By Julie Fuimano, MBA, BSN, RN
Change is often very difficult for
people to accept and yet it’s
happening every minute. The only thing
certain is change. When you find
that things are not as you want them
to be in your life, it’s time to
get comfortable with change.
The Comfort Zone
Change means many things to people. It means stepping beyond the comfort
zone and into the unknown. The comfort zone is that place where you are
accustomed – it may or may not actually be comfortable; you can be
miserable but avoid change because at least you know what to expect
within the confines of where you are now.
In order to transform, you need to be willing to take a chance to learn
something new. You need to be open to possibilities other than what you
are accustomed and know that you will grow and become stronger in the
process. This new learning experience will expand your comfort zone
offering you increased personal freedom.
Change
What does change mean to you? How do you cope when placed in a situation
where something needs to change – and that something is you? Change
isn’t always bad. In fact, usually, the change results in better things.
Often the fear of change is really the fear of not knowing what’s around
the other side of the change.
If change connotes fear for you, start noticing how the fear impacts
you. Recognizing the fear – where it comes from and what it feels like -
is an important part of moving forward. Embrace the feeling; don’t
ignore it. But as you embrace it, ask yourself how the fear serves you?
What is it you’re really afraid of?
Change means responsibility. Change starts with accepting responsibility
for where you are right now, knowing that you have the ability to take
your life from where it is and create what you really want.
Responsibility starts with an increased awareness of the way things are,
the way you are. Not the way you think they are but the way they really
are. Two things are required for initiating change, openness and
willingness – an openness to a deeper understanding of what is possible
and a willingness to let go of the way it is and what has come before.
In order to transform, you must focus on the vision you hold for the
future instead of how it has been in the past or even where it is today.
It means getting clear about what you want and the vision you see for
yourself, then making a commitment to make it happen.
Change also means excitement, challenge and opportunity. Being open for
possibilities means creating a life beyond what you can think of today.
It means that there are no limits to how wonderful life can become if
you are open to receive that which the world has to offer. Keep the
focus on what you want your life to look like and stop putting up with
people or things that get in the way of your dream. Identify the source
of those obstacles and eliminate them. Remember, you are responsible for
your life and it’s course. Stop getting in your own way! Right now, this
minute, you have the power to change your life. Make the commitment to
no longer accept mediocrity and you have taken the first step.
Moving forward
Initiating change can be done in small increments – a small shift in
thinking, attitude and actions can create dramatic results in helping
you change the course of your life. Believe that you can create a better
life and visualize yourself there. What will it feel like on your new
path? What you think about most of the time, you bring about. You can
choose what you think about. Don’t focus on what has to change, rather
think about what it is you want – that vision you have for your future -
and you will naturally move in that direction. Immerse yourself in
thinking about your new vision. Create a picture, collage or write about
your vision and post it where you can see it regularly.
Some changes are inevitable, like the changing of the seasons and the
passing of time. You have a choice over how you experience these events.
You can perceive them as a rich part of the wonders of life or as an
unfortunate interruption of your routine. People who have difficulty
accepting the passing of the years are often the ones who are not fully
living. It is from this lack that they fear the loss of time. And yet,
they have the power to choose a different experience.
Getting Ready
What needs to happen for you to be ready to change course in life? What
lessons are presenting themselves to you right now that you must learn
in order to move forward? What needs to happen for you to accept
responsibility for creating and embarking on a new path? Be honest about
where you are and where you want to be. Years have a way of slipping by.
If you are not ready now, then identify what you need to learn in order
to move forward. Wake up! Your life is waiting.
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