Change is not a dirty word, yet so many of us fear it. We become comfortable with our lives and hesitate when something new challenges the status quo.
I have written about change before but I thought it was worth revisiting, as we cannot control every minute of our lives and change is inevitable. It’s a part of living and a part of our growth.
We may experience a difference in our current circumstances, in our jobs or homes. The dynamics of our relationships may alter and we may let go of certain friendships. We may move suburbs or countries, or totally transform our career path.
Changes may be big or small. They may be joyous or devastating, unexpected or planned and sometimes they can be life altering. How do we navigate the unknown?
Most of us are creatures of habit. We work in a certain job, often for many years. We live in the same home or suburb and mix in the same friendship groups. Life feels predicable and although we know we cannot control everything, we feel comfortable with the lives we currently know and lead.
Then something happens to change this. We may lose our jobs or a relationship ends. A new opportunity may come up for a move overseas. Our financial situation or health may alter. Or it may not be as dramatic as this.
We may be offered a promotion, or invited to speak at a conference or offered a new career pathway. Or it can be as simple as losing power after a storm, or the dishwasher breaks down, or our hairdryer dies.
None of us like change. It is an inconvenience at best and life changing at its’ worst. Yet change is a part of our everyday lives. We simply cannot stand still. Life will continue to go on.
Change is not a dirty word but we still fear it. It challenges us and makes us uncomfortable. It moves us out of our comfort zones and it often brings up anxiety or fear.
How do we then navigate it? Firstly know that it is a part of life and do not berate yourself if it brings up difficult emotions. So many of our reactions develop in response to our upbringing, beliefs and past experiences. If our parents resisted change or past circumstances were difficult, it’s normal that any change will bring up a negative reaction in us.
Acknowledge this. Security is important and if we didn’t have this, then altering our current lives, will feel uncomfortable. Try and stay calm. Time in nature, meditation or talking to a good friend always helps or if you need to, get some professional assistance. There is no shame in this. We all cope in different ways.
Don’t panic. What may seem overwhelming at the time, may not be so momentous when looked at calmly. I, too have had many sleepless nights when something challenging came up. I’m a creature of habit as many of us are, and although I love new opportunities, I still sometimes resist when an unexpected circumstance arises.
Then try and change your perspective. Can the change be looked at positively? Is it an opportunity to grow? Will it lead to something better? It may not look like it at the time, but often if we revisit the situation, we may begin to see the positives in it.
Change is not a dirty word and if we are open to it, it can lead to a much more enriching life. We may embark on a new career, a home in a new area, an exciting hobby or relationship. We may make new friends, learn about different cultures or experience things we have only dreamt of.
We never know what life holds for us until we take that next, exciting, nerve-wracking, terrifying, exhilarating step into the unknown.
I hope you, too open yourself up to change.
With love,
Judy
Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.
References: “Ego is not a dirty word” by Skyhooks. Photo by Gary Meulemans on Unsplash