This is similar to changes in life, whether they flow smoothly step-by-step, or we go on a roller coaster ride, the common denominator are the parts that make us who we are.
Life changes can involve changing jobs, careers, moving, starting a family, separating, retiring, buying and selling a house and many other things.
How we deal with these circumstances depends on our readiness, resourcefulness and general outlook on life.
Some people prepare for the worst. Unconsciously, they are waiting for a disaster to happen. When this occurs, it confirms to them and others around them that they knew it would happen. Such an expectation is a heavy burden to carry.
On the other hand, being reckless and not paying attention to the events around you, or escaping from the world resolves very little. The balance is somewhere in the middle.
Preparing for the future can be extremely rewarding when you develop your strengths and deal with your weaknesses. Especially when you look back and compare where you were in the past.
As we travel on our individual journey, we grow by achieving our goals, aspiring to new heights or navigating setbacks, loss and pain.
Learning from experience, we become stronger and more adept. This can be illustrated as moving along an upward spiral.
Climbing around the spiral, a new turn presents challenges and we may feel thrown back down, but rarely do we go back to the very beginning.
With every turn we climb higher and higher and evolve through learning both consciously and unconsciously.
Learning begins in the unconscious and then we catch up consciously by analysing, drawing conclusions and mapping out new strategies.
In the kaleidoscope of life staying true to yourself may seem impossible at times, but it is this internal glue that holds together all the pieces.
“Knowing thyself” has deep merit when it comes to challenges. Rational decisions, clear plans and analytical responses often become high jacked by our emotions.
If emotions stay hidden, eventually they will come to the surface - gradually or all at once in a burst. Developing awareness around how you are feeling is a skill.
This helps control impulses and offers a better perspective. We often deny ourselves this inner connection - due to our upbringing, social stereotypes or our desire to be strong.
Think about this for a moment - if you drive a car and accelerate and brake at the same time - how stressed would the car be? How far would it go? And how much maintenance would be required?
Life is all about change, by changing our thoughts, feelings and actions we can allow our being to adapt and evolve into a shape that we want it to be.
The final outcome may be hard to predict, but as we take steps to move forward the real person can emerge.
Like a butterfly that is feeling safe in its cocoon, and at some point breaks through the folds leaving behind the warmth, the comfort, the darkness and the familiar environment; it opens its wings to fly and enjoy the movement, sunshine and being alive.
This is worth the experience and the beauty that the butterfly brings to the world.
Contact Anya at change@positivecoaching.com.au
