Our Relationship to Change
For many of us, a new year marks a fresh start and a new beginning. It is an opportune time to reflect on the past twelve months, as well as to anticipate the future. It is also appropriate to congratulate ourselves for making it through the challenges of the past year.
Despite the future's uncertainty, there is something that I know we can all count on in the new year – change.
Everyone deals with change a little differently. Change can elicit feelings of excitement and anticipation as well as anxiety, sadness, or just about any other human emotion. It can be helpful to recognize that all change – whether positive or negative – is somewhat stressful. Most of us find comfort in the familiar, so both small and large changes can challenge our coping skills.
If you find change particularly difficult, it may behoove you to explore fears associated with it. I often find that clients are aware that change is something they resist and they accept this fear without fully examining it. Understanding a resistance to transition can give your valuable insight, which you can use to cope with the changes of the new year!
Despite what the future brings, it is important to be kind to ourselves during times of uncertainty. Everyone takes care of themselves uniquely, but make sure that you are gentle and loving with yourself when things are the hardest. Being good to yourself will help you handle demands and allow you to see the tremendous opportunities that change brings. William Shakespeare said it well, "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." Change is a blessing that gives us the push to grow and expand. Happy 2009 everyone!
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