Change happens. No matter our situation in life there are always moments and passages of change that affect us. Sometimes change comes and hits us over the head like the strong man hammer at the carnival. It totally rings our bell! But, sometimes change quietly sneaks in and softly slides into the vacant seat next to us on the bus. It is so subtle we almost don’t notice it.
Yes, change happens in various and different ways for each of us. It can be brought on by outside forces beyond our control, or it can be the result of our own choices and decisions. Either way, what happens next when we are face-to-face with change is what shapes and defines who we are.
Maya Angelou says, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
I know this to be true in my life – and maybe yours as well. How can we truly embrace a different attitude when we are smack in the middle of change? Here are some thoughts I have applied in my own change moments.
- Take a step back. Look at the situation as it was happening to someone else – not you. If you best friend was experiencing “your” situation, what advice would you give her/him? Would that advice apply and help with your change attitude?
- If you’re in too deep, send out a life-line. Get help. It might be a close friend or family member, or you might need to consider professional help from a licensed counselor or therapist. If the change is leading to depression, definitely get help!
- Try journaling the situation and then brainstorm different options for adjusting or accepting the change. Analyze, accept and make a plan.
- Be honest with those around you. If you are struggling, tell those that love you. You do not have to stand alone. Sharing also helps you be accountable for your emotions and attitude.
My life in the past few years has been a bit like surfing on quicksand. Just when I think my feet are planted on solid ground and I can focus on a specific direction, it changes.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, tells us there is a time for everything.
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
A month ago, in the middle of the night, God woke me from my sleep and spoke this verse into my heart. It was evident after doing some soul searching and prayer that my key word for 2019 is “change”. I’m not sure how I feel about this since I personally feel that I’ve been through enough change in the past few years. But, this verse in Ecclesiastes inspires me to know that whatever change I have yet to face, it is but a passing season.
So, change is coming! I can say, “oh no!” or I can peacefully respond with, “OK, Lord. Show me.” I need to a ready and willing vessel, and if need be, adjust my attitude to stay true to God’s direction for my life.
Are you facing change in your life? How have you handled it? What brought you to victory? Feel free to share in the comments below. I will be following up and updating you all at the end of the year with what has changed.
Oh, and by the way, welcome to quite a few new followers to Connie’s Corner. Thank you for join me!
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