“I’m not going to change”
How do you handle unexpected changes? Does it make you nervous, uncomfortable, or even angry? Many things are changing in the world these days, and with change comes feelings of uncertainty. Change, or even the hint of change, can be a little unsettling. Whether it’s a change in your school/work environment, change in how things get done, or any kind of change for that matter, it can lead to negative feelings.
Sometimes people get so upset by a potential change they dig their heals in and fight rather than risk embracing what the change could entail. They prefer how things used to be, the way it’s always been. What was comfortable for them has become their “only way.”
We’ve all heard the saying – “The only thing that is constant is change.” Without change or something disrupting the status quo things stagnate. Keeping things how they used to be keeps you in the status quo. You aren’t growing. You’re just there. You are letting the dust build up in your life.
Like the dust in our homes – we need to clean up the dust in our lives every once in a while. Change is needed. It brings newness and fresh perspective. It provides opportunities and helps keep us flexible. It builds strength. Change can be a positive thing. Yes, it can be hard, scary, and unsettling. However, you don’t need to avoid it or be a victim to it. You can be a part of the change and find the benefits that lie within dealing with the difficulties.
So what can we do to help us through all the current changes so we can reap the benefits vs. getting stuck in the status quo?
Here are a few ideas I’ve been trying to focus on in my life that might be helpful to you too.
- Accept that change is happening. Grieve what you have lost, let it go, and accept things are changing. It’s hard to find any joy on the ride if you’re gripping on for dear life and denying or fighting against it.
- Realize any change, good or bad, can cause some stress. Take better care of yourself. Be kind to yourself, eat a little better, exercise, and incorporate time into each day to breathe, relax, and reflect.
- Think about the positive possibilities. Make a list of the ways you are growing or the things you see coming as a result of the change. Brainstorm ways to do life/work/family better. There are opportunities in crisis. Despite the hardship, good things can come out of it. Find good anchor points to focus on.
- Be proactive. If you know change is happening you can embrace possibilities and draw from the experience in a positive way. You can choose to involve yourself with the people and causes that are working to make a difference and care for one another. Or you can sit stoically, caught up in what you’ve lost, reacting out of crisis and driven by your emotions.
- Connect with those you love and care about. Share your thoughts, struggles, and experiences with those who are willing to walk this journey with you. We were never meant to walk this life alone. Links arms with one another, grieve the loss, celebrate the victories, and look to the future together.
Change is happening and it will continue to happen. Whether you choose to be proactive and respond to it or fight it and be reactive is your choice. Don’t miss out on the opportunities for you in this difficult time. Are you looking forward or are you stuck in the past? What’s one thing you can do right now in the current changes to set yourself on a path to reap the benefits vs. getting stuck in the status quo? Share your thoughts and ideas.
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