Change is a constant in all of our lives. I’m experiencing it right now! My husband and I are selling our home on Cape Cod and looking forward to a move to Southern Maine to be closer to family. I’m excited and my head is filled with all of the details that are involved in a change of this kind.
Several years ago I wrote Listen: Trusting Your Inner Voice in Times of Crisis. I interviewed many people who were going through a life transition (divorce, job change, health challenge, etc.) for my book. I thought it might be helpful to re-read what I wrote given my current life changes! Here are the top five suggestions they had for making this time of change a little easier.
Discover Spiritual Sustenance
Prayer, meditation, down-time, spending time in nature, asking for intuitive guidance and reading inspirational books were the most frequently mentioned ways to acknowledge and flow with the tough times.
Prayer and meditation soften our hearts our hearts. It is most often done in moments of silence. Prayer requires a vulnerability and openness to make way for something new. It may be a new idea, a belief, or simply a shift in consciousness that allows you to see the world through different eyes.
Use a Favorite Affirmation
Affirmations can be simple, positive phrases that describe the life you want. Or, they can be a powerful expression that helps you feel calmer during times of stress.
Common ones that people used were:
“Every day in every way, my life is getting better and better.”
“Things have a way of working out for me.”
“My intuition is my guide and I take time to listen within.”
“I let go and let God.”
“I am calm and relaxed as I move through my day.”
Do Something Fun Every Day
When life throws you a curve ball, it’s all to easy to let it ruin your day. If that happens to you consistently, consider making a list of small pleasures. These can be your go-to items when a challenge arises. These don’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. Favorite items that my interviewees noted were:
Having coffee with a friend.
Making time to read an enjoyable book.
Watching a funny movie.
Taking a short walk.
Treating yourself to a manicure.
Go out for ice cream.
Take a bike ride.
Playing with a child.
Spending time in the garden.
Cranking up some tunes and dancing.
Remember: This too Shall Pass
Most likely you’ve gone through a life transition before. It could be a positive, but anxiety-producing time such as graduating from college, getting a first job, or becoming a new parent. What helped you then?
Each time you face a new challenge, remember to concentrate on the skills, talents and resources that enabled you to survive the last rough patch. Life does change, and usually for the better. Be patient as life unfolds.
Embrace All That Life Offers
What if the current challenge you're facing were meant for your good? Albert Einstein asked the famous question, "Is the Universe a friendly place?” I say YES! The change you're experiencing is a letting go of the old and a making way for the new. Embrace all that comes your way. Know that you are being led to even more expansion, more love, more joy. Know that God is with you and guiding your path. Tune in and listen for that still, quiet voice within. The answers you seek are there.
