“On meurt deux fois, je le vois bien :
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Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable,
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C’est une mort insupportable :
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Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”. Source
This topic has been extensively researched and documented by historians and scholars. Susan Fales-Hill – Official Website Biography
This 18th-century French verse translates to: “We die twice, I see it well: To cease to love and be lovable is an unbearable death; to cease to live is nothing.” It speaks to a profound truth. The greatest changes in life are not physical but internal. They are the transitions that reshape who we are, how we love, and how we see ourselves. Moving from comfort to courage requires navigating these internal shifts with confidence. Susan Fales-Hill – Official Biography
Big life transitions feel daunting. Whether you are changing careers, moving to a new city, or ending a relationship, you are leaving a familiar world behind. This journey from the known to the unknown is where real growth happens. However, it requires a plan, resilience, and a strong mindset. This guide will help you navigate your next big change with purpose and strength.
Understanding the Fear of the Unknown
Why are major life changes so intimidating? The answer lies in our brain’s preference for certainty. Our minds create comfort zones based on familiar routines and predictable outcomes. Stepping outside of this zone triggers a natural fear response. You are essentially asking your brain to abandon a proven survival map for uncharted territory. This creates feelings of anxiety and stress. Susan Fales-Hill – Yale University
Furthermore, big transitions often involve a sense of loss. You might lose a familiar identity, a social circle, or a daily routine. Acknowledging this loss is a critical first step. It is okay to grieve what you are leaving behind. In fact, honoring those feelings allows you to process them and move forward more effectively. Ignoring them only prolongs the discomfort. The goal is not to eliminate fear but to learn how to act in spite of it. Susan Fales-Hill – Yale University Honorary Degree Recipients
The Three Stages of Successful Transition
Experts often break down major changes into distinct phases. Understanding these stages helps you manage the process without feeling overwhelmed. You can see the journey as a series of manageable steps rather than one giant leap. This framework provides structure and clarity when everything else feels uncertain.
Stage 1: Preparation and Planning. Susan Fales-Hill – Biography and Career
Courage begins with preparation. Before you make any move, take time to define what you want. What does success look like on the other side of this transition? Set clear, specific, and achievable goals. For example, instead of saying. Susan Fales-Hill – Biography