Embracing Change…

It’s been ages since I’ve written a post.. sometimes life gets the best of us and we stray away from the things we enjoy doing most. I always find I turn to writing to help me deal with the many curveballs life throws at me.. it’s very therapeutic getting all of my feelings and thoughts on paper- so I somehow managed to find the password to my old blog, and voila, I’m back!

In the past year or so, I’ve gone through so many changes in my life- mostly GOOD changes, although at the time it may not have seemed so. Let’s face it: embracing change is no fun. Everyone likes staying in his or her comfort zone. After all, they call it a “comfort” zone for a reason—even the term itself stirs up deep feelings of calm, relaxation and security. But eventually, something comes along to shake us out of it. Change happens to us all—it’s simply a part of life. And while some change is undeniably good, we’re often faced with disruptions that certainly don’t feel welcome.

The good news is that embracing change is not a difficult skill to learn. And once you start looking at change as a good thing, you’ll be amazed at some of the benefits that can follow. 

Life is constantly changing around us. Whether you’re ready or not, it happens. We grow and age. Some relish change; while others tend to resist. We welcome it most when it happens on our own terms, but don’t always have that option. Sometimes all we can do is take what life gives us, and cope with it. When we’re given the opportunity to exert our will in the matter, we’re wise to proceed with caution. Change for the sake of change is a huge risk – the grass on the other side isn’t always greener. The relentless pursuit for “better” can sometimes leave us bitter, regretting changes we didn’t need to make… and that’s a very scary thing to consider.

Change is scary, but if I’ve learnt anything this past year- it’s to embrace change with open arms …as terrifying as that may sound to some people.

Change is constant, so we usually don’t notice the little or the expected changes; it’s when something happens that catches you off-guard that you can get discombobulated. The trick is to know that it is just one of the millions of changes that are going to happen in your life and, good or not so good, do what you can to just roll with it!

Emotional changes can be the hardest to adjust to. For example, when your heart gets broken, acceptance is not always an easy option. You may not have the strength or understanding to be objective. In cases like this, you need to process your feelings, and this can take some time. If you want it to go faster, see a therapist. After a bad breakup, I started seeing a therapist and it was the best decision I could’ve made. It’s nice to be able to discuss all of your feelings & emotions with someone who’s job is to LISTEN to what you have to say & can give you the best, most honest advice. Their job is to help you succeed and find the best YOU you can be.

It is important to always take responsibility for how you deal with changes. It is said that “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.” And this is something I struggle with everyday. Something I’ve realized on my life journey is I’m so busy trying to please everyone else around me, I very seldom think about MYSELF and what Keerstin wants. It’s impossible to live your best, happiest life always doing what everyone else wants. Always put YOURSELF first, because at the end of the day, you’re the only one who can make YOU happy. You’re the only one who can control your own happiness.

If the changes in your life are overwhelming, you don’t have to deal with them all by yourself. Friends, family, support groups, and counselors are available, but you do have to reach out and ask, which can be hard. It may be a struggle, but you don’t have to suffer. The love of those who care for you can make life much easier to deal with.

If you are someone who hates change, then you are going to have to at least tolerate it when it happens. There is no law saying that you have to like what’s going on, but you do have to find a way to cope, because change happens, like it or not.

It’s so important to be aware of what’s going on in your life. Take a step back and reflect on your day-to-day routine. Are you GENUINELY happy with how everything’s playing out ? If not, its time to make a change.

We’re only given one life, one CHANCE to make the most of our own crazy journey! Embrace every heartbreak, every move, every new job opportunity! Take everything one day at a time, and don’t forget to live for the moment.

🙂