Life’s transitions are ultimately positive, even if they don’t always feel it. Here’s how to navigate them gracefully.
By Ariane de Bonvoisin
Everyone is born with a will to survive, get better, and be happier–I call this the Change Muscle. It helps you accept the reality of your situation and find your center again. Every time you are faced with a change and move through it, you are activating that muscle. And once you flex it, it’s strengthened for life–you can never lose all that you have gained from experience. Next time you’re faced with transition, remember that your Change Muscle will give you the strength to get through it.
Accept Change
When change happens, you often look longingly back to what used to be. You don’t like where the river of life seems to be taking you, so you cling to the rocks or row vigorously upstream–that’s what makes change tough! Accept change by taking in your new circumstances without fighting, arguing, explaining, or asking “What if?” It may be difficult at first, but you will soon see that life will lead you through this change and into a place of greater happiness and peace.
Go in the direction that life is taking you. If it’s a divorce, accept it; if it’s a health diagnosis, accept it–only then can you focus on re-aligning yourself with a plan and an optimistic view that focuses on the future, not the past.
Take Action
People who are good at change stop talking and take positive action. Whether life has thrown you a change or you want to make a shift, get a journal and start writing down your feelings. Then make a plan that feels right and is realistic and hopeful. Next, start moving physically. Getting some form of exercise is an absolute must when going through change–don’t forget the S.E.E.D of all change. (Sleep, Eat Well, Exercise, and Drink Water).
Doing something for someone else–helping a neighbor, calling a lonely friend, spending extra time with your child–will also help to keep you moving forward during change. You can also try something brand new–a new route home, a new class at the gym, a new restaurant, to get things flowing. During transitions it’s also helpful to create a “wall of change” with images of what you want to shift and work towards.
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Photo Credit: Laura Vogt Photography
