top of page
Search

Transitions & Changes

Change is what happens outside of us. Our environment changes, our circumstances change and, of course, our choices change.


Transition is what happens within us. Sometimes we get stuck and we don’t make the transition. I’ve been thinking about a transition model by William Bridges that I was introduced to and how it applies to our weight journey.


Though this blog was orginally written for the weight loss journey, it still applies to every journey you find yourself on.

As with all beginnings, this transition starts with an ending. As we transition to losing weight we face many endings and losses. Some we embrace and some we fight.


We may be afraid of losing friends who aren’t taking the journey with us to healthier choices. We mourn the end of family traditions that revolve around food. Sometimes we’re angry at the world and ourselves for having to face this challenge (again).


We also need to let go of our old self-image. Do you still find yourself grabbing the XXL shirt when you’re actually wearing large now? Are you still wearing baggy clothes long after you lost those pounds you were covering up? Are you still holding on to your ‘fat’ clothes, just in case? Let it go!


We need to accept the ends in order to begin making new traditions, choices and visions.


older woman with hands up in victory - Quote "Believe you can and you're halfway there." Theodore Roosevelt

Once we’ve made peace with the endings, we face the neutral zone. We adapt to the new way. We have new habits and routines. We make healthier choices routinely. But if there is a snag or a bump, we worry that we’ll slip and gain it all back.


We’re uncertain whether or not we’ll succeed this time.



Now’s the time to add more self-care and supportive resources. Focus on what you’ve achieved and pull out that list of why you started this journey in the first place.


When do you cross the neutral zone into the last stage, the new beginning? Honestly I don’t know. Or maybe I’ve made the crossing on some things but I’m still in neutral on others. While a few more are way back there, where I’m still not willing to accept the end.


  • I made the transition from being hooked on sugary foods to committed to my new self-image of “nah, I’m not big on sweets.”

  • I’m definitely in the neutral zone on exercise but I’ve upped my daily steps goal.

  • Portions. Definitely portions have not made it out of the ending stage. I still find myself thinking how unfair it is that my portions need to be smaller.

 ending –> neutral zone –> new beginningWhat habit, thought or choice can you transition this week?


Check It Out:



*FYI:  I do receive $ from Amazon when you click on product links and purchase items from Amazon.

I don't know what you look at or buy and so far I've been able to buy, on average, 3 cups of coffee each year from the income.

© 2025-2026 by Shawndra Holmberg

bottom of page