7 Ways to Survive Change (and bounce back better than ever)

As the earths seasons transition seamlessly from one epoch to the next, so too do we find ourselves inevitably shifting and changing throughout the personal seasons in our lives. These unforeseeable changes can tend to trigger dramatic personal responses, at least initially; but overtime, we come to learn that these changes are more than necessary - these changes are good! Our ability to respond, not react, to change is what marks our level of maturity and stimulates profound growth.

Photo credit: Stocksnap.io

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When you find yourself in the thick of a season of great transformation, I encourage you to make a conscious effort to use the experience as a tool for personal growth and continual development. We’ve all experienced seasons of radical change, some more difficult than others; nevertheless, we must choose to use these experiences as fuel, and allowed it to drive us to even greater destinations. Even when we are not exactly sure where that destination will be, we must trust in the Lord, and do our best to enjoy the ride!

When you find one season ending, and a new season beginning, here are a few things that you can do to bounce back better than ever!

1. Count Your Blessings

​This is #1 on my list because a spirit of thankfulness is not only contagious to those around you, but it is the mark of true leadership and maturity. Even if you are having a hard time understanding why a change is taking place, allowing you heart to meditate on the good and perfect gifts you have been given can do wonders for the soul. So grab some paper, a pen, and start writing your blessings down until all the pages are filled! 

2. Dream Big

​When you recognize your seasons changing, do what you can to dream even bigger dreams for the fabulous future you have ahead. Whether or not you know exactly where or what that future is, learning to verbalize the desires of your heart will lead you in the right direction. Once you verbalize your dreams, you can start creating actionable steps to accomplishing them.

3. Find a Mentor

​No one wants to do life alone. Better still, no one needs to. There are people all around you who would be delighted to act as mentors and guides through our reinvention process; affording you new perspectives and wisdom through the lens of their own personal experiences in life. Find a mentor who is many steps ahead of you, and has already been in a place where you desire to be too one day. If you don’t have access to a mentor, contact me! I would be glad to help you!

4. Change Your Look

​This one may seem a bit surface level, but I am firmly convinced that intentionally changing aspects of your look can do wonders for the soul. It requires a vulnerability and creativity that can be healing when tapped into responsibly (key word – responsibly). Now, don’t take this advice and go spending thousands of dollars on new clothing. Instead, go out and try on an outfit you would never normally wear, and then ask for a sales clerks feedback. Just give it a try and see if you like it! For those of you are unable to hit up the store, I find Pinterest fashion browsing to be an adequate substitution (you can follow My Style board on Pinterest here).

5. Read. Read. Read.

​This one is also important. Inspiration can come from reading about other leaders and individuals who have experienced similar seasons as you are going through now. Mentors and leaders aren’t only found at work/church, but mentors can also be found within the pages of books written long ago. Take time to read up on these historic individuals, and use their experiences as tools to build upon your own experiences. 

6. Take Some Time

​Take time to simply be. Seasons of great change have a way of filling up your schedule with meetings and added deadlines. They also have a way of making you crawl into a hole and completely unplugging from reality. In the midst of your seasons changing, allow yourself time and space to unplug. Travel, explore and discover someplace new. Use this time to reconnect with the Lord. Aligning yourself once again to the foundation of your soul will give you an unexplainable clarity and freedom moving forward. Take some time, but don’t let the time take you. Use the time wisely, and then move on. Get back out there because there is a world of good and perfect things waiting for you to sprinkle your light all over it!

7. Write it Down

In the midst of reinventing yourself, you are bound to experience moments of deep reflection and insight. This is good! When you do, take a few minutes and write them down. In fact, write down as many of these insights as you possibly can. There is a comfort that comes when you realize that your experiences, no matter how difficult, can be used to guide someone coming after you. Write it down to better remind yourself of the details in the future, and be self-confident enough to share it with others when the time comes.

Now it’s your turn. Comment below with other ways that others can reinvent themselves. Check out another blog post titled: 4 Things You Need to Know About Opportunity, and subscribe to periodic newsletters below (don’t worry, I won’t clog your inbox with annoying emails).

Love,
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Stasia Rose