Transitional blues: this is what I call the time of transition, when one is adjusting to a new context and a new community. As I continue to adjust to life in LA I’m reminded of my time in Spain. In college I spent 3 months studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. It was a great experience but I also went through transitional blues those three months. I remember the first month loving Sevilla and Spain. Everything was new and exciting. The second month was very different, I didn’t like the differences between Virginia and Spain and would have given anything to go home. The third month was acceptance, I once again loved Spain and suddenly didn’t accept US practices quite as much as I had before I left. It was hard to leave when my program was over.
While I am in LA for two years and not three months, at times the transitional blues feel similar. I’m still adjusting to life in a new community and context. I have amazing roommates, however they’re not quite the same as the amazing housemates I had in DC. I’m adjusting to a new climate, a new job, a new community and new friends. I was talking to my friend who’s about to go to Sweden for 6 months, and she has also experienced the transitional blues from past travels and jobs. Yet these transitional blues don’t hold either of us back from traveling, from taking new adventures and new jobs. So I know I will get through these transitional blues and already things are looking up. I decided to sign up for a 10K run to keep me motivated and running. I’ve found that running helps me feel happier and less tired. When the transitional blues hit hard I tend to not want to run, but knowing I have to be ready for 6.2 miles by February keeps me running. And I keep hanging out with friends and deepening the friendships I have found. I also have been chatting with other young adult missionaries in the US and the world helps me to know the transitional blues are somewhat normal. So to others out there going through transitional blues, I’m praying for you! It’s a part of the process and I know on the other side comes acceptance and new perspective.
There are all kinds of blues, including the ‘people don’t understand me anymore’ blues and the ‘these germs are new and my body cannot fight them’ blues ^^ not to drag my current blues into yours but I think they are related.
I miss you, Stephanie– I wanted you to know I was happy to see a post from you! Maybe we’ll get the chance to chit-chat soon.
I COMPLETELY understand the “transitional blues”. I have found that they come and go periodically.
I too understand the transitional blues. I sometimes feel like I’m in a similar position as you….with the loss of my beloved Jamo in my life, I am having to reach out to new people in my support group who can understand my loss as they too have lost someone dear to them. In some ways it’s like moving to a new location where everything is different and somewhat challenging. I am encouraged by those who have been on their journey a little longer and are leading the way to my “new normal.” Hang in there! What a terrific opportunity you have to serve these people. I love you and know you are making a difference.
Aunt Jac you are so right, you are in a transitional time complete with its very own set of blues. So glad you’re finding people to guide you through this transition and on your way to your ‘new normal’. I am reminded again and again the importance of community, the importance of people walking along beside you. We don’t have all the answers but just walking alongside is helpful. I’ve found the other young adults I trained with who are serving in other parts of the world to be great accompanists on the journey, I’m glad you’re finding your very own accompanists as well. Praying for you daily