Coping With Change

Once you’ve gone through it, you become a resource and pillar to help others face similar challenges. If you’re in the midst of working through a big change in your life, my hope is that you lean into it, reach out for support, and embrace the change for what it is … a change. Here are a few tips to help you through a change. If you would like to talk about an upcoming change you’re considering, let’s grab a time to connect; I’d love to help you consider your options.

All change carries with it the risk of the unknown and the unexpected. Some find this exciting and welcome the challenge. Others go down the path of change reluctantly, dragging their heels all the way. But, as the saying goes, the only thing that’s permanent is change.

Here are 10 ways to help you deal with it. 

1. Understand your response to change. Do you tend to leap before you look or to imagine the worst?
2. Take responsibility for your reaction to change. You may not be able to control the events, but you can control your reaction to them.
3. Keep other changes to a minimum. Coming to terms with major changes is physically and emotionally taxing. Conserve your energy.
4. Look to others. Those who have undergone similar changes can serve as models for how you might better cope.
5. Ask for help and support. Talk to reliable friends and/or outside professionals. This isn’t the time to “go it alone.”
6. Let go of “the way things used to be.” Instead, move into “the way things are.”
7. Choose your company carefully. You may need to avoid or reassure those who are threatened by your change.
8. Be real. Both positive and negative changes can bring mixed feelings. Don’t deny them.
9. Take a break from the situation. Rest, regroup, and regain a sense of balance.
10. Create your own rite of passage. Ceremony and ritual help with transitions.