Transitions can generate excitement or stress

The transition of seasons is a fitting metaphor for the changes in our lives and within each of us. The yellow, orange and curry colors of the leaves looked bland yesterday, yet now are a bold contrast against the dusting of snow that fell last night. Fall is not over, yet winter weather rushed in to prove it will come—and soon.

Sometimes we have a force in our life that pushes us to a transition. In my last post, I talked about the need for managers and friends to be patient with the timetable that someone needs to move outside their comfort zone. Today, I’m writing to say that as individuals, that if we aren’t doing enough on our own to find the right pace, we might get a nudge (or a jolt!) to push us. Perhaps the snow did that today to warn the animals of the bitter cold that will soon take hold. And while the critters will most likely listen, they may be panicked as they scurry for food. Moving on your own timeline creates less stress, and can even be exciting if you approach a change with a mindset of good outcomes versus being in distress as a result of a crisis.

I am reminded of the time when Grace took months (we’re talking lots of months!) to warm to our friend, Brenda. Brenda is the sweetest, kindest person you’d ever want to meet. She’s also a dog trainer and animal lover that knows how to approach a dog. But Grace took her time to get to know her. After years of progressive relationship-building, Brenda is now very high (perhaps the highest?) on the short list of people who Grace joyfully greets. She loves her. Contrast that with the recent experience she had upon meeting the chiropractor,when Grace willing accepted the touch of Donna’s hands at our first meeting. It was shocking to me to see that occur. It makes me believe that Grace somehow knew that our time with Donna was going to help her.

I think humans are like that, too. When we trust that something will be good for us, we move towards it, even past any fear we have in doing so.

It’s up to us to take the initiative for changes we need or want. We should be aware of our natural strengths and talents then understand what challenges that may pose for us.

For example, if you’re not a very social person, that can be a desirable trait in order to stay focused on a task, without wanting a lot of chit-chat to fill the day. You’d probably wouldn’t put yourself in a job that requires demanding social interactions on a constant basis. But if you are asked to attend a dinner event to celebrate with an important client on the conclusion of a project that you were instrumental in supporting, it’s not a good idea to say you don’t want to go simply because you don’t like to socialize. It’d be better to learn skills to comfortably get you through that situation.

When we’re trying to find the courage to push through some perceived barrier, try to think of all the reasons why it would be good for you to do so.

It might also be helpful to remember that if you don’t find your own way, something or someone else could come along to jolt you, and maybe when you’re least ready for it.