Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- Where change anxiety comes from
- How to stop seeing crises as a STOP sign
- To treat failures with kindness
- Ways to initiate change
- What you can do to make it to your new life
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Give yourself a chance to live
There always comes a time when the silence from the humdrum of everyday life becomes too loud. This sense of restlessness is a common thread that unites people of all ages, sexes, and nationalities. Not once, and not even twice, we feel like we are hitting a dead end without seeing a route back. The brick wall before us seems to make it impossible to move further. But does it? Maybe, we just allow it to stop us. After all, it's our minds we’re talking about.Today, people must juggle work, relationships, and self-realization as if it's a new norm. But the truth is, we can become easily overwhelmed. By the time we hit 40, we tell ourselves the game is over and stop seeing things that come our way. We neglect opportunities because we believe the sandbox is for the younger ones. However, isn’t it self-centered to believe the whole universe stops spinning to not disrupt our routines? Humans are incredible at adapting to new things, just as they're good at growing comfortable with them. In other words, we often miss that we built that wall to stop us.
There's too much time to regret and too little to live.
Change is possible at every age. However, the longer we refuse to see the opportunities for it, the less time we have to enjoy the fruits of our courage. Even if the basket is full of lemons instead of peaches, lemonade doesn't sound like a bad idea. At least, this is what Brian Feiler thought after triumphing over cancer. He broke the wall in his head to build a bridge through the abyss of change to share his experience with others. Perhaps, it’s time to break ours.
second KEY POINT
It is not a phase
Time seems infinite, having existed long before humanity and destined to persist long after we are gone. The steady march of seconds, minutes, and hours propels us inexorably into the future, a realm that can be both intimidating and thrilling. We often fail to realize that people before us treated time differently. Though the clock ticked on, progress made its perception more complicated.Christianity has had a surprising impact on how we see time. Historically, Christianity brought a more linear method of viewing life, but in the 19th century, people began to approach life in distinct stages, including childhood, education, marriage, parenthood, and old age. Their life plan was rigid and unmistakable. You had to marry, have kids in your twenties, and build a stable career in your thirties. The rest of your time was at God's disposal.Gail Sheeby, a notorious journalist in the 1970s, coined the term “midlife crisis” in pop culture. “I had my first midlife crisis at twenty-five, then forty, and one is just around the corner” sounds daunting. And if you skip a crisis, something must be wrong with you. Some view the midlife crisis as a shared experience, a means of connecting in an increasingly stressful world. But is this truly the case?Today, the obsession over time and life achievements at a certain age gradually shifts towards a more laid-back perspective. The progress in healthcare and technology stretched the definition of midlife, giving us more time to enjoy life. Furthermore, no scientific evidence supports the idea of life stages. Life, like the weather, is unpredictable and unique for each individual. Changes don't stop coming after forty. In fact, as major life events scatter over decades, more people in their forties and sixties report life-changing incidents.
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first KEY POINT
Being a butterfly amidst the earthquake
second KEY POINT
Rome wasn’t built in a day
third KEY POINT
There’s no shame in being ashamed
fourth KEY POINT
Learning to hop between crossbars midair
fifth KEY POINT
You never walk alone
sixth KEY POINT
Conclusion
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Frequently asked questions
What is 'Life is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age' about?
'Life is in the Transitions' by Bruce Feiler explores how to navigate and embrace life's inevitable changes. The book discusses the concept of transitions as essential phases that shape our identity and offers practical strategies for mastering these changes at any stage of life.
What are the key takeaways from 'Life is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age'?
Key takeaways include understanding that transitions are normals events in life, learning to reframe changes as opportunities, and developing resilience. Feiler emphasizes the importance of stories in helping us navigate through these transformative periods.
Is 'Life is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age' worth reading?
Yes, 'Life is in the Transitions' is highly regarded for its insightful perspective on managing change effectively. Readers often find Feiler's actionable advice and relatable anecdotes helpful for handling life’s unpredictable moments.
How many pages is 'Life is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age' and when was it published?
The book has 288 pages and was published on September 15, 2020. It's a detailed guide that provides readers with the framework to help understand and navigate personal changes.
Who is the author of 'Life is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age'?
The author of 'Life is in the Transitions' is Bruce Feiler, a renowned speaker and author known for his work on storytelling and the transformative nature of life's experiences.