Change is inevitable; we cannot escape it. And change is hard!!! Whether change is something that hits us by surprise, or we are enveloped in some long-suffering pain, we are called to examine some of those habitual behaviors that keep us bound in a comfortable controlled environment, rather than dare push that circle of comfort. Once we do make the decision to step out of that comfort zone, we must boldly move forward and never stop moving, always implementing our innate potential.
Ecclesiastes: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..."
We must accept that pain is a necessary part of life, but pain and change are opportunities for growth. Regardless of age, the seasons of transition are many: puberty, graduation, first job, marriage, kids leave home, job loss, death, retirement, etc. THE DEMANDS OF LIFE DON'T MATTER NEARLY AS MUCH AS HOW WE RESPOND TO THE LIFE CHANGE. Attitude, open mind, creativity, positivity, and trusting yourself are key.
Change is Hard
Change is stress inducing and risky. Change causes us to make adjustments to our habitual way of being. We are forced into the unfamiliar. Our brains have stored up certain chemicals based on our life experiences. When we are forced to deal with change, the brain experiences shock and discomfort. It is accustomed to operating at ease, in the habitual style. It becomes scrambled when patterns change and it has to create new chemical cocktails. This brain scrambling is transferred to us by the effects of anxiety, stress, shock - an entire host of emotions that leaves us confused and seeking clarity. We need faith, a strategy, a plan and goals to execute our plan, and know that it is okay to ask for help.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..."
HELPFUL STRATEGIES
- Attitude/open mind/positive/creative
- Accountability/self discipline
- Adaptability/dare to risk/ INNER WISDON
- Vision/dreams/plans/goals
- Proactive/prioritize
- Don't give up/ask for advice/try a new strategy
- Remain flexible and adaptable/ LISTEN
- There are no failures/ INTENTION
- Eliminate guilt, fear, regret/
- Use DISCERNMENT
- Know that you have made a difference/ ZEST FOR LIVING
- Maximize what works and give gratitude/ Implement CHOICE
- Free will
- Surround yourself with positive, supportive people
- Be brave BRAINSTORM IDEAS
The demands of life are opportunities for GROWTH. Our purposeful response to them is necessary.
"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor." Henry David Thoreau
1 Corinthians 5:17 "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
