Weight of Moving

Grief comes in many forms. One I see often — though rarely talked about — is transition grief.
Moving to a new home is often framed as a fresh start. But it can carry deep emotional weight. I’ve worked with families where frequent relocation leaves people feeling untethered and I've experienced it myself through several continental moves. It's not just about packing boxes — it's the goodbye to familiar streets, routines, neighbours, and the comfort of knowing where you belong.
It’s okay to miss what you’re leaving behind. Allow yourself to grieve what was — it’s not a sign of weakness but a sign that it mattered.
When Children Grow Up

A type of grief that quietly sneaks in for many parents is watching their children grow.
We often think about experiencing this as "empty nest syndrome." We hear about parents, while excite for their children's future, longing for the days of fingerprints on the windows and mud on the floor. But less often do we hear about missing the baby days when they are toddlers or the toddler years when they are teenagers. What we sometimes fail to put an emotion to is the ache of the ever changing roles.
There is a space in time where the bedtime stories and tiny footsteps in the hallway are gone but they are still here. Just in a different version. An older, more independent version. You become less of a hands-on carer and more of a mentor. The shift is beautiful — but it can be incredibly hard.
You’re allowed to mourn the early years of parenting even while celebrating who your children are becoming.
Noticing and honouring those feelings gives space for healing and also deepens your connection with your evolving role as a parent.
Retirement and Shifting Identities

Retirement is often anticipated as a reward after years of hard work. Many look forward to a change in routine, maybe sleeping without an alarm clock or having an afternoon tea. But when the day finally comes, many feel unsettled.
Clients tell me, “I thought I’d feel free. Instead, I feel lost.”
So much of our identity is shaped by what we do. Stepping away from a career can raise questions like: Who am I now? What’s my purpose if I’m not working?
This is a grief of self — the identity we’ve outgrown but haven't yet replaced.
It’s okay to feel disoriented. Letting go of who you were makes space to rediscover who you are becoming.
Finding New Purpose Through Grieving Change
Grieving change is not about getting stuck in sadness — it’s part of adapting and moving forward. Here are practical ways to ground yourself and rediscover purpose:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
Give yourself permission to feel it all — the sadness, confusion, excitement, and even guilt. Emotions aren’t problems to fix, but messages to understand. Journaling or talking with someone who has experienced the same transition can help process the swirl of change.
2. Establish a Routine
Transitions disrupt rhythm. Creating a simple daily structure can bring back stability — whether that’s a morning coffee on the deck or a weekly walk with a friend. Small rituals anchor us. It takes time to get used to this new rhythm and routine. Try to be patient with yourself and the transition.
3. Seek Support
You don’t need to figure it out alone. Whether through friends, support groups, or a professional counsellor, sharing your experience lightens the load. If you have recently moved, try finding people who are new or have moved to the area as well. Often they will have experienced similar feelings.
In my work, I’ve seen how just one safe space to talk can shift everything.
4. Explore New Opportunities
With every ending, a door opens. This could be the season to try that pottery class, reconnect with a passion, or explore volunteer work that brings purpose.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude
Mindfulness brings you back to now. It slows the mental spiral. Try breathwork, a grounding walk, or just placing your hand on your heart when things feel too much. Pausing to notice what you’re thankful for can gently shift your perspective.
6. Be Kind to Yourself
You’re learning to live in a new way — and that takes courage. Progress doesn’t mean always feeling strong. Give yourself grace. Healing often looks like two steps forward, one back.
You’re Not Alone in This Transition
Life transitions are deeply human. They test our emotions and sense of identity — but they also offer space for renewal and rediscovery.
If you’re struggling to adjust to a new chapter in life, know that you’re not alone. Counselling can offer clarity and compassion as you navigate the uncertainty. It’s okay to reach out for support.
Every transition is both an ending and a beginning. With time, reflection, and kindness to yourself, you can uncover a new rhythm — and even a new purpose — that fits who you are today.
Next Step
If this post resonates with where you are, I invite you to call or explore my support services for navigating grief and life transitions
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