Tough Transitions: Navigating Your Way Through Difficult Times

by Elizabeth Harper Neeld

In her highly acclaimed previous work Seven Choices , Dr. Neeld helped thousands deal with mourning and loss. Now, with Tough Transitions , she teaches us how to take on challenges of all kinds . . . and offers a new path that leads to happiness and growth.



Life is constantly handing us opportunities, challenges, and a new baby, retirement, a new job, new stepchildren or in-laws, a move to a new community.



Using a life-map created exclusively for this book that, at a glance, shows the unfamiliar territory ahead, she guides us through the four R's, the nuances of every Responding, Reviewing, Reorganizing, and Renewing .




Then, blending the latest scientific research, real-life stories, and the wisdom of many traditions, she reveals what experiences you're likely to encounter and what positive actions you can take to move forward.







Facing the unknown can be scary. But Tough Transitions comforts and inspires-and illuminates the path ahead.

Genres: Self Help

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Natalie Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not like other self-help books I've read. It wasn't a fluffy packaging of things I already know -- there were plenty of well-organized suggestions for new ways of thinking, and new ways of working through grief/transition that I hadn't put together for myself yet. I also appreciated the musical suggestions. The author made lists of songs that have been helpful to people who are struggling through difficult times. I collected several of those titles; many were new to me, and I did listen to them. I finished reading this book right around the time that my role as caregiver to my mother would unfortunately no longer be needed ... this book was with me through the worst, and I continued to listen to the musical suggestions long afterward. The author clearly put a lot of real effort into trying to help people. She wasn't merely padding the pages to get a book published. If Elizabeth Harper Neeld, PhD is on Goodreads: Thank you. You helped me through a very dark time. I should write her a letter...
By the way, if you are wondering why I chose 4 stars instead of 5, it's because parts of the book seemed to try too hard to include a wide variety of life transitions, some of which were so different from my experience that I skimmed through those to get back on track with real advice/comfort for my situation. The book didn't flow as well as it could have if it had been more focused. Nonetheless, the value of this book is well worth the flaws. I treasure my copy. When I see it, I remember how it helped me through my "tough transition". Some of the coaching is useful for maintaining flexibility in general life situations (daily ups & downs, relatively small changes), so it's worth holding on to beyond whatever serious life change draws a reader initially to "Tough Transitions".