Thriving in the Midst of Change

How you noticed that change is the only constant in this world? Even the situations we thought would never change go through large and small transformations. Whether it’s an undesired change in a living situation, job or relationship, many times it’s difficult to envision a positive future. We all have heard that “when one door closes, another door opens.” If we stand looking at the closed door for too long, we may be focusing in the wrong direction. We may miss an opportunity or learning experience that will move us forward on our life path. 

We can choose to embrace change or move through it kicking and screaming. Change stirs up energy and can promote a fresh way of looking at life. Of course, we must acknowledge our feelings but it doesn’t do us much good to stay in the “victim” place for an extended period of time. When change happens to us, without our blessing, we must find ways to go with the new flow. Symbolically, if we are caught in a tumultuous ocean current, it’s better to go with it instead of fighting it. We will use less energy and be more proactive in shifting gears to move forward.

From a mindfulness perspective, we will suffer less if we acknowledge the reality of our situation and then choose how we want to react to it. That’s the only thing we can control is our reactions, thinking and behavior. I believe that wisdom, courage and a positive outlook are essential to transforming the reality of change. If you get quiet and go deep within yourself, you can ask for the wisdom and strength to move to the next step of your journey.

Below are seven ways to get through a rough patch of change. I’ve personally worked through challenges by using these methods and they work. In fact, they’ve inspired miraculous, positive shifts that I could not have imagined beforehand.

1)     Have Faith – It’s easy to have faith when everything is going according to plan but when things change, that’s when blind faith comes into play. Remember you are not alone. Shoni Labowitz, in her book, “Miraculous Living,” says to “take God as your partner.” It feels scary to think you have to go through these changes alone. Ask the universe to show you the way. Ask your inner guidance for instructions. Then… listen.

2)     Stay Open to Positive Possibilities – Many times when things change in a seemingly negative direction, we are literally and figuratively “screaming NO” to the whole situation. This is a problem because we are actually screaming “NO” to the universe, which is opposite of what you want to do. You must open up your energy field to attract positive situations, positive people and divine intervention. Say “YES” if you can, but at the very least, say “I’m open to all positive possibilities” out loud as often. Don’t close off your positive attraction magnet by saying “NO.” Stay open and you will be astonished at how your situation can change for the better. This is called mental feng shui.

3)     Talk Out Loud to Your Angels – I know it might sound crazy but I’ve found that a great place to talk out loud to your angels (real or imagined) is in your car. If you don’t have a car, try it in your bedroom or shower. With strong intention, ask your angels to give you a sign that everything will work out. Many years ago, there was a specific day I remember feeling very stressed financially so I started talking to my angels as I was driving. I asked out loud for a sign that I would be taken care of financially. This is no joke. Three hours later, I returned home to discover an envelope stuck in my front door. It was a card from a client with a $1000 check inside! I was shocked and amazed. This check was not a payment. The card simply said “please accept this gift as appreciation for the changes you’ve inspired in my life.” Needless to say, I talk to my angels when the need arises.

4)     Take Care of Yourself – In order to have the energy to move through change, you must nourish yourself with healthy food, daily exercise, meditation and time to connect with loved ones. If you can, find time to spend in Nature by sitting under a tree or walking in the park. Nature’s energy is very healing to the mind, body and spirit. Take deep breaths and say kind words to yourself like “this too shall pass.”

5)     Be Grateful for What You Have – In times of change, focus on all the things, large and small, that you still have in your life. Whether it’s a hot meal, a cozy bed, a hug from your loved one or waking up to sunny day with blue skies, count your blessings. Literally, count them. Write them down and read them over and over again. You can keep a gratitude journal on your night table and write your list the moment you wake up and again before bed. Try with all your might to see your glass as “half full.”

6)     Ask for Support – In times of need, your friends and family are your greatest resource. When you are going through change, ask for love, support, company and general assistance. On many occasions, your friends want to help you but are not quite sure how. It’s up to you to ask. Be specific in your requests and be grateful for their presence in your life. One of my lessons is that it’s alright to be vulnerable and ask for help. Vulnerability doesn’t equal weakness. It means that we are human.

7)     Create a Sacred Space – It’s essential to have a place in your home to rest and rejuvenate. The bedroom is the most important space to focus on. Remove clutter, make your bed, open the drapes, place a plant on your dresser and light some pink candles. Pink is the color that opens your heart. Your heart must be open to receive positive change. You should create a calm space that comforts you during times of change. In addition, thriving plants and flowers bring positive energy and happiness into your life.

We are not meant to be super heroes but we can, like the bionic woman, have vision that’s beyond what we can see with the natural eye. It’s important to create ways to thrive in the midst of change and envision a positive outcome. Using these tools, you will be calmer and stronger as you ride the waves of change.