I was attending a workshop today on “Managing Change” and one theme that runs throughout is change “happens” to us all whether we like it or not. We cannot preempt it but we can certainly adapt to it. It’s also helpful to note the different cycles we go through when we experience any change from “endings” – feelings of denial, shock and anger, to a place of “exploration” – feelings of confusion and finally to “new beginnings” – feelings of acceptance, creativity and freedom.

Jack Canfield’s formula of E(Event) + R(response/reaction) = O (outcome) springs to mind. We cannot control the events that happen in our life, hence change is the only constant, but by either “responding” (putting conscious thought into it) or just “reacting” (on emotional autopilot) we directly affect our outcome. So we still hold control over the outcomes in our lives and can navigate through the murky waters that change brings about by “choosing” our response. Much harder to actually do in reality, but definitely worth it.

I was attending a workshop today on “Managing Change” and one theme that runs throughout is change “happens” to us all whether we like it or not. We cannot preempt it but we can certainly adapt to it. It’s also helpful to note the different cycles we go through when we experience any change from “endings” – feelings of denial, shock and anger, to a place of “exploration” – feelings of confusion and finally to “new beginnings” – feelings of acceptance, creativity and freedom.

Jack Canfield’s formula of E(Event) + R(response/reaction) = O (outcome) springs to mind. We cannot control the events that happen in our life, hence change is the only constant, but by either “responding” (putting conscious thought into it) or just “reacting” (on emotional autopilot) we directly affect our outcome. So we still hold control over the outcomes in our lives and can navigate through the murky waters that change brings about by “choosing” our response. Much harder to actually do in reality, but definitely worth it.

Fear of the unknown is probably one of the biggest deterrents to change. People decide that it’s not worth it to step outside their comfort zone, it’s much easier and safer to stick with their routine. But, we have to want more out of life than being content, no matter how scary change may seem, it’s worth it.

For my dad, change was another chance, and I wish everyone thought of it this way without having to go through what he went through. Thanks for your insightful comments!

Fear of the unknown is probably one of the biggest deterrents to change. People decide that it’s not worth it to step outside their comfort zone, it’s much easier and safer to stick with their routine. But, we have to want more out of life than being content, no matter how scary change may seem, it’s worth it.

For my dad, change was another chance, and I wish everyone thought of it this way without having to go through what he went through. Thanks for your insightful comments!

But maybe that’s what keeps life interesting, too. Maybe it’s how you react to that pop quiz, to that sudden change.

I really think that fear of the unknown is kind of why people remain so settled in their routine — it’s surely why I tend to feel safe in mine. It’s habitual, it’s a cocoon; if nothing can surprise you, if nothing changes, then you can’t get hurt, right? I think that we’ve both realized that change happens whether you want it to or not. And I think you’re right on — you can’t be ready for it, it never comes at a convenient time. You just have to stare it down, as you say, and embrace it. Because you never know when that change will be for the better or what it will feel like to realize that you aced it.

On another note: I think it’s beautiful that you liken change to having another chance…I think if we all looked at change that way, rather as something foreboding, maybe we would be a little more willing to embrace it when it comes. And it always comes.

Wonderful writing, Sam, thanks so much for opening up and sharing!

Thanks, Matt, for featuring Sam in your series!

But maybe that’s what keeps life interesting, too. Maybe it’s how you react to that pop quiz, to that sudden change.

I really think that fear of the unknown is kind of why people remain so settled in their routine — it’s surely why I tend to feel safe in mine. It’s habitual, it’s a cocoon; if nothing can surprise you, if nothing changes, then you can’t get hurt, right? I think that we’ve both realized that change happens whether you want it to or not. And I think you’re right on — you can’t be ready for it, it never comes at a convenient time. You just have to stare it down, as you say, and embrace it. Because you never know when that change will be for the better or what it will feel like to realize that you aced it.

On another note: I think it’s beautiful that you liken change to having another chance…I think if we all looked at change that way, rather as something foreboding, maybe we would be a little more willing to embrace it when it comes. And it always comes.

Wonderful writing, Sam, thanks so much for opening up and sharing!

Thanks, Matt, for featuring Sam in your series!

No matter how many bad cards life has dealt your way, this is still YOUR life, whatever time you claim to have wasted before is in the past – you still have a lot ahead of you, so what’s holding you back from changing things for the better. Is it the anxiety disorder that is PHYSICALLY making things difficult? Or is a lot of it just the thoughts of a wasted life and being stuck in the mindset that your life sucks so much you can never make it better?

There are some things you can’t control, but there are a lot of things you CAN. You have posted several times here – and every post has been so negative on yourself. My advice to you would be to stop focusing on the things you can’t do, things you can’t change – and start looking at the things you CAN. Maybe it’s a small thing here and there, but your life is not over man, you can’t think like that, it’s an uphill battle, life in general is an uphill battle, but keep on keeping on Jaym, and seriously, if you ever want to chat, or have someone listen, send me an email. I’m a good listener, and I won’t charge you anything for advice!

No matter how many bad cards life has dealt your way, this is still YOUR life, whatever time you claim to have wasted before is in the past – you still have a lot ahead of you, so what’s holding you back from changing things for the better. Is it the anxiety disorder that is PHYSICALLY making things difficult? Or is a lot of it just the thoughts of a wasted life and being stuck in the mindset that your life sucks so much you can never make it better?

There are some things you can’t control, but there are a lot of things you CAN. You have posted several times here – and every post has been so negative on yourself. My advice to you would be to stop focusing on the things you can’t do, things you can’t change – and start looking at the things you CAN. Maybe it’s a small thing here and there, but your life is not over man, you can’t think like that, it’s an uphill battle, life in general is an uphill battle, but keep on keeping on Jaym, and seriously, if you ever want to chat, or have someone listen, send me an email. I’m a good listener, and I won’t charge you anything for advice!