Stages of change

There are seven stages to life change, and seven sets of feelings you may experience. You may have these feelings in any order and at various times.
When you're feeling stressed, as yourself: Will this matter a year from now? Is this worth getting upset over? Can I make this situation more positive? What is my stress trying to teach me?

Losing focus

numbness and a feeling of unreality
an inability to think clearly or keep things in focus

Minimizing the impact

denial (note the positive side of denial: it is an opportunity to protect yourself from the full consequences of the change)

Hitting the pit

reality beginning to hit home
a growing sense of depression and powerlessness
a feeling of little or no control over your situation and over how you feel
sudden bursts of anger
feelings of being stressed out
sadness, grief

Letting go of the past

beginning to come to terms with your loss
feeling ready to start working on your future
forgiving self and others
feeling a new sense of optimism

Testing the limits

energetic
enthusiastic
wanting to establish your "new self" by trying out new behaviors and developing new skills
developing self-confidence that comes from being in charge of your life and feeling good about your new direction

Searching for meaning

looking back over your transition and trying to figure out the meaning of this change in your life
reflecting on what you've been through and trying to understand what this has meant
sharing the wisdom you've gained through this experience
talking with a trusted friend, mentor, pastor or spiritual guide

Integrating

evaluating what this has meant to you
fitting your discoveries and experiences into your everyday life