" Change ... "

I watch the ripples change their size

But never leave the stream

Of warm impermanence

So the days float through my eyes ...

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

(turn and face the strain)

Ch-ch-changes

Don't want to be a richer man

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

(turn and face the strain)

Ch-ch-changes

Just gonna have to be a different man

Time may change me

But I can't trace time

Strange fascination, fascinating me

Ah changes are taking the pace I'm going through ...

Pretty soon now you're gonna get a little older

Time may change me

But I can't trace time

~ David Bowie ~ Change ~

***

There are times when things move slowly and don’t seem to change much.  Then, suddenly, things change quickly.  We learn to accept that change is a part of life.  And that life is a process of beginnings and endings.  But how do we cope?

We live in a culture that has taught us to be 

uncomfortable with uncertainty. 

Life changes are challenging because they force us out of our comfort zone.  They force us to let go of the familiar.  They force us to face the future with a feeling of vulnerability.  This in turn makes us fearful and anxious and this is normal because now your future is filled with questions.  Questions with variable answers.  

Fear ... are we born with it or taught it?

Whether positive or negative, life changes cause us to leave behind the familiar and force us to adjust to new ways of living.  Looking at the bright side, transitions can allow us to learn about our strengths and to explore what we really want out of life.  This can be a time of reflection bringing a sense of renewal, stability and new balance. 

Having the confidence in knowing you can and will move forward helps.  Start by identifying your purpose in life and the things that fulfill you.  Quiet your mind and focus on what you can control.  Convince yourself that the experience you are facing is just a temporary defeat rather than a huge failure.  Surround yourself with positive and friendly associations.  And spend your time and energy on creating a positive future.

Take advantage of the fork in the road 

and explore what your ideal life would look like.  

Every life transition provides a learning opportunity that can be so profound it changes your perspective on life after you have moved through it.  So whether life transition evolves slowly or is forced by an unexpected event, remember this period of time doesn’t have to be purgatory.  

Realize that you don’t have to wait to get through it so you can reach your desired destination.  Have faith you are planting the seeds for a glorious new phase of your life.  Trust me, some days these are the only thoughts that keep me going ...

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, 

we are challenged to change ourselves” 

~ Viktor E. Frankl