TRANSITION: The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.
Synonym: Metamorphosis
Transition Theory: Nancy K. Schlossberg
Schlossberg identified four major sets of factors that impact a person's ability to deal with a transition: situation, self, support, and strategies, which are also known as the 4 S's.
As a former basketball player, I get excited when I hear the word “transition”. I was pretty quick and savvy with the ball so, the possibilities to create points were endless; especially when you have the advantage + knowledge to do so. That’s the key: Knowledge. Natural abilities may get you TO the door, but acquiring the knowledge, skills, and mastery of a thing gets you through the door... additionally, developing a high level of INTEGRITY + CHARACTER to keep you there.
I recently conducted a workshop for a correctional center (for the second time), and as a 5’0 tall (maybe) women in a room full of men, I was both excited and serious about the work I would do for the next couple of hours. I do not know what it feels like to be behind bars, I can not imagine the emotional and mental toll that takes on someone.
I actually developed The L.A.B (Life Above Bars) Program when I was in college; seriously. I am a child of an incarcerated parent, and I wondered what it would be like if I could help my parent live life “above” his situation. (Glory To God for the vision) It wasn’t until 2017 that the doors opened up for me to share that vision with a group of men. The ages ranged from early 20’s to late 60’s. The eyes of those men held so many stories, tears....wins; they were getting released within the next couple of weeks and, now was the time for them to place some information in their tool belts to re-enter back into society with a good start.
I always start the sessions with meditation (vision for the future) & a writing exercise.
One prompt option is:
Write out the vision for who you ultimately want to be: where do you want to live? what will your family look like? what type of career do you have?