Preparing for Change

When life is about to change and level up things may get different. It seems as if:

•  Family and friends who were always present or you thought would always be near begin to vanish or their purpose in your life is exposed.

• You don’t quite fit in or connect with anyone around you.

• The environment you are familiar with is changing.

• The feeling of wanting a greater or different life is so demanding and intense, yet nerve-wracking because change is different from what you’re currently used to.

So, How Do We Prepare for Change?

Naturally, living organisms possess the quality of life to adapt. Adapting is the ability to conform to one's current environment, condition, or life changes to maintain and survive.

Adapting to change is not always comfortable, planned, or pleasant. However, adapting is necessary.

Preparing for change can be exasperating as you’re walking into a chapter with any explicit details. Sure you may know somewhat of what you’re getting into such as a new job, new location, preparing for a life change such as preparing for the arrival of a baby, or anticipating a new marriage, etc. However, those small details can cause a bit of anxiety to rise.

Despite the anxiety we may feel before embarking on a new journey, there are still ways to prepare for the greatness that is about to manifest in your life.

I. Trust in God

Oftentimes, when things are changing quickly and drastically in life, it's easy to feel uneasy about what’s happening next. Always remember, if God brought you to it he will bring you through it. Although there may be little understanding about what’s happening next, know that, God’s plan is always to prosper you and lead you to greater!

II. Shift your Mindset

Focus on the positive changes and positive outcomes that are to come with your prospective change. If you focus on the negative, things will seem worse than they truly are. Shift your mind to only seek and think of the positive outcomes in the situation to put your mind and spirit at ease.

III. Physically Prepare

Gather all of the resources you may need to move forward into your new chapter. Anticipate any other factors that may be involved physically for you to grow and thrive in your new environment. Perhaps that means getting a new wardrobe to look the part for your new job, gathering items for the arrival of a new baby, or securing a new home in the city you’re relocating to. As they say, stay ready so you won’t have to get ready!

IV. Find Mindful Moments and Practice Self-care

Sometimes you just have to R E L A X! Make time for leisure activities and self-care routines to alleviate any tension you may be experiencing. Activities may include sleeping/resting, reading a book, enjoying the company of those you love, visiting a spa, or taking a mini or extended vacation. Whatever you do, take and enjoy your leisure time!

V. Sit Back and Take in the Moment

When experiencing change it may be hard to focus on what is happening in the moment, due to the attention put on figuring out what’s next and how to adapt or the extreme focus on surviving your current state. It is possible to become so focused on the things happening during this time of transition that valuable lessons and moments are missed. Observing and taking in the moment is a great way to recognize valuable lessons and to experience meaningful experiences as they may come back as full-circle moments in the future. Be a master of the next level and say ‘Aha, I know what to do in this situation’ versus being a student, while saying ‘I can’t believe I’m in this predicament again’.

Just remember, things are exactly as they should be. Find solace in knowing that things are ultimately going to work out in your favor. In the meantime, practice patience, positive thinking, relaxation, and preparation.

— Teyona Rakell