“When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor E. Frankl
Ready or not, we all go through numerous transitions in our lives. Some by choice or by opportunity, others come to a natural end and some are unwillingly imposed on us. For the past year, I’ve experienced several significant changes in my life and I’m now in the process of downsizing and moving to an entirely new area. I’ll have some familiarity at the start of my new journey as I’ll be transferring to a position within the company where I’m currently working.
It is said that the best things in life come out of change, and often times out of unwanted changes. Nonetheless, it’s not always easy to toss off the old and step into the new. Although everyone’s journey is unique and circumstances are always different, being positive, patient, and proactive are skills and attitudes we all need to successfully navigate changes in our lives.
- Expect to feel depressed and anxious. This is the area I struggle with the most. Whenever I’m out of my comfort zone, my imagination runs wild and I worry about the unknown. Some days I’m positive and ready to charge forward and other days I’m literally looking for a hole to crawl into. Although sometimes small, a psychological state of grief occurs when the time comes for us to move forward. If the change is unexpected and unwanted, the state of grief is even greater.
- Think positive. Being positive doesn’t mean everything is perfect. You may feel unsteady, but take this time to explore, brainstorm and consider ways to improve your life. Embrace this unique opportunity to begin your new life in a new way and begin to experiment with being bolder, more assertive, and more honest. And use this time to think outside the box.
- Hit the ground running….. literally and figuratively. Don’t take too long to get started. We’re creatures of habit and routine and these routines can solidify quickly, so don’t let fear and anxiety prevent you from creating momentum. Also, physical activity can be an anchor to help you cope with change. Maintaining a regular exercise regimen has many known health benefits and can help you establish a new daily routine, manage stressors, create a social network and explore your new surroundings.
- Have realistic timeframes and expectations. There are going to be difficult days when you feel that you shouldn’t have taken this leap of faith. That’s okay; your state of mind will fluctuate so give yourself time to adjust and time to feel confident about your new journey. Otherwise, you’ll add more pressure and stress to yourself.
- Get support. It’s tough to do all this on your own. Support from family, friends, counselor or life coach can help you keep your perspective and move ahead when you’re feeling unsteady. Join local networking or community groups to help decrease the sense of isolation. Being around people will help you feel connected, help you grow and learn and eventually you’ll form lasting relationships.
Change is hard but it offers opportunities to grow other aspects of ourselves and has the potential to reshape the direction of our future. We don’t have to embrace change by diving in headfirst. We can start by wading in, one foot at a time and pretty soon, we’ll be well on our way!
“If you spend time fighting something in the past, you’re not only walking backwards you’re no longer moving forward. Now your loss is compounded.” – Darren Hardy
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
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