Welcome to Part 2 of the blog posts on Change. You’ll find some practical ways to manage change well.
Acceptance is key to working through change. Realising that change is a natural part of life will help you to accept it when it comes and manage the feelings that come with facing a new situation. A positive view of change is that it can signify progress and growth.
Transitions come with a raft of emotions; grief, disappointment, joy, excitement, fear and hope. These can be overwhelming. Working through the emotions can take time, but naming them and their effects on you can be useful. The goal of this work is not to become a person who loves change, or who automatically embraces a new situation, but to become a person who is able to adjust, given time, and grow through change. Adjustment will take time, so treating yourself kindly and with patience during the transition is something to consider.
You’ll be presented with an opportunity to realign your life with your values and goals when a transition occurs. Self-reflection will help you to work through this. A counsellor can also assist you ask the big questions that will inform your choices at such times. A counsellor can also help with reducing stress and fear. An outlet where you can say how you really feel about a life change will reveal some surprising things.
Life transitions can usher in new, unexpected situations, relationships and strength. They can also be painful, difficult and stressful. However, embracing change will ease you through the process with less angst than fighting against it. Viewing each transition as a stepping stone toward the next chapter in life, as a vehicle toward growth, might help you manage change more effectively.
