Life in transition. That phrase basically sums up the first half of 2020, huh? By all accounts, there are more transitions on their way. In many, if not most, instances, we have little or no control over the events that alter our lives. Unexpected changes can, therefore, throw us for quite a loop.
It is an essential life skill to learn how to best navigate transitions and still manage to thrive on the other end. Such life skills are attainable through a committed combination of self-care and professional help.
Define “Unexpected Changes”
Of course, this can be very much in the eye of the beholder. Even so, there are some common themes, e.g.
Divorce, separation, abandonment
Injury, accidents, illness
Financial crises, job loss, retiring, changing careers
Relocation, buying a new home, empty nest syndrome
Natural disasters
Victimized by abuse or a crime
The Impact of Unexpected Changes
Besides the obvious outcomes of the events on the list above (suffering, money struggles, loneliness, etc.), you will likely experience a flood of emotions. Fear, anger, resentment, shock, and more — sometimes all at the same time. This toxic cocktail may lead to:
Anxiety or depression
Social withdrawal or isolation
Self-harming behaviors
Lashing out at others
The first steps to slow this momentum can arrive in the form of self-help. Here are five suggestions to get you started.
5 Ways to Navigate Unexpected Changes and Thrive
1. Focus on Your Response
You have been jolted. A change has taken place. All that you can control now is your response. It sounds basic but this is the fundamental truth. Every single time you feel yourself sliding headfirst into the abyss, ask yourself if you can control it. If not, acceptance is the key to moving forward.
2. Seek Support
Life transitions are rarely solo acts. Lean on trusted allies to get the kind of support you need. Trust yourself and others enough to ask for help. Articulate your emotions and stay open to suggestions, wisdom, and productive guidance.
3. Practice Gratitude
No matter how much chaos is swirling around you, you can practice gratitude in each moment. It might be nice weather. Or a bite from a favorite meal. A friendly dog who has crossed your path may be reason enough to appreciate life. The past hurt you and the future scares you. The idea here is not to forget that good things in life continue to exist in the here and now.
4. Open Your Mind to New Ideas
Allow yourself to entertain the possibility that something you don’t want (or think you don’t want) may not be what you think. Again, you can’t un-change what’s changed. So, why not intentionally try to see your current situation with new eyes?
5. Introduce Small Changes Into Your Life
This brings us back to step #1. It’s no fun to feel out of control. Thus, it helps to exercise whatever power you have to initiate small changes. It could be as basic as a food or clothing choice, but it will be soothing to feel some semblance of control in this a tough scenario.
Seeking Guidance For Your Life in Transition
One of the trickiest aspects of unexpected change is how it can shake your foundations. In such a state, you may not be at your best in terms of life navigation. This is precisely why so many people work with a counselor to develop the grounding they need.
You and your therapist can simultaneously address the urgency of the situation and the longer-term implications. Working as a team enables you to ease the immediate jolt of change. It also lays the groundwork that will sustain you until you begin to thrive again. I’m here to lend support. Please read more about life counseling and reach out soon for a consultation.
