After two decades of service in the US Air Force, my husband hung up his uniform, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our family. With all of us finally under the same roof and a more manageable schedule, we’re filled with anticipation for the future. Yet, amidst the excitement, the uncertainty of what’s next and the complexities of merging our parallel lives into one shared existence feel overwhelmingly daunting.
In the midst of swirling transitions, can I still find the mental clarity to write redemptively? The answer, though not without its challenges, is a resounding yes. Here’s how I’m navigating writing through this season of transition.
Accept the season.
The first step in writing through seasons of transition is to accept the reality of the season itself. Gone are the days of uninterrupted writing marathons or strict daily word-count goals. Instead, I’ve come to embrace a more realistic expectation: perhaps an article or a blog piece a week, maybe two if inspiration strikes.
Understanding that my mental and emotional bandwidth is currently consumed with processing the changes happening around me allows me to approach my writing with gentleness and grace. Rather than pushing myself to meet lofty expectations, I’m learning to honor the pace dictated by the season of transition.
Adjust your expectations.
In the midst of transition, it’s essential to adjust our expectations regarding our writing output. Gone are the days of rigid schedules and high-pressure deadlines. Instead, I’ve learned to prioritize flexibility and self-compassion in my writing practice. Rather than striving for perfection or productivity at all costs, I’ve adopted a more forgiving approach, allowing myself the freedom to write as inspiration strikes and as time permits. By relinquishing the need for stringent timelines and arbitrary benchmarks, I’ve found greater joy and fulfillment in the writing process, even amidst transition.
Experience the transition authentically.
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of writing through seasons of transition is allowing the space to fully experience the transition itself. Rather than viewing writing as a means of escape or distraction from the uncertainties of life, I’ve learned to see it as a tool for processing, healing, and finding meaning amidst change.
By leaning into the discomfort and uncertainty of transition, I’ve discovered a newfound depth and authenticity in my writing, allowing me to explore themes of redemption, growth, and hope in the face of adversity.
As I navigate this season of transition, I’m reminded of the importance of grace–both for myself and for my writing journey. By accepting the season, adjusting my expectations, and embracing the transition as an integral part of my creative process, I’ve found that it is indeed possible to write redemptively amidst the chaos of change.
Rather than forcing a project or pushing through the discomfort, I’m learning to trust in the ebb and flow of creativity, allowing my writing to evolve organically with the rhythm of life. And in doing so, I’m discovering that the most profound stories often emerge from the most unexpected of seasons.
What seasons are you writing through? And how can you let your experiences shape your writing?
