Change is probably one of the main constants of life, yet we battle with it…. This period of lockdown due to Covid-19 has flung us into a turmoil. Suddenly our lives have been turned upside down & now there are many changes to deal with ALL at once, from financial changes, lifestyle changes, social changes, etc. So how do you embrace change you may ask? A change of mindset & our response to change, is imperative if we are to cope with it……
Change can be terrifying as we have to let go of what we once new & what was “normal” & comforting in our lives. It involves risks & losses, BUT, on the other hand ,change requires us to learn & experience new things, to hone skills or master new ones. Through change we have the opportunity to develop flexibility, patience, courage, resilience, optimism & persistence. All these qualities help us to grow & evolve….
“ Every negative event contains the seed of an equal or greater benefit “ – Napolean
Hill
HOW to COPE with CHANGE:
- ACKNOWLEDGE the change & the effect it will have/has had on your life.
- EXPLORE your feelings. Sit with them & allow yourself to feel e.g. your anger,frustration, sadness, etc. Suppressing emotions can lead to anxiety & even depression. Express them in safe ways – hit a pillow if you must when feeling angry. Releasing the emotions will allow you to make better decisions & bring clarity into your life.
- PREPARE yourself. How you may ask? Ask yourself questions such as: Where am I now? Where do I want to be? What solutions can I come with up? Who can I turn to, to ask for advice? How will these changes affect me & my life? How can I make things easier for myself? What resources do I have?
- FIND a support system or CREATE one. Reach out to others in a similar situation. Share ideas & bounce solutions off of one another. If you find change stressful & you aren’t coping, seek professional help.
- LIST MOMENTOUS events in your life. This will help you realize how you CAN deal with your change, as you have in the past. You’ll realize you are stronger than you realize!
- BE KIND & gentle with yourself. Yes, there will be bad days – that’s natural & normal.
Remember to start again – change is a process that needs to be worked on. Rome wasn’t built in a day…..
“ When the winds of change blow through life, remember you are the master of your fate, the Captain of your soul. It’s your ship………adjust the sails. “ – unknown