Are you on the cusp of something new? Every life is filled with thresholds—the point at which we sense that change is afoot. A doorway beckons: do you feel ready to turn the knob, open the door, and step across into the unknown?
The Nature of Transitions
When it comes to midlife transitions like retirement, a career change (or loss), empty nesting, or shifts in our health, uncertainty is part of the deal. This is especially true when change comes suddenly, or when we have little control over it. And even if you want the change, you may still wonder, is this the right thing?
It’s normal to linger at a threshold because hesitation is part of the growth process. Humans are wired to seek the status quo, especially if the choice we face is difficult. Yet thresholds represent turning points, which can be moments of choice and self-discovery. Standing at a threshold invites both fear and curiosity. Writing offers a safe way to explore both emotions before taking your next step.
Writing as a Way to “Open the Door”
British poet Cecil Day-Lewis once said, “We do not write in order to be understood; we write in order to understand.” He’s definitely on to something, because the act of writing helps us make sense of our experiences. Writing invites both reflection (looking back) and projection (looking forward). When we write our stories, we don’t just record the past—we reshape it. That process of making meaning is what transforms memory into wisdom. When you write about your life, you begin to clarify what lies beyond that next door.
The Courage to Cross the Threshold
What’s so special about writing your life stories? As a guided life story facilitator, here’s what I’ve discovered: reflecting on key moments of your life helps you put your journey into perspective. It builds confidence in who you are and where you’ve been. The good, the bad—and yes—even the ugly. Trust me, all of our stories have tough chapters. The best thing about this is that you don’t have to be a great writer, or even a good one. James Pennebaker is a social psychologist whose research demonstrates that “expressive writing” will improve people’s mental health, motivation, and productivity. Simply put: when you write about what’s shaped you, it boosts your courage to cross the threshold into something new.
If you’re standing before a new doorway and wondering what’s next, reflecting on the stories of your life can help you find the strength to turn the knob and step through to something new.
What door in your life is asking to be opened right now?
Curious about how expressive writing might help you step across a new threshold? Learn more about Story Coaching and Guided Life Stories.
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