The Many Branches of Change
Sometime in life, we are going along and we are content with where we are going and how we are getting there. Perhaps we become too content and become set with how things are. I have found that when this happens in my life, I will get the universal two-by-four come hit me and throw me off the course I was so happy leading.
When this happens, I may not want to deal with it and might even ignore it, but in the end, I incorporate that change into my life. I have never had the experience where the change ended up being a negative one, but this view could play into my always trying to be positive and never letting things get me down for long. With some changes in life, this may take longer than others, especially with those beliefs that it would never happen to you or it wasn't in your plan. However, with those "never" statements and those changes that shock me to my core I seek help from others.
After all the changes have taken place and I feel they have been integrated I can take a look back and reflect. I am often given an image and I think it is one many people can relate to. Life is a journey and we are the travelers. As we walk upon the path we've chosen there are many branches and forks. As we walk upon the main path we are presented with a fork in the road. We stop and reflect. Which path do we wish to take? How does each path look? Does one path look easier than the other? Or maybe more inviting? Upon pondering each path and not knowing which one is the better road to take, another one opens up to you. It is one that you would never thought have taking, but suddenly, in that moment you know this new path is the one you want to take. As you enter this new path, your journey picks up pace once again and things begin to open up for you that you never would've dreamed.
If this is happening in your life right now and you are being confronted with different paths and you don't know which one to take, remember to look for those that you never would have considered taking. Maybe those lesser known paths are the one that are best for you to take. It may take a little more work, but in the end, it might be worth it in comparison to the others you were considering. You may also have to change something about yourself in order to see those paths. It might be a long held belief or an attitude. The point is to be open and aware of other possibilities that you did not see or that life might throw at you.
Be open enough to see the positive in whatever changes are being presented to you. If you feel like it is all beyond what you can handle, seek help from someone you can trust and who you feel can help you.
You can also try these techniques:
1. Remember to breathe. Take a deep breath and count to 10. Do this until you feel calm.
2. Meditate. The point is to still your mind not to stress yourself out. This can take the form of exercise, being outdoors, creating an a piece of art or craft, or simply being in silence. Do what works for you.
3. Exercise. This is a great way to relieve stress. Find something you enjoy doing. Some suggestions are hiking, swimming, biking, yoga, or a martial art.
4. Aromatherapy. There are many calming and relaxing scents such as lavender, lemon, mandarin, ylang ylang, rose, or frankincense. There are many scents out there that can have a calming effect. Use what works for you.
5. CAM (complimentary alternative medicine). These methods cost money, but some insurances now cover massage and acupuncture. Other forms such as energy work and reflexology are available by a variety of practitioners and are well worth the money spent. Look for reputable practitioners that have experience or ask for a referral from someone you trust.
