Try not to resist the changes that come your way.
Instead let life live through you.
And do not worry that your life is turning upside down.
How do you know that the side you are used to
is better than the one to come?– Rumi
Life is a constant flow of transitions. As the ancient wisdom suggests, change is the only constant in our lives. Research shows that the average person experiences 36 significant transitions in their lifetime, with five to six of these requiring profound adaptive change. At Colman Knight, we understand that each transition brings both challenges and opportunities for growth.
Understanding Life’s Transitions
Transitions come in many forms, each carrying its own emotional and financial implications. Some are planned, others unexpected. Some bring joy, others challenge us deeply. All deserve thoughtful attention and careful planning.
Major Life Transitions
- Marriage and relationship changes
- Welcoming children
- Divorce or separation
- Retirement planning and adjustment
- Loss of a spouse or loved one
- Managing a significant illness
- Receiving an inheritance or settlement
Life’s Ongoing Transitions
- Children leaving home (empty-nesting)
- Relocating or changing homes
- Beginning or ending relationships
- Career changes and developments
- Health challenges
- Extended travel or lifestyle changes
Common Human Responses to Transition
If you’re experiencing any of these feelings during a transition, know that you’re not alone:
- A pressing sense of urgency around decisions
- Feeling slowed down or overwhelmed
- Limited energy for daily tasks
- Changes in routine and self-care
- Memory lapses and mental fog
- Frustration and isolation
- Difficulty maintaining focus
The experiences noted above are natural human responses in transitions. While many of us view these states as unfavorable and change as undesirable, they serve important purposes in our journey. Recent years have brought unprecedented changes, from pandemic disruptions to economic shifts, giving us all extensive practice in navigating transitions.
A Holistic Approach to Transitions
At Colman Knight, we recognize that transitions often layer upon existing life complexities. In today’s world of irregular weather patterns, global uncertainties, and economic fluctuations, even chosen transitions like retirement or home renovation can feel overwhelming.
Here’s how we recommend approaching transitions:
- Recognize that Transitions are Normal: Understanding that transitions are a natural part of being human can help normalize your experience. You’re not alone in facing these changes.
- Slow Down and Pause: Unless facing an immediate emergency, clarity and discernment come more easily when we slow down. Taking time to let the dust settle often leads to better decisions.
- Seek Support: Lean into professional guidance, tools and structured conversations that can provide stability, clarity and confidence during uncertainty.
- Engage Whole-Body Wisdom: Include your mental, emotional, and physical experiences in your decision-making process.
Finding Your Path Through Transition
When facing transitions, we focus on choices that align with what matters most to you. This begins with knowing and returning to your “Why” – what gives your life meaning and purpose? By bringing this core heart knowing to your present situation, you gain valuable perspective on your journey.
The Power of Your Transition Story
When experiencing a major life transition, you need more than just practical guidance—you need a transition story. This narrative helps you make sense of the event by placing it within the broader context of your life, explaining:
- What this transition means to you
- How it feels and impacts your life
- Why it matters for your personal evolution
- How to honor where you have been
- Where it’s leading you
As humans, we constantly tell ourselves and others who we are through story. When something significant changes in our life, whether by choice or circumstance, it changes who we are. Your narrative evolves accordingly, creating a framework that not only explains your present situation but also describes the future you envision.
This narrative structure serves multiple purposes:
- Maintains hope during uncertainty
- Helps you find peace with changes
- Appreciates who and where you have been up to now
- Creates a bridge to move forward
- Provides meaning during upheaval
Our Approach to Supporting Your Journey
At Colman Knight, we help you assess whether you’re:
- Addressing an acute issue needing immediate attention
- Managing a chronic situation requiring a broader view
- Looking for clarity about next steps
- Seeking meaning in your transition
The Colman Knight Difference: Certified Financial Transitionist® Expertise
While many financial professionals focus solely on numbers and technical aspects, we understand that transitions require both practical guidance and personal support. We’re proud that our partner Knight Colman has earned the Certified Financial Transitionist® (CeFT®) designation, bringing specialized expertise to help clients navigate life changes.
As a CeFT®, Knight combines deep financial knowledge with a rich understanding of how people experience change. This expertise allows us to:
- Help you create meaning during transitions
- Provide specialized tools for navigation and support
- Guide you through uncertainty with clarity
- Support both the technical and emotional aspects of your journey
- Help you craft and understand your transition story
Our collective expertise complements our integral approach to wealth management, ensuring you receive comprehensive support during life’s most significant changes.
Our Commitment to Your Journey
Whether you’re anticipating a transition, in the midst of change, or adapting to a new normal, we’re here to support you. Our approach combines technical expertise with deep understanding, helping you navigate both the practical and human aspects of life’s transitions.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re experiencing a life transition or anticipating changes ahead, we invite you to reach out. Together, we can create a structure and system that honors both the challenges and opportunities that transitions bring, ensuring your financial strategy adapts and grows with you.
