Mind Matters: Coping With Change

Mind Matters: Coping With Change

All of us experience change. In fact, change happens regularly for everyone. Some people consider change as a challenge and embrace it by looking forward to what is ahead. Others (like me!) resist change because we are comfortable and secure with things the way they are. Change can trigger a fear of the unknown.

Change is going to occur, so don't allow it to get the best of you through fear or frustration. Take charge by dealing with change and use it to your advantage. Change challenges our personal comfort zones, but you can use change to grow and improve your life in many ways.

Here's Four Ways To Cope With Change:

1. Attitude: One of the ways I cope with change is to remember that when one door shuts, another one opens. When change occurs, I try not to focus on the shut door, but look ahead for the one (or ones) that are going to open. Whether you focus on opening doors or the silver lining in the cloud of change, flexibility and a positive attitude toward change will allow you to feel empowered.

2.  Feel the Feelings: When change occurs, it may be a forced change and leave you feeling vulnerable and not in control. Experience whatever feelings of sadness, anger, fear, or worries that may arise, but you don't have to take on the role of being a victim to the change.

3.  Re-Group: Change can rock us from our norm. Just like when you fall off a bike, you get back on. If the change makes you feel off balance, look for the parts of your life that are consistent (family, friends, or job). Lean on the solid aspects of your life that allow you to feel a sense of control as you go through the change.

4.  Support: Reach out for support. Ask for help from family, friends, and your OH support group. You have an entire world of support 24/7 as an ObesityHelp member. Support is as close as your fingertips when you write a post on our message boards or join an OH Group.

ME MINUTES

Use your Me Minutes by spending some time with the above four steps for change. You can talk with family and friends, journal, or post about your process as you work on the four steps. If you are struggling with head hunger as a result of the change, be aware of this and journal your food on our HealthTracker to make sure you stay on track. Change is inevitable, but don't allow it to knock you off track. Stay on the journey of your healthy WLS lifestyle.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cathy Wilson, PCC, BCC, had RNY surgery in 2001 and lost 147 pounds. Cathy is a regular contributor to the OH Blog and authored the "Mind Matters" column in ObesityHelp Magazine. Cathy is a licensed pilot and loves flying. She is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). Read more articles by Cathy!

 

-Photo courtesy of ulisse albiati