Whether it is a break-up, a new job, a move to a new apartment, or worse, a move to a new city, times of change can be stressful to say the least. So this year, learn to embrace change, for change is growth, and with each challenge, each change, we only become stronger, wiser, than we were before. So, when you feel the pressures, the anxieties of a time of flux and impermanence constricting around your necktie, or raising your blood pressure levels, remember this.
Change is a part of life.
The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, once said, “No one ever steps into the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” As much as we seek out comfort-zones as human beings, or find ourselves growing complacent with the way things are, change is an inevitable part of our lives. It helps sometimes not to think of ourselves as the man, easy to crack under pressure, but as the river that flows, over every obstacle in its way, finding new outlets, new paths, from which to spring forth. Nothing good ever comes of stagnant waters.
Accept feelings of loss.
Allow for time to grieve. Yes, a new move may be exciting. The prospect of a new love, perhaps even more so. This does not mean you will perhaps reach up for a jar of sugar where it once had been in your life, and feel saddened that it is not there. That it has moved. You have moved. You will no doubt experience either the pang of loss or the warmer, but sometimes no less sadder, sense of nostalgia. As much as you might find a new partner everything you’ve been looking for, Mr Right personified, it is only natural to look on old keepsakes from a former lover with a feeling of longing, remembrance, for the times you shared. This does not make you odd. Or different. Only human.
Breathe.
Those first few weeks of a new relationship are a head-rush to say the least. Your desire to spend every waking minute together is often all-consuming. Perhaps it’s that job you’ve always wanted. Now’s your chance to show your new boss all you’ve got to offer the company. But there is a danger in rushing full-steam ahead. You may find yourself drowning, your resources soon depleting, if you are not careful. So most importantly, with the pull of change, the thrill of a new adventure, just remember to come up for air once in a while. Give yourself a moment to be still. To just be.
Date Published: 05 February 2016
