Change is Inevitable

I just attended a Grand Traverse Woman network lunch and I had the pleasure of hearing Anne Bonney (http://www.annebonney.com/) speak about change. Her thoughts and input were spot on!

It made me reflect on how change can be interpreted differently and it sparked a thought about how we can do it well.

First and foremost, we have to accept that change is inevitable. Secondly, we will never truly be comfortable with change.

Most days we get up on the same side of the bed and follow a daily routine. There are those days where everything gets turned upside down and it is usually the result of change. Perhaps a change in family status- you're pregnant. A change in job status- you're fired. A change in your health.

One way or another there is a moment that we all have to face change and the difference between us is whether or not we embrace the change ahead of us. If we are prone to anxiety this could potentially be paralyzing and cause us to sit in a stupor. We might not choose change but it will choose you.

If we have a bend toward adventure, change can be exciting, illuminating almost like a thrill ride, say a bungie jump. The thing is we don't realize what we are getting ourselves into, until we jump.

So how do we marry fear and joy all under the umbrella of change? I would say one step at a time.

Don't get so far ahead of yourself that you miss the moment - stay presently focused.

Remember your previous success and how you moved through change historically and how you can recognize the emotion of fear that eventually led to victory.

Don't compare yourself to anyone else. You are unique and your story is just as important. Invalidation of ourselves is a game changer and it will never lead to soul peace.

Do your homework. Don't assume you know how to do something just because you have done it before. Ask questions. Talk to someone who has gone before you. Accept that you won't be perfect.

Facilitate change because it is what you are being called to do. Even when it is scary, the road ahead can be mastered. Nothing worth pursuing ever came easy.

In my life journey the times that I have had the biggest challenge in front of me were the times that I actually grew the most. I am sure there have been times when my decisions seemed wrong to others, but nonetheless they were mine.

We grow from experience and we learn through change and that risk is inevitable. If we want to experience more abundance in our relationships we have to go through the eye of the hurricane. If we want to get promoted to that next level in our jobs we have to pretend we know more than we actually do. If we want to live life out loud we have to get off of the couch and move toward something.

Change is actionable. Change is risky. Change is inevitable. Embrace it!