Change is… well, just change

Change is neither good nor bad, it just is. If we didn’t change we would soon cease to exist. That’s what evolution is about after all, isn’t it? We have to adapt and be able to respond to the demands of change. 

They say you’ve got to ‘roll with the punches’ and ‘go with the flow.’ But it is easier said than done. Recently I’ve had to deal with wanted and unwanted changes and both have been equally difficult.

I always thought change that I instigated would be easier to cope with but in reality I’ve found that even if you start the process of change you aren’t in control of it. The only thing you can control is your reaction to the change.  

It’s not just me who is handling extra levels of stress and trying to keep a steady foundation whilst life rearranges itself. There’s plenty of people on the island coming to the end of contracts, facing the winter season, moving house, losing a loved one, gaining a new family member and so on. So here, for all of our benefit are some tips on how to cope from www.positive-changes-coach.com.

1) Simply notice that you are in the midst of change and that change is a part of you. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it takes some practice to become aware of change instead of subconsciously denying it. Don’t try to run and hide. 

2) Face your feelings about the change, especially when the change is imposed and beyond your control. Get past ‘Why me?,’ ‘But I don’t want to!’ and ‘It isn’t fair!’ Figure out what your fears or worries are. That takes work. You don’t have to be a victim, even when you are not in control of the change. 

3) Figure out when to accept and when to reject the change. Reflect on what you are accepting, what you are rejecting, and what you are doing something about. 

4) Adopt an attitude of anticipation, and be grateful. Welcome change as an opportunity. Find the benefit somewhere in the change. There always is one. 

5) Choose your thoughts and attitudes about each change. Negative thoughts block your creativity and problem-solving abilities. Positive thoughts build bridges to possibilities and opportunities. 

6) Learn to relax (more). Deep breathing works for many people. Exercise helps most of us to relax. 

7) Set smart goals so you can consciously guide the change. Smart goal setting helps you decide how to make the change happen and to recognise your successes. 

There’s one more really important tip… writing down how you feel can help you to make sense of your emotions and the changes. Try writing things down in a journal, it can focus your attention and clarify your thoughts. 

An interesting thing about writing in a journal… you begin to respect yourself as one of the key supportive people in your own life, because as I mentioned at the beginning, it’s all down to you in the end, how you react and how you take care of yourself.