Embracing Change

From time to time, I will share a variety of topics related to personal growth and development. These thoughts are part of what we do at the Preacher’s Pen, but also related to our efforts at 4031 Coaching.

Today, we will mention a few tips and strategies on “Embracing Change.” Change affects every aspect of our lives from family, work, church, etc. We are all impacted by change and how it gives us opportunity.

Here are a few thoughts to share.

Embracing Change

Change is an inevitable part of life, and it can be challenging to navigate. However, with the right mindset and tools, you can learn to embrace change and use it as an opportunity for personal growth and development.

Here are some tips and strategies to help you deal with change in a positive and productive way.

#1 – Acceptance

The first step in dealing with change is acceptance. As the saying goes, “The only constant in life is change.” Life is always changing, and the sooner you can accept this fact, the easier it will be to adapt to new situations. Remember, acceptance doesn’t mean giving up or being passive; it means acknowledging the reality of the situation and choosing to move forward.

Sometimes, change is an opportunity to get out of our comfort zone and move forward. Remember, Abram and God asking him to pack up everything and move. That is one change in his life that brought great opportunity.

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy

Remember, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8.28

#2 – Don’t Get Too Comfortable

It’s easy to become comfortable in our routines and resist change. However, change often happens when we least expect it, and it’s important to be prepared for anything that comes our way. By staying open to new experiences and being willing to step outside of our comfort zones, we can build resilience and learn to adapt to change more easily.

Our comfort can give way to apathy. An individual may become so comfortable, they find themselves complacent and apathetic toward moving forward.

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts

Remember, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12.2

#3 – Talk About Your Feelings Towards Change

Change can bring up a range of emotions, and it’s important to acknowledge and express these feelings. Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling, whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with others can help you feel supported and understood, and it can also provide new perspectives and insights.

As Christians, we can talk to our spiritual family. Most importantly, we should be taking to God. (Philippians 4.6) Throughout change, our communication with God should be a priority.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs

Remember, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5.7

#4 – Try to Turn the Change in Your Favor

Change can be challenging, but it can also present new opportunities. Try to look for the silver lining in the situation and see if there are any ways you can turn the change to your advantage. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth and development. The change we are experiencing may work out to be a great opportunity that we can imagine.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor Frankl

Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4.13

#5 – Keep Changes You Can Control to a Minimum

Change can be overwhelming, especially when it happens all at once. If you have control over the changes in your life, try to introduce them gradually to give yourself time to adjust. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

There are times in our life where changes bring worry. Those times of worry are moments we probably want to avoid. As Christians, if we believe God is in control of our lives, then our worries should be made known to Him. Consider the words of Christ in Matthew 6.19-34)

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates

Remember, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14.33

#6 – Join Support Groups

Sometimes, change can be so significant that we need the support of others who are going through similar experiences. Consider joining a support group to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Sharing your experiences and learning from others can be incredibly helpful and healing.

The biggest support group Christians have is their brothers and sisters in Christ. As we pray for one another, support one another, and look out for one another, we should know we are loved. The experience of like-minded brothers and sisters will help us gain much throughout life. They will be a support network we can count on.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

Remember, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10.24-25

#7 – Trust Your Instincts

When faced with change, it’s important to trust your instincts and listen to your inner voice. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to speak up or remove yourself from the situation. Remember, you are the expert on your own life, and you know what’s best for you.

You might trust yourself because of your experience and ability but remember the One who designed you with your strengths and abilities. We have gained much in this life, but never forget the One who gave us those opportunities.

“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” – Benjamin Spock

Remember, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3.5-6

#8 – Change Can Lead to Unforeseen Opportunities

Change can be scary, but it can also open up new doors and opportunities. By staying open to new experiences and embracing change, you may discover new passions, meet new people, and find new paths in life. Remember, every ending is a new beginning.

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer

Remember, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Here are a Few Actionable Steps

Practice acceptance by acknowledging the reality of the situation and choosing to move forward.

Step outside of your comfort zone and try something new to build resilience and adaptability.

Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling and seek support if needed.

Look for the silver lining in the situation and see if there are any ways you can turn the change to your advantage.

Introduce changes gradually if possible, to give yourself time to adjust.

Join a support group to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

Trust your instincts and listen to your inner voice.

Stay open to new experiences and opportunities that may arise from change.

Remember, change is a natural part of life, and with the right mindset, tools, and God, you can learn to embrace it and use it as an opportunity for personal growth and development.

Keep moving forward, and trust that everything will work out in the end.

If you are a Christian, your change to live for Christ is powerful. Consider Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5.17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Just some thoughts,

Change Starts with You – The Power of One Series – Part #2

Change Starts with You

Change is a word that many people fear. However, change is necessary to growth and opportunity.

Beginning to create change and make a difference starts with one person and their behavior… You!

The knowledge that one person’s behavior is able to create change and make a difference in other’s lives may feel both overwhelming and empowering. However, while it might seem overwhelming and empowering, you must remember this is part of the process of growth and opportunity.

On one hand, putting focus on yourself can feel more comfortable than believing the entire world must change for something great to happen. On the other hand, it can feel like an immense mountain to climb all by yourself.

You must remember not to lose heart while doing good.

If you are changing for the better, do not lose heart. It is rewarding to know the best way to create change in others and the world, is by changing yourself first. Creating change in yourself begins with personal responsibility.

Take note that being responsible for your actions is the beginning step on the road to influencing others.

When you change, others see a positive change, and the results that follow, they want to make a positive difference as well.

Here are some words found in the back of No More Mondays by Dan Miller (page 241) (Amazon Link) attributed as found on a tomb dated A.D. 1100 of an Anglican Bishop at Westminster Abbey:

When I was young and free, and my imagination had no limits,
I dreamed of changing the world.
As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change,
so I shortened my sights somewhat and
decided to change only my country.
But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years,
in one last desperate attempt,
I settled for changing only my family,
those closest to me, but alas,
they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize:
If I had only changed myself first,
Then by example I would have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement,
I would have been able to better my country and,
who knows, I may have changed the world.

People make their most significant impact in areas that mean the most to them. A child who struggled with not having enough food to eat growing up might grow to be an adult who works to end hunger. Someone who didn’t have access to education might spend their time promoting literacy.

Creating personal change makes a difference in life. Each one goes through personal trials, struggles and more. The ability to create change and take place, even in the storms of life. When tragedy strikes, there are usually two reactions people experience: (1) depression, or (2) an urge to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

People are different in the manner they handle situations. Two people can face the same situation and have radically different reactions. One person may fall into deep depression and retreat from life, and the other may use their issue as a starting point for making a difference.

Our desire is to create positive change in our lives so we can assist others in making positive chance in theirs.

There are as many unique ways to make a positive change in other’s lives. You can start to make a positive change by asking yourself a few questions:

What is something about which you feel strongly?
In what ways do you naturally give your time and your resources to help others?
What are you gifting to others?
In what areas of your character do you receive the most compliments?
What events have happened in your life to create space for concern and empathy for others?
What are the things you know how to do that can make life easier for others?

Beginning with these questions will start your thinking about what matters to you. They will help you also answer what personal and unique experiences you have had that can help you make an impact.

You can start with the answers to these questions to realize that you already have the tools to do something, somewhere, that will ripple forth and make a change for the better.

When you realize you have the tools and the experience, you can move forward with confidence that you can make an impact, and that no matter how insignificant you feel in the grand scheme of things, you are vital and very much needed.

So, what are you willing to change, positively to extend your impact to those around you?

Just some thoughts,