I was standing in Time Square, surrounded by billboards, neon lights, theaters, and millions of people. My head was spinning. I felt the excitement of being in the heart of NY City, not as a tourist but as a resident.

10 days earlier we drove from Georgia, followed by a truck with only the stuff that can fit in a 2-bedroom apartment, our daughter who came to help with the move and our dog, Jasmine. It has been our dream to make a big transition when our kids leave the nest, and we were ready to start our new adventure in NY.

Making our dream a reality was a process that took over a year. I remember when it was still an idea, and now here I am, living in NY, leaving 14 years of living in Atlanta behind and starting a new chapter. I felt ready and I thought that I was handling the big change really well! It caught me off guard when I woke up the next morning feeling dizzy and nauseous. It had been years since I last had vertigo, when my son left for college. I was surprised and disappointed that my body reacted so strongly! As soon as I opened my eyes in the morning, the room was spinning faster than I can describe and I felt sick to my stomach.

Even though I was dizzy, I closed my eyes and did what I do every morning: I meditated and tapped into the energy of the universe with Reiki. The understanding came deep from within: My world is spinning! There are many details, tasks, thoughts, fears, worries, excitement, hopes, and dreams beaming from all directions simultaneously. On top of that, I wasn’t as consistent as I usually am with my Morning Balancing Practice and I was in NY City! What did I expect?

Any transition requires taking care of many details, getting out of your comfort zone, and having the courage to take a big step. Leaving the familiar and stepping into the unknown may take you off your center. It is normal that there will be bumps along the road. Whether it is a relocation, a career change, birth, death, returning from vacation, a new school, breaking up, or starting kindergarten, big or small, we go through different transitions throughout our lives, and those experiences teach us how to deal with those major (and minor) transitions.

One of the puzzle pieces that does fit is knowing that we want to balance the vibrant energy of NY with a peaceful, more laid-back lifestyle, and that’s the reason why we chose to live in Brooklyn. The park is just 2 minutes away from our apartment on one of the quietest streets in Brooklyn. Being close to the city and yet living where we can easily relax was part of our dream, and I am so grateful that we were able to make it into a reality.

I realize that even the most prepared person might have her world spin around her when going through a major life transition. I’ve read in Mind Over Medicine, by Lissa Rankin, M.D., that two of the most common physiological reactions to stress responses are: you guessed it, dizziness and nausea.

My vertigo reminded me that transitions take a toll on the body, and it was time to use some of the strategies I have in my toolbox to help me deal with this one. It was time to listen to my own advice. I’m writing this article for you, and for me.

Here are my best practices for dealing with a major life transition:

1. Start your day with a Balance Practice.

   If you’ve read my articles, you know that I am a big believer in Louise Hay’s “How you start your day is how you live your day” philosophy. 15 minutes of quiet time in the morning where you take your mind off the day-to-day stuff and you connect to your heart and soul will set the tone for your entire day. Being consistent with your morning routine pays off when you are dealing with a major life transition because it is when you’re centered and grounded that ideas and solutions flow in without having to work hard to find them.

2. Take time for yourself.

   Even when you’re super busy, and you are busy when you go through a transition, take breaks and take care of yourself. Fill up your tank so you have the energy you need to create the change: stretch, take a walk, rest, get a massage, and pamper yourself. Self-care should always be a priority, especially in a time like this.

3. Listen to your body.

   When stress hits, your body usually sends you signals. You might be too stressed to notice the signals, so remember to check in with your body regularly. Notice physical tension. Notice physical symptoms. Close your eyes and ask your body what it says and what it needs.

4. Allow yourself to feel sadness.

   Leaving the past behind physically does not mean that it is good to suppress the emotions. Even when you know that you are making the right decision or that the transition is a positive one, there is always a need to create space for sadness and grief. You don’t have to stay there for a long time, but it is essential that you feel it, with no filters. Keeping all the other practices will help you keep things in proportion and balance the sadness with positive emotions.

5. Enjoy and feel grateful!

   Dealing with a major life transition does not mean that you have to suffer! Lighten up and have fun! Bring joy to everything you do by simply asking yourself the powerful question: “How much fun can I have right this moment?”. If having fun feels impossible in your situation, look for the lessons and the blessings and find things you are grateful for.

6. Get support

   Sometimes dealing with a major life transition is more than you can handle by yourself. It can be as simple as sharing your thoughts and concerns with your best friend, family members, or other people you trust. If this doesn’t do the trick, you can always get professional help.

I now feel really good, physically and emotionally, and I am thankful for my body for forcing me to pause, evaluate, and correct. I am human, and you are too. Be kind to yourself always, especially when dealing with a major life transition.

If you are going through something similar and need my support, just shoot me an email or call me. I’ll be happy to assist.