This week, we learn the results of one of the most contentious elections in our country’s history. No matter who wins national, state, and local elections, changes will occur. Some people will embrace those changes. Others will view them with discouragement, distrust, and feelings of defeat.
Constant change is prevalent in many areas of life. In fact, life, from birth to death, is a series of fluctuations and modifications. Some are welcomed, but many are not. Your ability to adjust and adapt lessens the stress and frustration of change and ensures forward motion.
Following are some thoughts on adjusting and adapting to change:
Accept the Fluid Nature of Change
Life is fluid, flowing from one season to the next. Often, changes occur at a slower pace than they have in 2020. In many ways, 2020 has been change in turbo drive, bombarding us with differences that feel like too much too fast.
At times, accepting the fluid nature of change involves doing things we are resistant to and don’t want to do. Change alters familiar patterns. The first time I wore a mask into a store, people shifted to the other side of the aisle, looked at me with fear, and acted as if I were Typhoid Mary. Now, someone not wearing a mask in a store is the oddity.
As you approach change, realize that what seems strange now will feel more normal later. Even if you don’t like change, you can handle what comes by looking ahead instead of wishing for what was.
Face Change Without Fear
One of the biggest components inherent in change is fear. Even the potential for change brings a sense of dread. But when you allow fear to take control, it blinds you to the positive aspects of change and prevents you from moving into and through change more easily.
Often new learning is involved in change and that can precipitate fear. Instead of dreading learning, approach it with anticipation and expectancy, realizing added skills move you beyond current knowledge and aid you in the future.
Change Jolts You Beyond Complacency
Often, we don’t risk because we know challenge is involved. We settle for what is easy instead of looking ahead to what might be possible because we don’t trust our capabilities or fear defeat. Change is a catalyst for forward motion, jolting us beyond complacency toward new opportunities.
Accept Change Without Complaint
Dissatisfaction and complaining are rampant in our world. Instead of looking for what is good and positive, many focus on what annoys or offends them and loudly voice their dissatisfaction. During these unsettled days, decide not to add to negativism with complaining. While you may not be happy with situations or outcomes, focus on what you are thankful for and adopt a spirit of thanksgiving.
Positive Perception Smooths the Bumps Change Creates
This week, someone dear to me adjusts to a big change in her work environment. How she views that change will determine how smoothly transition occurs. I believe she will look for positives and approach any hurdles with confidence because her focus is on God rather than challenges inherent in change.
Likewise, we can face, and even embrace, changes in our lives by looking for positives in the process and trusting God for direction and perception. God is the one constant in our ever-changing world.
Watch the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already—you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there. Isaiah 43:19 GNT
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving beyond difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House) and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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