While going through major changes in a marriage, job, or relationship can often feel like an isolating experience, the truth is that change is a central facet of any person’s life. And while experiences such as divorce, career turbulence, or the death of a loved one can be extremely difficult to process, there are ways to move forward from even the most trying situations. Here are just a few ways to cope with change, and why doing so can be a life-changing experience for the better.
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Create an Outlet for Your Feelings
While many cultures tend to pride the “strong, silent” method of coping with problems, the truth is that repressed emotions can come back to haunt us in big ways. For this reason, it is important to find an outlet for your feelings around major life changes. Whether it’s talking about your experiences with a trusted friend or learning a new instrument, finding a way to express your feelings can help you process the changes going on around you.
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Look Towards the Future
Change is never easy for anyone, and it is more often a slow process than a speedy one. However, looking towards the future can help make the process of change easier. While some people believe that all events happen for a reason, it isn’t necessary to feel that life has deliberately thrown a curveball at you to know that change is a central part of any life. Indeed, change can bring about unforeseen positive outcomes; it may enable us to meet new people or discover rewarding pursuits; it may even give us the strength and experience we need to make a difference in the life of others.
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Make Peace with the Past
While most of us find it easy to dwell on the past, the truth is that doing so can compound negative emotions. We can always ask ourselves about what could have been, particularly if we are unhappy with a particular outcome in our life, but it is important to understand that we can no more change the past than we can move a mountain. When we make peace with the past, we truly make peace with ourselves.
For these reasons, expressing our emotions and retaining a positive outlook towards change can help us better understand ourselves and the world around us. The good news is that the right mindset can truly help us understand the centrality and significance of change in any life. And that is a life well-lived!