About This Site

Creating a healthy lifestyle should begin with making small changes, like baby steps, in how you live each day. Small changes in how you live each day can lead to amazing rewards.

The articles below are an eclectic collection of topics that interest this author. They are based on personal experiences, research from a variety of books, magazines and internet sites addressing a multitude of topics such as good nutrition, fitness, parenting, grandparenting, the affects of stress, spirtual well-being, grieving and more.

I thank my son for encouraging me to write. Putting my experiences down "on paper" has helped me to organize sometimes chaotic thoughts into something more understandable - at least to me, and give me new direction of self-improvement. Writing can be good therapy.

There is a wealth of information 'out there' and you are also encouraged to read, read, read and find what works best for you!
Afterall, being informed is a great start to living a better healthier life!


Saturday, May 30, 2015

If There Was Ever a Constant in Life It Is ... Change

Change is not easy, but it is inevitable. Things will always change. We don’t have a choice about that, but we do have a choice on how we react to change. We do not have to be the victim, even when we are not in control of the change. Either we manage change, or it will manage us.

Whether you look at change with excitement or dread it, change will trigger powerful effects in your body and your emotions, often creating stress; a feeling that your life is spiraling out of control. Learning to manage change can increase your sense of control and steer your life into a positive direction.

The three most common reactions to change are negative ones and should be avoided! They are:
1. Don't fight it, just go-with-the-flow. An attitude of complacency sets you up for a lifetime of stress, anxiety, pain, and fear

2. Coping with change can be like placing a cover over the ensuing stress, limiting your choices and making you feel trapped, victimized, isolated, missing out on opportunities.

3. Fighting change will sap your energy, create frustration and anger. Persons who fights change can find themselves lonely and victimized.

Learning to manage change means adjusting your way of thinking. Managing change as a process similar to making bread. There are specific ingredients to be used and steps that must be followed. Both making bread and dealing with change takes time.

It may seem easier said than done, but we must CHOOSE to give positive meaning to life changes. Always remember that no one's life is free of change. Learn to breathe and be flexible. Managing change means we should be prepared to move with the changes because they ARE going to happen.

Consciously choosing to think this way will allow us to experience a positive difference in how we handle change. We can thrive on change when we learn to manage change rather than have it manage us.

Here a a few tips on learning to manage change, giving yourself a greater sense of well-being and fulfillment:


  • Acknowledge that you are in the midst of change and that it is a part of you. It can take some practice to become aware of change rather than subconsciously denying it.
  • Face your feelings about the change, especially when the change is imposed and beyond your control. Figure out what your worries and fears are.
  • Determine when to accept and when to reject the change. Reflect on what you are accepting, what you are rejecting, and what you are doing something about. You will be amazed at how effective your choices are. Consider reading the *Serenity Prayer to help you with your choices.
  • Adopt an attitude of anticipation, and be grateful. Welcome change as an opportunity. Find the benefit somewhere in the change. There is always a benefit and an opportunity.
  • Choose your thoughts and attitudes about each change. Remember! Negative thoughts block your creativity and problem-solving abilities. Positive thoughts build bridges to possibilities and opportunities.
  • Learn to relax. A relaxed mind and body allows you to deal well with change. Activities such as exercise, or deep breathing helps most of us relax. Choose the way that works best for you.
  • Set smart goals to consciously guide the change. Smart goals include establishing priorities – life balancing. Determining the order of what is most important (family, career) will keep you on track and prevent setting unrealistic goals. Smart goal setting helps you decide how to make the change happen and to recognize your successes.
  • Communicate! This is probably one of the most important tips for managing change. Talk with supportive people who can help you deal with stress. Family and friends may provide insight on how best to manage change, particularly when the change affects others. Consider professional counseling also, such as a Life Coach, or other certified professional counselors.
  • Journaling is an excellent way of placing personal focus on managing change / stress. Try keeping a journal for 3 days. Write about the changes as you see them. Write out your goals and your plans to meet them. Write about your feelings. Write about the positives. Each day note 3 things that you are grateful for. Write about the choices you make in your thoughts and attitudes. At the end of the 3rd day, you will notice a more powerful attitude of successfully managing the changes in your life. You will also find a greater respect of yourself as one of the key supportive people in your own life!


 

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