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It’s often said that we’re currently living in unprecedented times. You need only tune into the news for proof of this, as every day we see instances of significant social, economic, and political upheaval unfolding all over the world. You’ll see people being primed to question many things they’ve previously taken for granted about the way they live. For instance, they might be driven by circumstance to reevaluate the kind of work they do and how they’re compensated for it, their relationships with nature and the environment, the ways they relate to others of different cultures and faiths, and so on. Following this process of questioning, they might then decide that something about the world in which they live needs to change.
Whether it takes place on a small and personal scale or seeks to alter the very foundations of society, change is an inevitable, and often frightening, part of human life. No matter who you are or where you come from, and whether you intend it or not, you will find yourself changing frequently. You will also often have to adapt to changes taking place around you—in your environment, for example, or in other people.
If you’re someone who feels the best approach to change is not to let it happen to you, or simply find yourself daunted even by changes you’d like to embrace, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Read on for some no nonsense tips on how to get friendly with the idea of change, welcome it into your life, and make the most of it.
First and foremost, if you’re going through an intense period of transition, it’s important to acknowledge how you feel throughout the experience. Find ways to articulate in words what the changes currently happening to you are, what they’ve been making you think about, and how you’ve been responding to them emotionally. For example, you might process these thoughts through meditation, journaling, or conversation with someone you trust. The act of processing in turn will ground you and eventually help you make sense of what you’re going through, so don’t be afraid to claim moments of quiet contemplation for yourself.
One of the most important things to learn when navigating a challenging period of any kind is how to adopt a non-judgmental stance toward yourself, however you feel that day. If you’re in a place of feeling empowered and ready to take a chance on applying to a new job or moving to a new city, that’s great! But if you find yourself paralyzed and unable to do much of anything that day but curl up with a comfort movie in your comfiest pajamas, there’s nothing wrong with that, either. Once you determine clearly and compassionately where you are, you can more easily figure out what you need in order to carry on.
On the flipside, it’s also healthy to take active steps toward the person you’d like to be, even if you don’t necessarily completely feel like you’ve become that person yet. If you wish to change something about yourself on the inside, consider making some subtle changes to the way you act, speak, or carry yourself on the outside to manifest what’s going on within. Say you want to exude more confidence in an unfamiliar environment—it could be a good idea then to try dressing as you think a confident person would. Pair a set of tights with a skirt you might have once considered too daring for you, or rock a pair of cute patterned socks. Think of it as a way of practicing what it means to be that aspirational person—and everyone knows, after all that practice makes perfect.
As adults, we’re often conditioned to rely primarily on ourselves when things get rough, but humans at the end of the day are social beings. There’s really no reason for you to suck it all up and soldier on alone, especially not in a time of transition. On the contrary, such taxing times are also ripe opportunities to connect with others, so don’t be afraid to reach out to your loved ones for help. You can even consider seeking out people who have experienced similar changes and may be able to offer advice, helpful resources, or simple commiseration and support.
Dealing with change often makes you very aware of how much growing you still must do. It shows you the limits of your personal comfort zone, the abundance of things you don’t know, and the existing differences between you and the person you hope to become one day. It’s important to remember, though, not to turn this awareness into a process of finding things to be disappointed in yourself for. The steps that you take to develop a new positive habit or kick a negative one, learn something new, or make difficult choices are all examples of progress that should be celebrated. So celebrate them as such by telling a friend about them, making a social media post, or maybe treating yourself to your favorite food.
Even in instances where change is welcome and necessary, the fact remains that dealing with it can be confusing and often scary. After all, you’re relinquishing your hold on something you know, and facing the unknown. Seen from a different angle, however, the unknown can also present exciting and fulfilling opportunities that it would be a shame to let pass you by. With a strong support system and a healthy amount of faith in yourself, you can trust that you’re more than equipped to welcome what comes with open arms.
