Embracing Change

Recently, I was talking to a family about change that will be occurring in the coming months. Now this change is wanted by all members, is a positive thing, and one the family members are working hard at having happen. Then why are the parents and children anxious and nervous when we talk about the change? How is it that they are excited and at the same time scared of this change-one they really want to happen?

Change, even when expected and wanted, brings feelings of anxiousness, fear, and irritability. We become comfortable in our routines even when they are unhealthy. We know what to expect, we know how we will react, we know how others will react. With an impending change we begin to let our mind focus on “what ifs”. What if it doesn’t work out? What if I hate the new change and I am stuck with it? What if the change makes things worse? What if I can’t handle the change? We have trained our minds to see change as a negative stressful thing. We convince ourselves that we have no control over what is going to happen.

Now imagine taking all the energy that you have focused on worrying about change and redirected it to embracing change. We can focus on the new things to be learned that can be exciting and interesting, new people we can meet and friends to be gained. Embracing change allows you to have an active involvement in how it affects your life.

Life is about change, it is going to happen whether you want it to or not. Knowing this, how about making change work for you….You are probably saying..yeah right..and how do I do that? Say you find out your home or apartment that you rent is being sold and you must move out…change. Instead of fretting about it and obsessing over the fact that you have to move..how about doing something different. Look at this as an opportunity for you to find a new place to live that really fits your lifestyle…you can now pick a place to live that is close to your work or friends.. that is near the park or shopping you like to frequent. Maybe you can search for the place that will let you have the pet you always wanted or more closet space. The goal is to use this change to your benefit, get the most out of it and start looking and researching so that the change becomes less scary and more exciting.

Embracing change takes practice but the benefits are so worth it. You will feel more happy, in control, and looking forward to the future.

Angela