Life is like a box of chocolates an ever-changing landscape. Whether we like it or not, change is the name of the game. It’s been happening forever because change is how we grow and move forward. You can’t really progress if you don’t learn to accept change in your life.
Think about technology. There have been so many amazing transformations just in the past few years.
And for the most part, those changes have been pretty awesome for us.
Now, I know that dealing with change can be a bit of a challenge, especially when it catches you off guard.
But you know what they say, “Change is the only constant,” so the sooner we make peace with it, the better.
Here are some ideas for how to accept change:
Change is Inevitable
You can’t run or hide from it because it’s coming whether you’re ready or not.
It’s important to first understand that change in your life is inevitable.
You can’t escape it, hide from it, or run from it.
So, you might as well just learn how you can accept and embrace change, and prepare for it during the times when you know ahead of time it is coming.
Prep When Possible
Not all change is unexpected but it is often unwanted. Sometimes, you can see change coming from a mile away.
For instance, when each of my children reached the day they left for college, I did not want them to go, but I had to accept it.
It may not have been what I wanted, but I could at least get ready for it.
I went with each of them to parent-student orientation, saw the dorm rooms, and all that. (But I still cried my eyes out all 4 times!)
Develop a Growth Mindset
With some hard work and dedication, anything is possible. <<That’s the mindset we need to accept change.
You start to embrace change by understanding how important it is if you want to live a better life.
For someone who fears change or gets anxiety from it, this same mindset can help you learn to embrace it and see the value in things changing.
You might even be excited about the change because you know it’s possible due to your own hard work.
This mindset shift can make it much easier to accept and appreciate change whenever it comes up.
Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
Be that person who can roll with the punches.
If life throws you a limes, make margaritas! 🍹
As you might have already guessed, being more flexible and open-minded in general helps a lot with learning to embrace and appreciate the different changes in your life.
If you are inflexible, change becomes a burden, something that “ruins your day,” immediately turning into a negative mindset full of pessimism.
This hurts you because if you only try to stand still, you aren’t able to appreciate life and all it has to offer you.
But if you are open-minded and ready to tackle any challenge, you can look at it as an opportunity for growth; a way to have an adventure in life and make things interesting.
You are flexible and able to adapt and pivot whenever necessary.
This makes change something that is fun because you never know what will happen.
**This video clip has nothing to do with the topic but I can’t hear the word “pivot” without thinking about it!
Remember the Good Changes
Even if change gives you the heebie-jeebies, look back at those times it actually made your life better.
Like a breakup that led you to someone amazing or a move that landed you an awesome job.
If you are struggling with embracing change and still experiencing those pangs of stress or anxiety, try looking back to when an unexpected change actually helped you and your life.
Even if during those moments you still had the same fears you do now, you might be able to find some value and see how it was actually a good thing for you.
Maybe you met the love of your life. Maybe it encouraged you to get out there and meet new people, and you found a new group of friends who you can’t imagine not having.
None of this might have been possible without that major change, even if it originally was not what you wanted.
Journal about your experiences with change in the past and how it actually helped your life, improved it, and made things better for you in the long run.
Keep Some Familiar Habits
When everything’s topsy-turvy, hold onto those routines that make you feel grounded. Maybe your morning coffee ritual or whatever keeps you sane.
As you go through major changes in your life, try to hold on to at least some things that feel familiar.
Even if it’s just your morning routine, the first 15-20 minutes of the morning after waking up. If everything else has changed in your life, but you still get ready at the same time in the morning, this at least can stay the same.
Some things in your routines will likely change if your lifestyle has had to shift dramatically, but you can still find things that feel familiar.
Try to find at least one consistent habit or routine that you can turn to.
Self-Care is a Must
Some changes can really throw us for a loop. That’s when you need some self-love.
Whether it’s a spa day or just reading a good book, make it about you!
Self-care comes in many forms, from traditional pampering self-care activities like massages and bubble baths to reading your favorite book or going on a hike with friends.
Depending on what changes you have had to go through, sometimes all you need is to focus on yourself during this time.
Some unexpected changes in your life are life-altering, even heartbreaking. These can be harder to deal with and accept from day one.
Even in this case, self-care might be what you need. Find a way to do something for yourself that makes you happy and helps you know that you are a priority in your own life.
Daily Gratitude
No matter what life throws at you, there’s always something to be grateful for.
No matter what happens and what curveballs are thrown at you, and trust me, there will be many more, you need to come back to your center and be grateful for your life.
As I said before, it doesn’t matter where you are and what you go through, there is always something to be grateful for.
Some days, it’s about the necessities like food and shelter and a stable job.
Other days, you are grateful for the people in your life, for kindness from strangers, for your own talents and abilities, for your kids or your pets.
It’s OK if all you can be grateful for one day is to still be alive.
Everything in your life, big or small, is something to appreciate.
Conclusion
Accepting change doesn’t have to mean you become a completely different person who absolutely loves change, but rather someone who can be mindful and accept it for what it is.
Try to find a place of neutrality, where you accept this is the new normal and you just flow with it, understanding it might lead to bigger and better things for you
So, accepting change isn’t about becoming a change fanatic. It’s about being cool with it, finding your inner zen, and realizing it might just lead to some incredible new adventures. Learn to go with the flow!
Please share this with someone you know who is going through a difficult change right now.
