HANDLING CHANGE - IT'S ALL ABOUT OUR PERCEPTION
How hard is to adjust to change? I think it depends on whether or not the changewas your idea. When we decide to change, we usually jump in with both feet, excitedabout the possibilities that lie ahead. When change is forced upon us, we rebel.We look for every reason that the change imposed will not work.
What could happen if we learned to embrace change as a normal part of our lives anddidn't fight with ourselves over it? Isn't it really our own perception of changethat either holds us back or propels us forward?
Many of us have our own ideas on what is an acceptable change and what isn't.The truth is change happens to us everyday. People change everyday; they grow.Our circumstances change a bit everyday as something new is thrown into theequation.
Yet, even though we intellectually know that change is constant, we fight to keepwhat is; what's familiar.
This New Year will be a year of change for all of us. I suggest we look for new waysto handle change, if change brings us stress and discomfort.
I have had a multitude of changes happen in my life over the last ten years, not allwanted. Some of the changes brought tears to my eyes, pains to my heart and questionsto my soul. Other brought joy, sheer bliss and gratefulness.
How did I survive all of it? The same way many of you have, by taking it one dayat a time and remembering that it's my perception of change that affects my thoughts,my feelings, and my reactions. Change is hard, at times and usually causesstress. But once you learn some stress relieving techniques, you will surpriseyourself as to how calm you can become.
One of my favorite stress relievers is to walk. Just put on the shoes and go. Whilewalking, I try to clear my mind and just be in the moment, enjoying the sights andsounds around me. After a while I feel this shift come over me, a calmness thatknows this change, whether wanted or not, is necessary for my growth.
I propose that this year we all take a few minutes to examine how we perceive change.Are we helping or hurting ourselves with these perceptions? If we need to become betterat handling change, what steps will we take to get there?
Have a peaceful and prosperous New Year!