Change always happens, but often times the movement of change is subtle and unnoticeable in our daily routines and distractions of daily living. Sometimes it comes in happy forms such as a new baby, a new home, or an exciting relationship. However, when change comes in the form of illness, accidents, job loss or changing relationships, we view it as more of a challenge, and often can be stuck, depressed, angry and not sure of what to do next.
This summer I found myself dealing with unwanted change and unfortunately depression soon followed it. This forced me to re-evaluate and re-direct my energy. No matter how many times I go through tough challenges I have come to understand that CHANGE IS LIFE and that I always eventually adapt. Sometimes, I just don’t like it and am not very gracious about it’s presence in my life.
The five stages of grief do come into effect with the big life changes and they are not to be denied or swept away. Change can make you cranky, tired, depressed as well as energized and ready to try new things.
It is helpful to find value and meaning within the experience. Either way, life changing events pull us to grow and often more then we want, to accept and adapt.
Useful tips when it comes to change:
- Let go of what “was” even when you don’t know what “is” yet.
- Remind yourself that often your life choices led you to the change you are experiencing.
- Change often leads to bigger and better things (even when you can’t see it or don’t want to hear it!)
- Change is always happening but we mostly notice it when we are forced to do new things.
- Accept where you are.
- Create forward motion, one step at a time.
- Realize it is OK that you might not have the answers because maybe you haven’t ever had THIS challenge before.
- Accept responsibility for your actions and be kind to yourself.
- Change is the vehicle for growth and it is simply a part of the human experience.
