CHANGE

Doesn’t it seem like life is in perpetual motion and ever changing. Nothing seems to stay the same for long. Have you ever heard the old saying “The one thing that never changes is that everything changes.” That seems to be so true. We must navigate change every day. We must learn to adapt and proceed without losing our mind. Some change is easy yet other changes can seem so extremely difficult. So, what makes it so hard to change. What I have discovered in my practice is that reluctance to and lack of desire to change is rooted in fear. Fear of the unknown. This fear can sometimes be so deep and intense that people choose to stay in unfavorable circumstances rather than dare to do something different. I’ve heard clients say, “Well, at least I know what to expect.” People who struggle with change react in one of these four ways. They ignore it, they complain about it, they experience denial choosing to believe everything will go back to normal or they just flat refuse change. As you might assume, reacting in one of these four ways makes adapting to change even more dreadful. As a matter of fact, these reactions are examples of what NOT to do when facing change. So, what can you do to make change more pleasant not only for you but for others who may be facing the change with you. First, have the mindset that change is beneficial and with every change brings the opportunity to improve as an individual. Second, be open minded and seek out the benefits rather than focus on what may be lost. Third, practice visualizing in your mind that the change you are going through will actually make your life better in the long run. Forth, reframe fear in your mind and use it to your advantage. Fear can have 1 of 2 effects. It either paralyzes you if you imagine all that can go wrong or 2 it can spur you into action. The second kind of fear is the most healthy and can be used to your benefit. And lastly, train yourself to enjoy change. We should consider ourselves learners in this life. With that mindset, choose to become a student of change. Learn to enjoy discovering new ways of doing things. Above all, remember that God knows all outcomes and He will not fail you. Hand it over to Him and pray for wisdom and that He will lead you through it.  Keep a good attitude and put your best forward realizing that others are watching your lead. Believe whole heartedly that the strength to do whatever is asked is within you. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10