Finding Strength in the In-Between
The word transition is defined as the process of changing from one state to another. But that definition doesn’t quite capture the inner experience—uncertainty, ambiguity, even anxiety—that often comes with change. Whether it’s something big or small, transitions invite us to let go of one state of being and step into another, sometimes without knowing exactly what’s ahead.
If we zoom out and look at a typical day in the life of a working person, we can find transitions everywhere: from sleep to waking, from home to work, from being with others to being alone again. Each shift asks our minds and bodies to adapt—to let go of one role or rhythm and step into another. And even when the roles are familiar—ones we’ve played many times before—there’s something about each moment that is entirely new. Today’s version of “coming home from work” isn’t the same as yesterday’s. It meets us where we are now.
That’s why transitions, even the ordinary ones, deserve tenderness. They call on our nervous systems to adjust. They ask us to release what may have felt comforting or controlled and step into something unknown. You can see the tension of this in everyday habits—hitting the snooze button to delay waking, watching one more episode before bed, lingering at work longer than needed. These small hesitations reflect a very human desire to stay with what’s known, even if what comes next is good for us.
The Body’s Role in Navigating Change
The nervous system plays a central role in how we handle transitions. When change is perceived as a threat, even subconsciously, the body may respond with fight, flight, freeze, or fawn patterns. This might look like irritability, avoidance, zoning out, or people-pleasing. That’s why it’s important to recognize that emotional resistance to change isn’t weakness—it’s biology. And it can be softened.
Mindfulness, grounding techniques, and compassionate self-talk help us build a bridge between our internal experience and the external shift. Practices that regulate the nervous system create a feeling of internal safety that allows us to move with change, not against it.
Transitions in Recovery: A Deeper Shift
For someone in recovery, the stakes of transition are even higher. Recovery is not just about abstaining from a substance—it’s about moving from a life that was managed through outside means into one that’s powered by inner strength, new tools, and deep self-trust. That’s a major shift. And it’s not a one-time leap. It’s a continuous unfolding. Each day brings a new version of the self that is learning how to live without numbing, avoiding, or disconnecting.
This makes transitions in recovery and in life both powerful and challenging. Moments like leaving treatment, starting a new job, reconnecting with family, or even experiencing joy for the first time in a long while can stir up fear and uncertainty. That’s okay. These are signs that the nervous system is trying to adapt. With support and intention, these thresholds become the very place where healing takes root.
Creating Rituals Around Transition
One way to bring more presence to transitions is to create small rituals around them. Rituals don’t have to be elaborate. They can be as simple as lighting a candle, changing into comfortable clothes, taking three deep breaths, or writing down a thought before entering a new phase of the day.
Rituals signal to our brain and body that a shift is occurring and we are consciously participating in it. They help us slow down enough to carry intention forward, rather than just tumbling into the next thing. For individuals in recovery, these grounding practices can be incredibly stabilizing.
Try This: A Few Ways to Practice Mindfulness During Transitions
- Pause before entering a new space. Whether you’re stepping into your house, a meeting, or even just starting your day, take a moment to breathe and say to yourself: “I’m entering something new. I don’t know what’s ahead, but I will meet it with openness.”
- Name the shift. Simply identifying the transition—“I’m moving from work mode to rest mode”—can help your mind and body follow.
- Use sensory grounding. Notice what you see, hear, and feel during the change. This can help you stay connected instead of feeling swept away.
- Acknowledge what you’re letting go of. Even if you’re leaving something stressful behind, say to yourself, “That part of the day is over now. I can leave it behind.”
- Affirm your ability to adapt. Try a short phrase like: “I’ve done this before. I can do it again.” It’s simple but powerful.
For those navigating sobriety, mindfulness offers a gentle but powerful pause. Instead of automatically reacting to discomfort or cravings, you can acknowledge: I’m in transition. I’m choosing something new. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I trust the path I’m on. That awareness alone—without judgment or pressure—can interrupt old patterns and allow new growth to take root.
How This Reflects Centered Recovery’s Treatment Philosophy
At Centered Recovery, we honor the reality that recovery is filled with constant transitions—from the moment someone steps into treatment to the daily choices they make long after. Our program is designed with this in mind, offering a mindfulness-based, non-12-step approach that helps individuals respond to life’s shifts with awareness and compassion.
Rather than reacting to change with fear or resistance, our treatment encourages clients to become observers of their experience. Through education on neuroplasticity, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness practices, clients learn that every moment of discomfort holds the potential for healing. We emphasize conscious transitions—from stress to calm, from automatic to intentional, from disconnection to connection. Our integrative approach supports this growth physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
We believe that how someone meets the in-between moments is just as important as what happens before and after. With guidance and support, transitions become opportunities to deepen presence, rewire habits, and root oneself in a more grounded, resilient self.
Let Us Walk With You Through the In-Between
At Centered, we understand that change can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re newly considering sobriety, returning to recovery, or simply trying to live more mindfully, you don’t have to do it alone.
Our program is uniquely designed to support the whole person. With a foundation in mindfulness and a focus on education, neuroplasticity, and emotional awareness, we help our clients learn how to meet life’s transitions with clarity and confidence. Whether you join us in person or virtually, our team is here to offer support, tools, and a compassionate space to grow.
If you find yourself in a season of transition—whether big or small—we invite you to reach out. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. We’re here to help you reconnect with your inner strength, rebuild trust in yourself, and create a meaningful life on your terms. Wherever you are in your journey, Centered is honored to walk beside you.
Written by Valerie Miller, LMSW
