When life is a constant change, there is the challenge to adapt and evolve. How? By being resilient to these changes. Whether it’s a new job, a new relationship, or new anything, change is constantly at our doorsteps, and accompanying these changes are the feelings of confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty. Thus, embracing change is a challenge for most of us.
Why Embrace Change?
Change challenges our comfort zones and often disrupts our routine, stirring up a certain amount of discomfort and uneasiness. But within uncomfortableness of change is the opportunity for personal development and transformation. Winston Churchill once said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”
According to CARE Counseling, here are the reasons why we are to welcome change:
Knowing now the positive aspects of change, we should be more accepting, embracing even, when they do occur in our lives.
Resilience in the Midst of Change
In the midst of change, it is important to be resilient. Resilience is the ability to recover from or adjust easily to change. It is all about adapting to change. Our capacity to face setbacks, disappointments, and adversities that are triggered by change depends on our ability to assimilate resilience. Resilient individuals are able to face challenges head-on, maintain a positive outlook, and persevere through difficulties.
How do we cultivate resilience? Makeda Penny Cook shares seven ways to build resilience through change:
According to Penny Cook, there are five stages that we go through when navigating change: (Instigating) Event, Emotions, Exploration, Enlightenment, and Embrace. She calls them the five Es of the Change Cycle. The first step to developing resiliency is understanding where you are in the cycle. This lets you see that you can move through change and be able to come to terms of dealing with the unknown.
Do not put off the inevitable by fighting or resisting the change happening in your life. Accept what is and move forward. Eventually, you will realize that being accepting of your circumstance helps you bounce back faster from change.
You don’t have to move through change on your own. Having a strong support system helps you build resilience as you move through change. It could be just a listening ear or a more concrete form of help. Either way, seek help. It is not a weakness to do so, but a sign of strength.
When going through a change, there is a lot that cannot be controlled. Wishing things were different only encourages feelings of helplessness. It is better to focus on what you can control, which is more empowering.
During a time of change, do whatever it takes to take care of yourself: move your body, practice meditation, get creative, etc. Self-care is an act of self-respect as it reminds you that you matter, which helps you process all that is happening.
In times of change, bring in kindness and compassion. Wanting to be stronger or better is not helpful. In place of judgment, give yourself self-compassion and love.
The space between what was and what is not yet is the hardest part of dealing with change. Accepting that things are changing and things will probably not be the same builds your resiliency to change.
When change gets overwhelming, you may not feel like you are able to weather the challenges that comes with it. But according to Penny Cook, resiliency is our natural state. You are more resilient than you may realize. Build your resilience skill, and soon you are able to navigate the next big (or little) change with ease and confidence.
Sources:
Care Counseling. “Embracing Change and Resilience.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https://care-clinics.com/embracing-change-and-resilience/.
Cook, Penny. “Build Resilience through Change.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https://makedapennycooke.com/7-ways-to-build-resilience-through-change/.
The Therapy Centre. “Embracing Change: A Guide to Growth and Resilience.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https://thetherapycentre.ca/embracing-change-guide-growth-resilience/.
