Life is full of twists and turns ...sometimes it just feels like we're along for the ride.
Some life changes, we seek. Some of those changes seek us out. But regardless of the situation, life transitions can be difficult for us to handle.
Why is that?
Because we are naturally prone to seek out patterns and keep things the same. It makes us feel safe and comfortable. So change completely goes against what our instincts want.
Everything in our bodies and minds are telling us to be scared, worried and doubt while going through life transitions. To stop it immediately because it's not safe.
You can conquer the fear of change though. Below are some steps to help you.
1. Be present in the moments.
When we're going through a transition in life, it's so easy to get wrapped up in worries and all of the what ifs that our minds create.
In meditation, we are taught to feel our emotions and observe them within our body (not judging "good" or "bad"). Then let them float away.
Rather than spending your energy focusing on fears about the future, try to keep your mind settled in the present. Allow yourself to enjoy these moments.
2. Allow yourself to grieve.
We often don't think about grieving when it comes to many life transitions. Grief is our response to loss.
Transitions can lead to many wonderful new things in life, but we also have to remember that we are losing the old ways that we've known.
Even transitions that seem to be positive can be difficult at times. Take moving for example. This can bring experiences like living in a new area, exploring new places, meeting new people. But there is still the loss of your old life, your home, your community, and everything that you knew.
So allow yourself time to grieve during this transition and find ways to cope with the transition process. Give yourself some grace.
3. Prepare, prepare, prepare.
Getting things in order and preparing before a life transition can be one of the best ways to smooth out the transition process.
Research. Make lists. Create goals. Journal. Seek professional supports.
These can all be ways to prepare for life transitions. The more you know and understand, the easier it's going to be when actually going through the transition.
4. Realize that transitions can lead to good things.
Transitions can lead to really good opportunities and so much growth in life.
If nothing ever changed in life then there would be no room for growth.
We can live our lives scared to ever go through any transitions ...or we could embrace change and realize that really good things come from transitions in life.
5. Remember the times you’ve successfully made it through a life transition.
Can you think of a time where you were so scared to do something ...but then you did it and everything turned out okay, right!?
Take transitions with school for example. Most of us get so nervous about these changes. Whether it's middle school to high school, high school to university or a career. But next thing we know, we're settled right in and watching the new people arrive.
Well, just remember that this transition is exactly like that. Our minds are quick to focus on the fears, worries and doubts. Just remember that you've been through this before and you will make it through again!
6. Turn to your support group.
It's been shown that one of the best ways to successfully get through transition is with supports from other people.
Reach out to your family and friends. Work with a mentor. Talk with a teacher or counselor. Join a support group in-person or online where people are dealing with similar struggles and share advice and encouragement with each other.
An outside perspective on the situation can be really helpful. You'll come out with an emotional booster and probably some pretty good advice!
7. Find role models that can inspire you through this life transition.
You might feel like you're the only one struggling right now, but there are tons of people out there who have been or are going through life transitions. They might even be dealing with exactly what you're going through right now.
Take a look around your life, online and books. Find some people who really inspire you to move through this phase of your life.
It can be really comforting to know that you're not the only one dealing with transitions in life ...and sometimes struggling to cope with them.
You're not alone in this!
8. Use this transition to reflect on where you've been and where you're headed.
Whenever I'm creating new goals, I always start with where I am right now, what's happened in the past and where I'm headed to for the future.
This transition is such a great opportunity to take a look into your past and reflect on where you've been. Then start to identify where you're headed to now with this new phase in life.
9. Focus on the positives.
It’s possible that you're not actually wanting this change in your life. Maybe it feels out of your control.
But you are in control of a lot of things. In order to find happiness, you just need to change your mindset.
Focus on the positives of the situation. This transition might be difficult but there are also some positives to it as well.
Take time to journal out all of the positive things that could come from this transition in life.
If you need help coming up with some ideas then reach out to your support group.
10. Realize that change is always going to happen in life.
Whether we like it or not, change is going to happen in life.
Nobody gets through life without going through some sort of change. So when it comes to you ...embrace it.
Without change, life would be pretty boring!
How do you overcome your fear of change? Have you tried any of these?