For everyone, life brings a series of challenges and disruptions to our careers, health, and relationships. Sometimes several challenges arrive at once, producing a crisis. If we expect life to follow a predictable line from one stage to another, we're going to be in for a shock. It is possible to survive and grow through hard times if we accept that our lives will change and don't become overwhelmed by our emotions. Life transitions involve letting go, or "saying goodbye", working through all the challenges and issues involved, or "the messy middle", and embracing a new way of life and a new self. In letting go of what no longer serves us, we are able to become creative and find new opportunities