Embracing Changes

Even when we want the outcome, it's normal to resist the process of change. 

On a basic level, your brain and body have a certain amount of comfort with the way things are and change can make things feel unstable. So, it's actually very common for people to feel ambivalent or unmotivated to take on new behaviors while working toward new goals. 

There are a few ways to make change a bit easier to manage. Consider trying these ideas:

Take a deep breath. Pause for a moment and give yourself time to just breathe. This probably seems like a cliche, but when your body is bracing for change all of the natural stress responses get activated and many times that can create tension and pain in the body. Breathing reminds your body that you are safe and gives you a clearer head for processing what is to come. 

Embrace the idea of learning something new. Chances are good that when something in your life changes, your level of personal knowledge increases. Surely you’re open to gaining some new knowledge you can use to live an enriched, more fascinating life.

Talk about it. Call a close friend or family member you trust and tell them about what’s going on in your life. It helps to hear yourself think aloud whenever you’re faced with an enduring challenge. Need professional support? Call 317-471-8996 and let our staff be a part of your team. 

Consider your options. Although you might not be completely ready to move on yet, try to ponder fully your situation and where you could go from here. Be open-minded about resolving the current issues in the short-term. Many times the option that you want most may not be available, which makes it feel like you have no options. But is that true? Maybe there are things that you haven't considered yet. Give yourself some time to think through things and make the best 80% decision that you can. That means that you're 80% sure it's the right move, since 100% may never come. 

Tell yourself that you’ll make it through. As of today, you've actually survived 100% of the worst days of your life, so you actually do have a pretty good track record. 

After the initial shock wears off, you’ll hopefully reach the point of realizing that “this too shall pass.” Thinking positively is the best way to approach any type of challenging situation. Remind yourself that you have the savvy and fortitude to find your way from this day forward. 

Move forward with a sense of purpose. Now that you have the bare bones of a plan, you can proceed ahead with greater confidence. Make a point to choose a non-negotiable based on your values and vision for the future. Keep yourself anchored to that new outcome even when the path needs to change or adjust.

You have what it takes to successfully manage any transition in life that appears before you. Openly accept this opportunity to let go of the old and embrace the new.