Doing Well In The Midst Of Big Change

I thought this topic to be fitting for May, since May is Mental Health Awareness Month because many of us are going through big changes right now. It seems life has turned the page into a new chapter for many of us. Here are some ways to do well in the midst of big change.

Break down the task that looks daunting into manageable pieces. “Slow and steady wins the race,” as the Aesop Fable “The Tortoise and the Hare” teaches us. Take it step-by-step, and pretty soon, it is all completed.

“Just keep swimming” as Dory showed us in the movie, “Finding Nemo.” When fear freezes you up, start the best you can; sometimes that’s all that’s needed. A parked car is harder to get moving than one that’s already moving. Do your best.

Realize that doing your best is all you can do, and it is enough. Anyone wanting more than that of you is asking more than is possible to give. Your best is enough.

Many times when something going on is intense, it often feels like it is going to last forever, but realize it probably won’t.

Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Because the unknown is what seems insurmountable, while the known may even be more manageable than you thought.

Have a big decision to make? With your Significant Other, each of you make a pros and cons list for each side of the decision and then talk it over. With which option does your and their peace lie? Repeat several times in your quiet place. The answer will become obvious.

Pray and meditate on the “Serenity Prayer”: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” So many times we waste energy on things we cannot change.

Find a trusted emotional healthcare provider that you work well with and helps you reach your goals. Receiving emotional healthcare shouldn’t have a stigma; one of my mottos as a healthcare practitioner is, “I support successful people.” Another is, “Why carry burdens when you don’t have to?” Receiving emotional healthcare is a way to be stronger, reach higher goals, let go of burdens, get past blocks, and go further than you could be yourself. Especially with working through big changes, it’s good to have some support. The Beatles got it right when they sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends.”

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