It would be nice if everything remained predictable, but that’s not how life works. As I get older, I prefer more routine in my life, but I also know that life comes with changes I don’t always like. So, what do we do when life takes us in a new direction? How do we handle situations when our old ways of life no longer fit our current reality? Here is how to stay positive when life takes you in a new direction.
Accept the Discomfort About the Change
Depending on the life change, it’s okay to feel discomfort about the new stage of life you’re in. If you’re suddenly caring for aging parents after significant health challenges, you may have to put certain goals on hold during this transition. You may also not be happy about your parents’ stubbornness when you’re trying to get them to do things that will make their lives easier.
Seek Support from Loved Ones
When life takes you in a new direction, seek support from loved ones. They can help you process the changes and can offer insights into how the transition will make you a better person. You’re relocating to a new state for a new job, and you feel nervous about the move. Your dad moved around a lot while in the military, so he can give you tips on how to deal with the loneliness and uncertainty of the new location.
Prepare for Your New Way of Life
You can also stay positive during a life change by preparing for your new way of life. You’re working from home, but now you have a new baby. This will require you to adjust your expectations and schedule to accommodate this new journey. Maybe you’ll need to work mainly when the baby takes naps or during his bedtime. Another way to prepare is to find trusted relatives to watch your baby while you work.
Or what if you and your spouse decided to move overseas? Prepare for the transition by learning about the process of moving to the new country and what the requirements are. You can start saving for the passport, visa, and other moving expenses a few months before you move. Learn the language of the new country and talk with your kids about the relocation. If possible, take a trip to the country to find out what life would be like after you have settled in.
Think About the Good Things This Change Brings
Not all life changes bring negative results. Some life changes appear negative on the surface, but are necessary and even beneficial. You were diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes, and you wonder if you’ll ever be healthy again. The good news is that you know what is happening in your body, and you can educate yourself on lifestyle changes that will make life better for you.
Maybe you were laid off from your job of 5 years, but you were stressed out on most days at work. Your boss was also unfair to you at times, and you felt stagnant in that position. Now that you’re no longer at your job, you can figure out the next steps in your life and pursue something more meaningful. You’ve always loved working with children, and now you can explore a career in this capacity.
Maintain Your Regular Routine
Life may bring big changes, but it’s important to maintain your routine. Regular routines serve as an anchor while you go through stressful situations. Sometimes you’ll need to adjust your schedule to accommodate new life changes. For example, if you’re caring for aging parents, you may need to wake up earlier than usual to give your parents their medicines, get them dressed, and prepare their breakfast.
Have a Growth Mindset
Major life changes are a great time to develop a growth mindset. When you have a growth mindset, you can continually grow and improve yourself, regardless of what life brings. Use this transition to reflect and grow as a person. If you’re dating again some years after your divorce, you may be nervous and lack confidence. You can cultivate a growth mindset by learning how to date effectively and understanding what you expect in a relationship.
Have a Grateful Attitude
Gratitude is also important when dealing with a major life change. Right now, you’re struggling to get funding for your new business, and you’re depleting your savings. But you can be grateful that so far, potential customers like your products, and there are relatives who are willing to give you funds for the business because they’re confident in your goals.
Or maybe you were injured and will be out of the office for a few weeks. You can be grateful that you’re still alive and that with recovery, lifestyle changes, and support from loved ones, you’ll get through this setback stronger than ever. And since your boss now lets you work remotely during your recovery, you’ll still earn money and be able to pay bills.
Reevaluate Your Goals and Priorities
When unexpected life changes occur, it’s time to reevaluate your priorities and goals. If you’re a new parent who now prioritizes time with your children, you may decide to apply for full-time remote work or ask your supervisor for more flexible work hours. If a health issue caused you to retire earlier than usual, you’re now more interested in enjoying life and being there for your adult children and grandchildren.
Get Professional Help
Some life changes are overwhelming and tough to handle. In these cases, you may need to get therapy. The therapist can help you process your feelings about the new changes and offer realistic coping strategies to get you back on track. This will especially be helpful if the new changes were the result of traumatic events such as divorce, the death of a loved one, or being the victim of a painful crime such as domestic violence or sexual assault.
Ask for Constructive Feedback
After a major life change, you may not know how to navigate this new season. It’s crucial to ask for feedback from those you trust because their wisdom will give you the insight you need to thrive. Suppose you recently filed for bankruptcy, and while most of your debts are erased, you’re wondering how to rebuild your finances. You talk to your older brother, who filed for bankruptcy years ago. He shares the steps he took to improve his finances and offers additional tips that relate to your situation.
Life’s significant transitions are not just about adapting to new circumstances; they are about discovering deeper strengths, redefining your purpose, and building a more resilient, authentic you. Embrace the learning, cherish the present moments, and trust in your incredible capacity to not only survive, but to truly thrive.