In the midst of my own season of transition, Nikki Giovanni’s wisdom called me to re-examine my perspective. She said:

A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you’re in and take advantage of it.

For the first time in a long time, I’d found myself in the midst of transition in my career and life. The Wise Creator prepared me for this moment months earlier by dropping in my spirit two words: rest and reset. This transition season of my life was the opportunity for me to do exactly that. It was part of a necessary journey. When we think of journeys, we often focus on the arrival or destination and what they mean. But what about the transition, the position of being in between?

Transitions take us through the process of making the change, shifting direction or life course. What if we reimagine transitions as a transformational force—a turning point in the journey? If life was a flight, transitions would be the layover. They connect us to the next flight. As we know, layovers can be long, and delays keep us waiting longer than anticipated. But I have learned that one of the things that I have truly appreciated about my travel was the encounters that happened during the transitions, the layovers.

A delay connected me with a life-long friend and established friendships with new ones. During a transition, I was able to discover a book by someone who would be one of my favorite authors. Another transition opened the door for me to translate for another passenger in need. Layovers gave me extra time to just rest.

What if we view transitions not as something we have to endure and go through but as sacred moments that we enter into?

There is power in the in-between. There is power in the transitions where we don’t feel or see any movement. There’s power in the hidden—when it seems like nothing is happening, yet everything is happening at the same time. The caterpillar cannot transform into a butterfly without experiencing the transition within the cocoon. Photos have been developed in darkrooms. Seeds can’t bear fruit until they are buried into the depths of the soil.

The seasons of transition call us to wait. Let’s just say that my relationship with waiting can be defined as “It’s Complicated.” But waiting offered me the opportunity to be still and truly rest and reset. The gift of transition brought me the gift of the pause. Nikki Giovanni’s wisdom helped me to see the possibilities and gifts that the season of transition can bring if I only embrace it.

What if we looked at transitions as moments that position us for what is next? What if we allow transitions to teach more lessons than we would expect? What if the transition is the hallway that prepares us before we enter the room? What if the transitions don’t want us to rush through them, but take time to bloom?

What if the transition
is the position that grounds us?
What if the transition
shows us what we are made of,
gives us time to breathe,
gives us time to heal,
gives us time to grieve,
gives us time to feel,
gives us time to be silent,
gives us time to speak,
gives us time to hide,
gives us time to seek,
gives us time to just be,
gives us time not to have an agenda or timeline.
What if transitions can be redefined?

During my transition season, I listened to an interview with Nikki Giovanni. The host asked her what advice she offers those who are entering seasons of transitions [for whatever is next]. She responded by encouraging us to approach it with a smile. Even though I may not know what’s next, I have faith in the possibilities.

Embrace the transition, beloved sisters.