It's been over 3 years since I wrote and today I was sitting and reflecting on life. I felt inspired to start writing, so forgive the grammatical and spelling errors I'm sure I will have. I just want to allow myself time to just type and release what my thoughts are as well as provide some helpful hints. I was wondering what are some best practices to adjusting to my current transitions I'm experiencing. I have been fortunate to learn alot about the benefit of taking time to sit with my feelings. Sitting with how I feel about different aspects of my life helps me to slow down my response so that I decide from a place of thoughtfulness and of course being well informed. One of my personal goals is that I am not reactionary to life as it happens. Of course that takes practices and I am not always successful in achieving that goal.
Ok, so why am I writing after such a long hiatus. Well, because I have encountered many new life experiences, writing will aid in my own coping of my reality and I feel inspired. I am encountering multiple major life changes and felt like writing for someone other than myself. I'm also in a position (professionally and personally) assisting others to identify healthy methods of coping with the adjustments life often presents or is presenting. So where do we start? How does one begin to make sense of the twist and turns our life journeys may entail? Well after reading a few articles and reflecting I decided to share a few things that could help.
- Be present and recognize - whether wanted or unwanted recognize that change is an expected part of the human experience. Embracing the reality of what is happening helps to keep us grounded in what is. Unfortunately with the easy access of AI and digital access it's convenient for us to escape what is real. It is important to address change, because whether we like it or not it happens. How does remaining present benefit? It is to our advantage to begin mentally processing what is happening in an effort to properly adjust.
- Quiet your mind - Typically a rush of irrational thoughts and/or panic is the onset reaction when abrupt change occurs. Change will disrupt rational thought process even when it is expected. A healthy way of engaging and calming irrational thinking is to quiet your mind. This can be done through multiple ways; such as taking a break, listening to soothing instrumental music, taking a walk, grounding exercises or guided meditation. Our thought process is the main catalyst in how we manage our reality. I can't express enough how essential it is to control your thoughts during difficult changes. I have personally found walking in nature to be relaxing.
- Alter your perspective - Dr. Maya Angelou once stated that "If you can't change it, change your attitude" According to some of the research the negative perception around change can be more debilitating than the actual change. Focus on the positive! Allow yourself some grace during these times; we aren't always kind to ourselves especially when we don't appear to accept change as well as others. If what is happening to you is out of your control be kind to yourself and allow yourself some time to receive with what the new normal may be. Take time to look at what is happening from a different perspective, this helps with welcoming the transition.
- Talk it out - Yes, I'm a social worker so of course I'm an advocate of therapy! I'm also an advocate of speaking to someone that will offer a listening ear, a safe space and if desired wise counsel. What's important about talking it out in a safe space, is it allows you the opportunity to release possible frustration, express any fears and potentially identify irrational thoughts. We don't always need a solution but a space to be heard. The release of any anxiety for what's to come actually provides room for acceptance. Take the time to find a safe space to talk it out.
There are times we see change coming and we still aren't quite ready for what life will become. Even in the midst of chaos seeing the light at the end of the tunnel does not always give a sense of relief. Letting go and adjusting to reality, is a scary notion for many. However our the benefit to adjusting to life's transitions outweigh fighting against the inevitable. I think Borg said "resistance is futile" so let's choose to adjust and live free.
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| Your Life, Your Choice! |
