Transitions

We usually think of transitions in life as positive-a child learns to walk, the first day of school, graduations, marriage. Each represents the beginning of a new phase in life and brings with it hope for the future. Retirement is also a transition and it has its positives--the end of the daily grind, new opportunities for travel or pursuit of hobbies. Yet there are also negatives since it portends ultimate decline, illness, and death.

This week, at age 76,I celebrated my third retirement at the same time that I was planning for several new ventures. There are some of us who cannot retire without feeling useless and inadequate. We tend to define ourselves by what we do in the marketplace. Most souls are able to give up that false sense of identity. Others cling to it as a source of recognition and purpose. For me being a psychologist who also writes is who I am. So long as I maintain some modicum of health I will continue to play this role. I don't look down on those who do otherwise. Indeed, I
sometimnes envy them. But for me there is no choice. I am leaving a pleasant and comfortable part-time position where I was moderately successful to expland my options for consulting, writing, and doing private practice. For me transitions are a necessity-- a source of optimism, and continued potential for productivity, creativity, and growth. Nostalgia at walking away from friends and colleagues is balanced by new opportunities, challenges, and anticipation of success. It has always been so. For want of a better label I dub myself a "transitionalist." Wish me luck.