Change doesn’t always come in dramatic waves. Sometimes it arrives slowly; a shift in routine, a quiet house, a calendar that suddenly feels too empty. The children have moved on, work has changed, or a parent you are caring for has died.

This creates a space in your life and with it, a subtle, disorienting question:

Who am I now, in this next phase of life?

It’s common to feel unsettled and disorientated. The structure that once shaped your days has gone, and with it, perhaps, a piece of your identity. It can be really hard to think about what you want when you have spent so many years focusing on what others want and how you can support them.

Here are a few ways to approach this period of your life with intention and clarity:

1. Acknowledge the Shift

Too often, we downplay the impact of change. But losing familiar routines, roles, or relationships can be a form of grief. Give yourself permission to feel it. Acknowledge what’s changed, and what it meant to you.

2. Reconnect with Yourself

When life is full, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs and interests. Now is the time to ask:

What matters to me now?

What do I want more of in my life?

You don’t need all the answers just self-reflection and curiosity.

3. Start Small, but Start

You don’t need to reinvent everything at once. Begin with small, deliberate choices; a new routine, a skill you want to develop, time for your own wellbeing. Taking consistent steps builds clarity and momentum.

4. Seek out your Tribe

You don’t have to work this out alone. Whether it’s through coaching, community, or trusted peers; support can motivate you to move forward with purpose.

As a resilience coach, I’ve helped many clients navigate this exact space and I’ve been through it myself. These moments of transition can feel uncertain, but they also hold real potential for growth.

This is your time to reflect, reconnect and refresh; using all your years of wisdom and skills to create a life that truly fulfils you as your role changes.