There are some transitions we seek out and others that are thrust upon us. In many cases, they are tougher than we could have anticipated. There is always some loss, despite the opening of new possibilities, so how to manage those times with more equanimity and ease?
Here are some suggestions: 
1) Read William Bridges’ seminal book Transitions. He reminds us that it is normal to feel disoriented and down when we have lost the familiar, and that there are recognizable phases that we go through before we get to the other side. That “neutral” middle phase is probably the most uncomfortable, because you have to let go of something, but have not yet embodied or acclimatized to the new.
2) Establish pleasant and pleasurable rituals. While you sit in that neutral zone, trying to make sense of things or to re-orient yourself in a new direction, you can exercise choice over certain aspects of your day. There is a comfort in routine and the added benefit of developing life-long positive habits through repetition. Self-care practices – new eating habits, a new exercise regime, taking time for relaxation or meditation –(I almost typed medication, oops!) –or developing a long-yearned for new skill or hobby– are perfect examples.
3) Serve others. However uncertain or unmoored you feel as you go through your transition, you can always find people who would benefit from your help. Family, friends or strangers could use your talents, and volunteering in your community is a great way to shift attention away from yourself, expose yourself to different experiences, and to feel good, even if your usual sources of recognition and satisfaction are no longer present.
4) Find a community. People in transition often feel isolated and adrift. Take some time to think about different aspects of your identity and seek out those who share common links or interests. Go online for breadth and seek out local face-to-face contact for depth. An example is a research scientist who recently moved cities in the US as a “trailing spouse”. She could tap into some of the following networks: a biotech/biopharma professional association, the Chinese community, a gym or country club, an entrepreneur’s or job seeker’s network, the school PTA, local classes.
5) Manage your thoughts. When you find yourself in backward gazing mode, feeling regret, nostalgia or wistfulness at how good things were and how difficult and uncertain they are now, challenge yourself to reframe those thoughts. What you have now is a gift of time, space, openness, and new, as yet undiscovered, possibilities. Your task is to look forward and to uncover what those possibilities are. It is a subtle but important shift of mindset that can help you refocus away from the past and encourage you to try something new.
6) Embark on exploration. If you are in a new physical environment, seeking a new career structure, or undergoing some other big transition, set yourself a quest to discover something new every day. Draw a map, set a goal, and launch forth with an open mind.
7) Consciously create a networking plan. Talking to new people is an important part of successfully managing a transition. They will have a fresh perspective and will introduce you to different ideas, points of view, and people. Expand your network intentionally, request introductions to people, and diligently seek out informal conversations and formal informational interviews, to help you clarify your thinking and build a bridge to your new future.
8) Form a peer group. Solicit others in a similar situation and support one another.
9) Record your transition as you go through it. Release some of your own creativity as you experience your transition by writing about it, creating a photo-collage or journal, or turning it into an art project of some sort. This can be an intrinsically enjoyable activity and you will have a valuable record to look back on once you are through your transition.
10) Take your time. The strange thing about transitions is that they have their own rhythm. You can’t rush them, but have to let them unfold in their own mysterious way. Be kind and compassionate with yourself, even though there will inevitably be times of frustration and doubt. The big takeaway seems to be: don’t expect too much too soon. And trust that you will get to where you want to go.