Once again, change is in the air. Isn’t it always in the air? Life is an ever-changing of seasons, and in the book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3 talks about how there is a time for everything, 

Or, as the folk singers Pete Seeger and Judy Collins sing, Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is Season).

In my post in the fall of 2022, I reflected on the changes in my life and career path. Again, there is a change happening in this season of my life. Where one door is closing, and soon another door will be opening. I just don’t know what that door will look like. That is where worry and anxiety can come into my thoughts. I don’t know what is next, which can be exciting and uncomfortable. 

Are you experiencing any changes in your life? Change is here to stay; it’s a constant in life. However, there is a difference between a change that happens unexpectedly and one that is planned and pursued. You can have a posture of defensiveness, challenge, or negativity. Or you can have the posture of openness, curiosity, and hopefulness. You get to choose how you approach change, and your tools and strategies can make a difference in moving through a wanted or unwanted change in your life.

Try This: I teach several strategies in workshops that can help you embrace the changes in your life. Here are three you can try.

1. Feel all the feelings. Reflect on the feelings you may be having with the changes. I had a sudden announcement that I would not be employed any further. In a month, my job was done. This was an unwanted change for me. I had a whole range of emotions: sadness, anger, and uncertainty. I cried, punched a few pillows, and cried some more. You know what? I felt so much better after that emotional release. Feeling your feelings is a good thing, and it’s a human thing.

2. What is in your control? Another exercise I facilitate is determining where to put your energy as change happens. On a piece of paper, at the top, write out the change happening. Then, make three columns. Label the first column, what is in your control, the second column, what is in your sphere of influence, and the third column, what is outside your control and influence. Then, start listing items under each column. What do you notice? Where can you put your energy that will make the most difference? How can you reframe the situation?

3. Create a Vision Board. A vision board is a tool used to set an intention or feeling for an upcoming change. It’s a visual representation of that intention. A few years ago, I created a video explaining how to make a vision board. You can watch it HERE.

Change doesn’t have to elicit fear if we find the tools and skills to build our resilience. When you have the tools, you can cultivate trust in yourself, stay calm, focus, and embrace the changes that come with life.