“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” ~ Anais Nin
Amidst chaos, it is easy to see flaws, frailty, and shortcomings. It can paralyze you, making it impossible to accept and adapt to the world as it changes around you. A pattern of reacting to external forces with panic, worry and doubt is easy to fall into. Transformation takes not only work, but acknowledgement that the world is changing, that it must change. You have the power to look at things from a new perspective, and to make a choice to be part of a positive outcome with grit and grace.
Why do we resist change so much when it is the only constant that we can count on? Throughout human history there has been one consistent force that has never wavered, and that is change. Change can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you feel like you have lost any sense of stability in your life. And, if you do not have a firm foundation to start with, accepting and adapting to these changes is even more difficult. Reflection can be a powerful tool to set that foundation and move forward.
“Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have—and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving that up.” ~ James Belasco and Ralph Stayer.
We are all experiencing massive change on a global scale, making this is an important period to set aside some personal reflection time. Reflection can include:
- what your attitude is like (is it helping or hurting you?)
- what you are thankful for
- personal expectations
- acceptance of things you cannot change
- contemplation of other’s point of view
- letting go of old beliefs that may be holding you back
- visualizing what you can do to make a positive difference
Everyone can reflect on change. However, the reflection is only useful if your thoughts and actions transform as a result. Reflection is especially powerful when used in tandem with experiences. Start small, such as reflecting on health habits and what you feel is working or not working, then take action based on those reflections. 
“The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created–created first in the mind and will, created next in activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination.” ~ John Schaar, futurist
As we approach 2021, remember that you can remove your roadblocks, even amid change. Resistance is a part of human nature, but you don’t have to give it power. Take time to reflect on what changes may be imminent in your future. Consider how you are keeping your power by molding your relationship to change in a way that will help you thrive and keep shining your light.
Let us know what helps YOU cope with unexpected change. It may help someone else!