Sometimes change is pleasant. A child is born. A new career begins. A goal is accomplished. At other times, a difficult transition brings tough but necessary growing pains.

As we saw on September 11, 2001, change can also be tragic, devastating, and senseless. Yet we slowly heal without forgetting the special people lost or the value they brought to our lives.

In his book, "Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes", William Bridges pointed out that the outer forms of one's life can change instantly. Yet our inner reorienting to important relationships and activities is a process that requires time.

When going through life's inevitable changes, we need to be compassionate with ourselves. The inner self may need to adjust or heal. Self-care is a vital part of making transitions.

William Bridges also suggested that transitions begin with endings, and that we must "let go of the old thing before we can pick up the new