Life is Change, Change is Constant....Growth is Optional
We often think that people are resistant to change. The truth is that life is ALWAYS changing, no matter what happens. Just like water flowing through a stream, life needs to flow and expand. What happens to water when it is stuck in a puddle? It becomes stagnant and eventually it stinks! The same is true for our lives. We are meant to grow and expand.
The Universe is in constant motion, continually expanding at 1.3 billion miles per hour! We are in a time of accelerated change in our world now too. In this century, we're not going to experience 100 years of change--it's going to be 20,000 years of change!
Humans are a very adaptable species. It's how we have survived so far! I often enjoy having conversations with people from different generations. What I have learned is that we have different phases and in each decade, the challenges we face change with time. Right now, I'm in the sandwich generation with children and my elderly mother. And having teenagers is very different from young children. Before I know it, they'll be out of the house and it'll be time for a new phase again.
It is how we manage change that makes your life either a great ride or total misery. How adaptable are you? Do you resist or embrace change? Are you afraid or ready to take it on? Here are three helpful strategies I've learned along the way to manage change.
1. Life Is Happening FOR You, Not TO You
"Why is this happening to me?" is one of the most disempowering questions. It robs us of our power and puts us into a victim mentality where you feel out of control. When you ask, "why is life happening FOR me?", you get different answers. It gives you an opportunity to look for lessons and growth. It helps to reframe challenges in a way that is very empowering.
2. Expect Change
When you know that change is constant, you don't get quite as surprised with anything that might be changing. Of course, make plans and take steps to progress but also know that there generally isn't a straight line from A to Z. It's a very zigzag line. To paraphrase Steve Jobs from one of his famous commencement speeches, you can connect the dots looking forward, only looking backwards. So sometimes things happen that don't make sense now, but it might in the future.
3. Go With The Flow
I can't even tell you how often this one has helped me. If you are rigid against change, then it can hurt. But if you are fluid like water, then you can much more easily accept the changes and adjust as needed. Take a deep breath and try to see things from a new perspective.
These three strategies are all based in a deeper foundation of trust. Know the power that you have within you to create your life. Our thoughts and words are powerful so put yourself in the driver's seat and create the life you want to have!