Change comes in all shapes and sizes. I think sometimes we forget that we are constantly in a change process. Even the smallest changes come as opportunities to grow in order to accommodate larger growth down the road. Even the worst of challenges brings positive opportunities (an idea I try to remind myself of regularly).

Last year, during my last move, I bought "Alternative Medicine" magazine at the airport, I guess, and, while I don't recall anything else that stood out about the magazine, I did find that the last page had a huge impact on me at the time. See, the final section, entitled "Exploring alternative therapies: Quest for Healing" introduced me to a new approach to change, one I'd probably heard before, but one that was much less relevant as I sat well-invested in my old, warm and fuzzy comfort zone.

The article taught me a lot. That, coupled with the fact that my husband's coping skills with most things are far stronger than mine, helped me seek out new skills of my own. Since then, it has grown very clear to me that the most important part of any endeavor is attitude.

Now that I'm facing another transition, I decided it was time to brush up on the article's lessons once more. See below.

Excerpts from the article "Nothing is Permanent Except Change" by Judy Brooks, a Q&A with Joan Borysenko:

The Purpose of Change

Change is wiser than we are. Oftentimes the world we want to construct is really quite a small one. Change can break that way open and reveal possibilities we never could have thought of ourselves. Change is an ally, not an enemy.

And now the kicker, about the pains of resistance:

The stress comes when we try to hold on too tightly.

Stages of Change

There are three parts to moving from one stage og life to the next. First, you separate from the world you once knew... Your old life is behind. Next you enter the time between "no longer and not yet." This is an uncomfortable, scary place because you can't control it... The "no longer and not yet" offers new inspiration, breakthroughs, and recognition of overlooked strengths. Finally, you adjust. You begin to form a new life, and you bring with you your own gifts and an expanded sense of who you are. You become more fully human. [How about that?!]

The Benefits of Welcoming Change

During unwanted change, we can hold onto the idea that difficult life circumstances are challenges that provide the framework for growth.

Pessimists

Pessimists take things personally, think problems are pervasive, and believe their situation is permanent.

My husband, uh, I mean "Optimists"

Optimists see change as a challenge. They believe they have choices and can control the outcome of their lives, yet they don't waste time or spin their wheels trying to control the uncontrollable... Change is a challenge and not a threat.

If I haven't packed the book yet, I've got another great resource, an analogy actually, on understanding and managing transition processes that I will post shortly!

To learn more about Joan Borysenko check out: http://www.joanborysenko.com.

To check out "Alternative Medicine" magazine try: http://www.alternativemedicine .com .

Learn more about this author, Liz Reed.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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