Life is constantly changing around us, in us, through us, and about us. It’s inevitable that there are going to be changes throughout life. Some will be good, some bad, and some indifferent. Some you like, some you hate, and some just don’t matter.
Obviously the changes you like are easy to deal with and you might even look forward to it! What about the changes in life that aren’t so peachy? How do you handle those?
Let’s explore some of these common changes and the best ways to cope with them.
Job Loss
Job loss is on the forefront of almost every American’s mind right now as the economy declines more and more each day. This type of change can be very stressful, if you allow it to be. However, by looking at the situation differently, job loss doesn’t have to be stressful.
When you’re faced with job loss, try to think of it as a new opportunity to try something new or something you’ve always wanted to do.
Some ideas are:
- Take some evening classes to learn a new skill or trade.
- Make arts, crafts, or jewelry and sell it online or at craft fairs.
- Teach others what you know through tutoring or consulting.
- Start an online business.
The point is to take a step out of your comfort zone and see the many opportunities that lie before you.
Stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t easy though, is it? It does take effort and courage. When you’re stuck in your comfort zone, well, you’re just that – stuck. Who wants to be stuck? I don’t and I would venture to say that neither do you!
To get unstuck, take a step out of your comfort zone and look at other possibilities, instead of stressing over the changes that lie ahead.
Moving
How about moving or transferring to another area? That can be a pretty big change that could cause a lot of stress.
The best way to cope with this situation is to look at it as a time to refresh and renew. I know this can be difficult sometimes, especially when you love the area you live in now. And, of course, you’ll miss all your friends, family, and familiar sites.
Moving away from people you love can be very stressful and difficult, but it doesn’t have to be! You can look at the big move as an opportunity to stretch your horizons and meet new people.
Your friends and family will still be there, and you’ll still be able to keep in touch with them on a regular basis. But you’ll also grow roots in other places, and you just might build even stronger friendships and relationships than you’ve ever imagined!
Focus on the New Opportunities
There are always positive ways to look at things and when you train your minds to look at change as opportunity, instead of stressing out about it, you’ll be happier and healthier.
How you choose to handle a situation will determine how much stress you’re going to allow on yourself. You can either look at it as a new opportunity or a dreadful scenario. The choice is yours. But the sooner you begin to look at life changes as new opportunities, the sooner you’ll enjoy a less-stressed life!
Holly says
What a great way to look at life. There is a cartoon about a man who looses his job. With head hung low he walks past opportunity after opportunity, if he just looked up his life could be changed.
Missy Cantlin Bell says
I am not sure if my comment went through so forgive me if this is a duplicate.
Thank you for choosing this topic. I agree that it is so important to pay attention to our thoughts and keep them in the positive. Keeping our perception in check is something that so many people do not realize they have control over.
Keep up the great work and best wishes during the Ultimate Blog Challenge.
Missy Bell
http://www.peaceandhappinessproject.blogspot.com
Linda says
Holly
Yes it’s easy to walk past opportunities that are clearly in front of us.
Linda Hampton says
Missy
Keeping positive thoughts are not just important to your mind but to your health as well. Thanks for the comment