Challenge of Change

Meeting the Challenge of Change

One of the only things we can be certain of is that change is inevitable. Good, bad or indifferent, nothing stays the same. When you think about that within the context of your life, it can be daunting— even overwhelming. Transition doesn’t have to be a struggle though. It can be an opportunity for growth, as well as renewal. The challenge of change you meet in your everyday life can be a source of inspiration for getting more out  of your day-to-day experience, as well as expanding your sense of who you are and your place in the world.

Relationships and Career

One of the most enduring aspects of our experience is our relationships, whether friendships or romantic partnerships. Sometimes those relationships cannot stand the test of time. There can be any number of reasons for this, but the outcome of a failed relationship is, ultimately, an ending. Whether you experience that ending for better or worse, it leaves a gap. That gap is where the work happens. It’s the place you enter into and find an opportunity for growth and change for yourself. It provides you with the chance to examine what happened—or didn’t happen—and what you’d like to see or do differently going forward. Change changes you, and, used as material for your own transformation, the changes you confront can be a springboard for growth, rather than something that keeps you stuck in your sorrow. You may also identify strongly with what you do for work. It’s not uncommon to see yourself through the lens of your profession or career. When changes happen, like job loss, illness, injury or some other eventuality that take you out of that space, it can be confusing and, in some cases, even traumatic. What if you thought about losing your job or having to reinvent yourself because of some other issue as the best thing that could happen to you, as opposed to the worst? A simple shift in perspective in the face of overwhelming change can open the door to limitless possibilities for you and your life.

Death

Probably one of the greatest life transitions we face is death. Losing a loved one, or even someone who is simply close to us, can be a traumatic experience. By the same token, confronting the possibility of our own death is, for most of us, a frightening thought. Many traditions, however, see death not as an ending, but as just another kind of change. In fact, the Buddhist tradition talks about ‘little deaths’, where every change we confront is like a death and should be treated with a balance of respect and possibility.

Challenge or Opportunity

There is little doubt that change can be difficult. Seeing the challenge of change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle can open up a world of possibilities. Rather than being stuck in grief in the face of change, we can access an occasion for reinvention, renewal and even personal revolution. Are you in the midst of a life transition? Do you feel you need some guidance on your journey through grief or the changes you are confronting in your life? The experienced counselors at Greater Hartford Counseling Center can provide you with the support you may need to fully explore your understanding and personal potential.