Processing Change is Like Decorating for the Holidays
What if seasonal decorating were a metaphor for how we handle life’s transitions?
Think about how we decorate for each season or holiday. We put up festive decorations, enjoy them for a while, and then carefully pack them away to make room for what’s next. But what happens if we never take the old decorations down? What if we just kept piling on new decorations for every holiday and season? Pretty soon, our house would be so cluttered that it would feel chaotic and overwhelming.
The same thing happens in our emotional lives when we don’t process transitions. Each change in life—moving, starting a new job, ending a relationship, becoming a parent—requires us to adjust, reflect, and make space for what’s next. But when we skip over this work and just move on, we’re essentially leaving up all the “decorations” from the last season of life.
What Happens When We Don’t Process Transitions
When we don’t take the time to unpack what we’ve been through, it starts to pile up. Here’s what that might look like:
Emotional Overload: Old emotions like grief, anger, or even joy can linger and clutter your ability to experience the present.
Mental Clutter: Just like an overcrowded house, carrying unresolved emotions can lead to overwhelm, confusion, and burnout.
Physical Strain: Unprocessed transitions often show up in our bodies as tension, fatigue, or even illness.
Here’s the thing: ignoring transitions works for a while. We keep going, piling on new experiences, and convincing ourselves we’re fine. Until we’re not.
The Power of “Taking Down the Decorations”
Just like you wouldn’t leave last year’s Christmas tree up forever (right?), we need to make space for the next chapter of life by intentionally closing the door on the last one. Here’s how:
1. Acknowledge the Change
First, name what’s happening. What season are you leaving behind? What’s new? Simply taking the time to recognize a transition can make a huge difference.
2. Decide What to Keep
When we decorate, we don’t put up everything we own—we choose the things that still fit the season. Do the same with your emotional “stuff.” What lessons or memories do you want to hold onto? What no longer serves you?
3. Have a Letting-Go Ritual
Just like packing away decorations, create a way to mark the end of this season. Maybe it’s journaling, having a conversation with a friend or family member, or even just taking a walk to reflect.
4. Prepare for What’s Next
When we decorate for a new holiday, it’s an act of anticipation and intention. Life is no different. Set aside time to think about what this next chapter means for you and how you want to step into it.
What Happens When We Skip This Work
Not processing change works—until it doesn’t. The emotional clutter piles up, and eventually, it spills over. Just like a house jam-packed with old decorations, it starts to feel overwhelming and unlivable.
When we take time to process, we clear out the old, make sense of where we’ve been, and create space for what’s to come.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Seasons
Life is a series of seasons. Taking time to pause, reflect, and “redecorate” our inner lives isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
So, the next time you face a big change, take down the old decorations, clear some space, and intentionally bring in what’s next. After all, life isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about learning how to make room for the season you’re in.