10 Tips for Handling Change Well

How did I end up here? Why do I feel like I’m back at square one? How am I supposed to start over? Can I actually launch something fresh or go in a brand-new direction? Is it possible to reinvent myself and my life? Should I even try to begin again?

When we go through any major life transition, these are the types of questions that keep us up at night, with our hearts unsettled and our minds searching for answers. We long to be successful and have the courage and faith to persevere, and we pray for the future to be good while secretly wondering if we have what it takes to push forward into new and unchartered territory.

When we’re facing a new season of life because of circumstances beyond our control—an empty nest, a divorce, the death of a spouse or child, going back to work after years of staying home raising children, midlife, a new job, a relocation, or a new home - it’s hard to face the unknown with confidence.

When we’ve put so much emotional investment, effort, or time into where we are now, we may wonder if it’s even worth trying to begin again. To reinvent ourselves. To reshape our lives. To start fresh when it seems so much of life has already passed; maybe it’s too late.

When we have a dream sprouting in our hearts but are afraid to take a risk, we are paralyzed by fear and a lack of self-confidence.

When we doubt whether true growth and unlimited possibilities can be part of our story, we stand aimlessly at the crossroads of a new season of life.  

These are the times when we need to recognize that facing change and new seasons aren’t times of starting over, per se, but instead, are seasons of new beginnings. 

The solution to finding the courage to take a leap of faith to reinvent ourselves and our lives is to recognize there is a huge difference between the two.

Beginning again doesn’t mean starting over from scratch without foundation, knowledge, or resources. We all possess memories and experiences to lean on. We have gained wisdom and learned lessons, which have brought us to where we are today. We have developed skills and relationships, endured failures and disappointments, and enjoyed triumphs and successes. We have a story and have lived many chapters of life. We all have a past, yet we aren’t the same people we were in the past, so we aren’t starting in the same place we’ve ever started before.

Beginning anew in the place God has us right now. A place He has held our hands and walked us to. A place He has prepared for us and prepared us for throughout our journeys.

Nobody likes change, but if there is one thing for certain, it’s that change is constant. Transitions in age, life, family, or career are significant changes that occur in every individual’s life. Thus, it is important to learn how to handle change well. 

These ten tips will inspire and equip you to successfully deal with change and transitions in healthy ways and help you enjoy the life God has given you in this season as you prepare your heart and mind for life’s next amazing chapter.

Photo Credit: © Pexels/Rafael Barros