Whether it’s changing jobs, starting a family, moving cities, or finally deciding to not attend every family gathering because of how they affect you until the next unsettling occurrence at the next event—life transitions are inevitable. They’re also tricky, they can be beautiful, full of possibility, and if you’ve ever stared at a life decision and felt like a raccoon caught in the headlights of adulthood, you’re not alone.

As a therapist, I often meet people at these crossroads. They’re brave enough to want change—but understandably anxious about what that change might bring. Because here’s the thing about transitions: they ask us to leave behind something familiar (even if it wasn’t working), and step into something unknown (even if it might be better). That liminal space—the “in-between”—is where anxiety loves to set up camp.

The Science-y Side of Why This Feels Awful

From a psychological perspective, transitions disrupt our sense of identity, routine, and control. Our brains love predictability, and transitions, by definition, yank the predictability rug out from under us. This triggers uncertainty, and uncertainty is anxiety’s favorite flavor.

So, How Do We Cope Without Googling ‘Is it too late to move to the woods?

1. Name it to tame it. Anxiety is sneaky. It can show up as indecisiveness, over-researching, procrastination, or a sudden obsession with reorganizing your closet. (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.) Naming what you’re feeling—I’m anxious because I’m in the unknown—can help lower its grip.

2. Shrink the decision. Big choices feel less terrifying when broken down into small, manageable steps. You don’t have to decide your entire five-year plan today. What’s the next tiny right thing you can do?

3. Remember that not choosing is also a choice. Avoiding decisions might feel like avoiding discomfort, but it often just prolongs the anxiety. Trust that no choice is ever perfect—and that’s okay.

4. Get curious. Anxiety often comes from assuming the worst. What if we asked ourselves, “What might go right?” instead? Curiosity opens us up, fear shuts us down.

5. Lean into support. Whether it’s a friend, a therapist, a journal, even your pet who listens without interrupting, don’t do transitions alone. We heal and grow best in connection.

Final Thought:

Transitions are proof that you’re alive and evolving. They mean you’re out there, engaging with life—not hiding from it. Sure, it’s scary. But it’s also where the good stuff happens. Even caterpillars have to turn into goo before becoming butterflies. Goo is part of the process.

So if you’re in the goo right now, be gentle with yourself. You’re not lost—you’re in transition.

And no, you don’t have to move to the woods. Unless you want to. In which case, please pack snacks and write.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute for personalized mental health care. If you’re experiencing significant emotional distress, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional or crisis support in your area.