Into the unknown: How to better embrace changes in life

assorted colored leaves

Change is the only constant in life.

We all go through changes, big and small, throughout our lives. But how we react to those changes can make all the difference.

Some people find change unsettling and tough to cope with. If that sounds like you, don’t worry. There are ways to better embrace life changes and we will explore some of them.

Acknowledge fear of change

It’s normal to feel uneasy when faced with big changes.

We may feel scared about the unknown, or uncertain about what the future holds. But change is a natural part of life, and it’s something unavoidable.

The key is to learn to embrace change, rather than fight it. This means recognizing and coping with our negative thoughts and letting go of our perfectionism. With practice, we can learn to be more open to change and see the possibilities that it brings.

Be mindful of the present moment

When you’re feeling apprehensive about life changes, it’s helpful to focus on the present moment.

Start by taking a few deep breaths and bringing your awareness to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Notice the texture of the fabric beneath your fingers, the warmth of the sun on your skin, or the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves.

When you take the time to focus on the present moment, it helps to balance out your thoughts. And that can be incredibly liberating—it can help you let go of some of the tension that comes with change.

Learn to be decisive and take action
goals

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Learning to be decisive and take action can help make the transition a lot smoother.

Start by making specific goals for yourself. Having something to work towards will help you focus on the positive aspects of change, rather than dwelling on the uncertainties.

And if you find yourself overthinking things, remember that it’s okay to be uncertain—but it’s not okay to stay in that state forever. After all, change is something that we all have to deal with at some point or another.

Find joy in small things, even amidst change

One way to make change more bearable is to focus on the joy that can be found in small things.

For example, if you’re moving to a new city, take the time to explore your new neighborhood. Check out the local cafes, parks, and restaurants.

Find a route that you enjoy walking or running. Or, if you’re starting a new job, look for ways to connect with your co-workers. Maybe there’s a weekly happy hour gathering that you can join.

It can be helpful to think of change as an opportunity to expand your horizons and develop new and better habits. Maybe you’ve been wanting to learn a new language or practice meditation but haven’t had the time.

A change in circumstances can give you the perfect opportunity to do those things. So instead of seeing change as a negative, try to view it as a chance to grow and learn.

Make time for yourself and your mental health

It’s okay to feel scared or alone when faced with change.

Acknowledge those feelings, and give yourself space to experience them. But don’t dwell on them. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself and your mental health.

That might mean making time for yourself each day to do something you enjoy. It could be taking a walk in nature, reading a good book, or working on a new hobby. Or maybe it’s just taking time to clear your head with deep breathing exercises or meditation.

Making time for yourself is important, especially when you’re feeling stressed. It can help you refocus and recharge so you can better deal with whatever changes come your way.

Reflect on the past, and set intentions for the future
past and future signboard

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As we close, take some time to reflect on the past.

What has brought you to this point in life? What lessons have you learned? What are you grateful for?

Answering these questions can help you get clear on your values and what’s meaningful to you. From there, you can set some intentions for the future. What do you want to achieve? What kind of person do you want to be?

Thinking about the future and reflecting on the past can help lead to a more meaningful life. It can give you a sense of direction and purpose, and help you make choices that are in line with your values.

You may find yourself feeling scared or uncomfortable when changes come your way, but that’s perfectly normal. Instead of resisting the change, try to embrace it. Embracing change means accepting that the situation is new and unknown, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean that you have to like the change or that everything will be perfect, but it does mean that you’re willing to give it a try. Also, remember that change is a natural part of life. Things are constantly changing, whether we like them or not, and the only way to deal with them is to accept it and move on.

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