Torianna Marasco

Turning the page and moving on to the next chapter in your life can be intimidating. The future itself is intimidating.

There’s no way to know for sure what comes next, but that shouldn’t stop you from moving forward.

According to an article by Psychology Today, by Virginia-based therapist Robert Taibbi, there are four steps to successfully start your next life chapter.

These new chapters can be anywhere between milestones marked by culture — graduating, getting marriage, having a child, etc. — or can be more personal and self-defined — career changes, tackling an addiction, divorce, etc.

But he recommends, before moving into a new stage and taking those next steps, to take stock and appreciate how far you’ve come.

Get closure

Taibbi says the first step to successfully start your next life chapter is to get closure.

He said, “To successfully move into this next chapter, you must close the last one.”

It’s important to reflect on past experiences, both good and bad. Remembering the lessons you’ve learned will help as you move forward and face new challenges. It’s also a great way to acknowledge your accomplishments and not let the good things go forgotten.

Getting closure can also include letting go of the past by not letting lingering regrets or unfinished business hold you back, and releasing grudges will help you move forward in a more positive mindset as well.

However you choose to reflect, repair, or seal the closing chapter, see it through and walk into the next chapter with an open mind, leaving the past in the past.

Expect a transition period

The article notes that there is sure to be a learning curve when entering your next life chapter.

For example, for those entering married life or parenthood, there are new routines and demands to navigate. Or, considering self-defined chapters, a bit of disorientation can occur, and emotions may be heightened during the transition.

“This is what comes with transitions; that gray zone before the new reality comes into focus, the new life becomes more known, more comfortable,” Taibbi wrote.

He encourages self-kindness as you move forward. Taking on something new doesn’t always come easily, and one must learn how to walk before they can run.

Carry forward what you learned

Throughout your life, you have been gathering important lessons about relationships, your strengths, your weaknesses, and passions. These lessons can be the foundation for whatever you decide to build next.

The next step, carrying forward what you learned, is also a good time to slow down and identify your goals. What do you want this next chapter to look like? What have you learned from your past life chapter that might help you in the next one?

Taking forward what you learned can likewise push you to try new things. The more you know about what you like and don’t like and where your comfort zone begins and ends, it can invite you to step outside of it and embrace new things as well as relish in the things you enjoy.

Get support, and seek role models and mentors

As you move into your next life chapter, there are sure to be others who have already passed through that chapter, and from them you can find advice on your journey.

As you build that foundation and move forward, work on building a support system, as well. Connect with people who can offer encouragement and guidance.

Find like-minded people who can also provide understanding, as you might be going through a trying time once you begin your new chapter. Those who work with you during that time or give you the space you need to take on new challenges will help you flourish.

There’s not much else to do but keep your head up and move steadily into what comes next as one chapter ends and another begins.

I’ll be taking this advice and more with me as I move onto my next chapter, departing from The News and heading back downstate to my hometown.

Alpena, thank you for all you have taught me. I will carry my experience and time here into the next chapter of my life and hold it near and dear to my heart for even longer.