Changes in Life and How to Deal with Them

I have heard it said that the only constant is change. Indeed this often does seem to be true. Doesn't it seem like just when you get comfortable with something, it changes? How will you react to change? First there may be the initial disbelief, "how can this be?" Then we start to wonder if the change will be good or bad; or maybe we already think we know. Sometimes if it comes as a shock, we may be unable to think; numb and speechless, we may not know how we feel, and this can be even harder.

It is especially hard if others are expressing how they feel about it; in words, tears, or even laughter, whatever it is, at least they are feeling something. The reality is, however, you might just feel numb for awhile when change comes, especially if it will mean a loss in some way, and that is O.K. too. It is one way the mind protects us by giving us time to process new information.

Time is good when changes happen. If you lost a job or child left home, for instance, you may need to grieve that for awhile. It is important to give yourself time to do that. Also try to distance yourself a little; take a break, listen to some quiet music, take a walk, surround yourself with people, find someone to talk to, think about other things. Do whatever works for you.

Time and distance give you a chance to mull things over, digest them and get the bigger picture. As your mind relaxes, you may begin to see positives as well as the negatives. This is the first step to moving on. You begin to picture yourself with the change in place, adapting to the chance, accepting the change. You know that there may be a few hard times and a few bumps in the road; expect them, accept them.

There are many unknowns also, but trust that your questions will be answered in due time and place, and that things will work out. Believe in your ability to adapt, learn and change. You will. Now, even as you mourn the old, you will be starting to embrace the new.

As things around you change, you are sure to change also. Will it be a good change, or not? Often we have no control over what changes will happen to us. However, we can control how we will react to them, and that makes all the difference. Embrace change. Believe in change. Think of it as an adventure. Let it lead you down new roads.