10 things

How we deal with the changes in life impacts how well we deal with
life itself. Do we see change as an opportunity for growth, or do we desperately
try to hang on to the status quo? Here are some tips to help you weather changes
and smooth out the bumps in your life.

1. Expand your horizons.

Use the change to learn something. Now is the time to become
computer literate, learn to take great pictures with the camera that's on the
closet shelf, or brush up on your writing skills in a creative writing class.
You'll learn something new and meet people who share a common interest with you.

2. Live a healthy lifestyle.

Pay attention to the food you eat to fuel your body. Choose
protein-rich foods, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. As food
fuels your body, sleep fuels your brain. Get 7 or 8 hours a night if possible.
Exercise daily. It goes a long way to making you feel better.

3. Use your support network.

When you're feeling sad, confused, or overwhelmed, don't hesitate
to contact a friend, family member, clergy member or therapist. Choose someone
who will listen to you in a safe, non-judgmental way. Talking is a great way to
lighten your load as you work through your change.

4. Volunteer.

Give your time to help others and notice how rewarding it feels.
When your life seems to be in total upheaval, helping someone else puts things
in perspective. No matter how dismal things may seem, there are always plenty of
people who would gladly trade places with you. Remember that.

5. List the stable things in your life.

When change is swirling all around you and you feel totally off
balance, make a list of the things in your life that remain stable. What is your
daily routine? Do you wake up at the same time each morning and have coffee and
read the newspaper before work? Are there favorite television shows you watch?
Do you attend religious services each week? Listing the routine things you do
will remind you that there is some stability in your life.

6. Take your time.

Life can change in an instant, but it takes time to adjust to the
change. If you lose your job, don't expect an immediate adjustment to your
unemployed status. If you are widowed or divorced, it will take time to settle
into a new routine as a single person. Understand this and allow yourself to
ease into your new life situation.

7. Explore the opportunities in transition.

A door opens because another door has closed. This may be the time
to investigate something major like moving from a house to a condo or maybe to
another location. Perhaps you want to change your image with a makeover. What
about getting involved in local politics or opening a home business? All things
are possible.

8. Keep a journal.

Keeping a journal is very therapeutic. Write about how the changes
in your life are affecting you. What are your feelings? The journal is for your
eyes only, so write from your heart. No censoring your entries. That defeats the
purpose of journaling.

9. Take time for yourself.

Are you busy caring for others and neglecting yourself? When your
life is in transition, it is important to make time for yourself. To function
effectively, you must come from a place of wholeness. We all have the same 24
hours every day. Make yourself a priority, even if you have to set something
else aside. If necessary, schedule a daily appointment with yourself and keep
it.

10. Grieve for what you are losing.

Any change involves the loss of something. Give yourself
permission to grieve for what you are losing no matter how trivial others may
think it is. This is something you must get through in a way that is meaningful
to you so that you can move forward without regret.