Sudden changes in circumstances can affect people differently. For some it can be quite unsettling, inducing feelings of anxiety and apprehension. Particularly if those changes are not good ones. Even changes that are beneficial, can take some getting used to, especially for those individuals who like the predictability and routine of their lives. I believe that the ability to cope and adapt to change, depends mainly on the type of person that you are.

Those who deal with change best are individuals who are not threatened by change. Who welcome the stimulation and novelty of fresh challenges and new experiences. They tend to be positive and confident about life and enjoy variety. People who are resistant to change or are afraid of it, tend to be those for whom change has proven to be an unpleasant and negative experience, one which they have no desire to repeat. So deep rooted is their fear that something similar will happen again, if they should veer off from their normal habits.

It is important to understand that nothing in life is constant. Everything changes in some form to some degree, every single day. The major life changes we have to deal with such as breaking up with a spouse or partner; Bereavement, job loss, redundancy, or a serious illness. Are pretty scary things, and we all have to cope with them the best way that we can. Some have the mental strength and coping skills, to deal with things better than others. But those skills can be learned, and it’s important to know that you are not alone. There are many support groups out there, set up specifically to help people who find themselves in difficult situations which are new to them.

I believe the only way to deal with fear of change, is to cultivate a more philosophical attitude towards it. To try to see change from a different perspective. Without change, life would become fixed and stagnant. There would be no opportunities to improve ourselves, our lives and circumstances. Some changes are necessary. How many people do you know, who would rather stay in difficult situations because they are afraid of the unknown. Which is what change represents to many. They cannot predict what will happen next. No one can know for sure what the future will bring. To try to control our lives so rigidly, allows no room for movement and growth.

Resisting change through fear of making a mistakes or failing at something, means that people will never learn how to deal with life when things go wrong. It is a cliche I know, but the truth is, that we learn far more from the things we get wrong in life then from the things we get right.  It is only then that we are forced out of our comfort zones, and are challenged to learn new skills and to adapt. Those skills stay with us and can be called upon should we ever find ourselves in similar situations again. Change forces us onto new paths, to meet new people and to seek new horizons. Staying safe to the point where we are afraid to do anything different or new, means we are not really living, simply existing. Yes, there is some risk with change, but more often than not, the benefits outweigh the risk.

What is certain, is that change is inevitable. We cannot stop it. That is a fact. Once you accept this undeniable truth, then it becomes easier to stop resisting it. For it is in the resistance of change, that we suffer the most. Accepting change can be a liberating experience. In as much as by surrendering to the moment and just going with it. You will survive it and more than likely you will ‘thrive’ because of it.  When you come to understand this, will regain a sense of control over your life; Because though you cannot control what happens to you – you can control how you react to it.  Embrace change, do not fear it!