{"id":1503,"date":"2021-06-01T22:58:36","date_gmt":"2021-06-01T12:58:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/?p=1503"},"modified":"2023-09-04T22:59:32","modified_gmt":"2023-09-04T12:59:32","slug":"navigating-change-embracing-inevitable-positive-future-central-coast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/navigating-change-embracing-inevitable-positive-future-central-coast\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating Change: Embracing the Inevitable for a Positive Future"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

by Adrienne Garside<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is 45 too young to be a curmudgeon? I found myself pondering this question as I attempted to navigate a new customer relationship management system recently. Sure, it would make all our work processes more efficient, saving time, money and hassle. But in that moment, it all looked like Greek to me. Learning to do things differently always takes significant time and mental effort. Another question bubbled up from my subconscious mind: \u201cWhy can\u2019t things just stay the same?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We humans tend to resist change, even though it has been described as the only constant in life. This has never been more apparent than right now, when literally every person is dealing with a global pandemic. Of course, the extent of the upheaval is not shared equally. Wealth, age, race, gender, health status and other demographic factors also play a role in determining how easily one weathers life\u2019s unforeseen storms. Though nobody can avoid change altogether, there are some ways to make it less traumatic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember the serenity prayer<\/strong>
Most people who have been through or closely witnessed addiction recovery are familiar with this practical advice: \u201cGrant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.\u201d Even in the face of unwanted change, you have the power to choose your response. One option is to drive yourself crazy by ruminating endlessly on feelings of helplessness or frustration. Or, you could channel that energy into creating a plan of attack. Focus on the actions you can take rather than the emotions you are feeling. Breaking out of unhelpful thought patterns is a key step in adapting well to change. I\u2019m not suggesting this is easy \u2013 ask for help from family, friends, neighbours or professionals if you\u2019re stuck deeply in a rut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep an eye out for the upside<\/strong>
Sometimes our darkest moments yield unexpected benefits that are not immediately obvious. Again, the current health crisis illustrates this perfectly. Here are just a few welcome side-effects caused by the disruption:<\/p>\n\n\n\n