Transitions...Could use some help

[Calicatt]

Hey all,

I have a big change in lifestyle coming up and I'm a bit scared! was wondering what could be done to prepare emotionally for the change.

To give context:
in about a month an a half I am quitting my job of 3 years (first "real" job) and spending the summer without a traditional job or with a part time job if funds require. After that I'm going to grad school for writing.

On paper it doesn't seem like that big of a change, but I'll have different finances, a different time schedule and different people in (or out of) my life. I tend to take change pretty hard, so I'd really like to prepare for this.

Given your life experiences with great changes, is there any advice you can give on how to be prepare and "ease into" the change(s)?

I know i need to review my finances but have found the budgets per say are counterproductive. I know I need to plan how I will spend my (now free) time, and plan in social events (as I currently experience much of my social life at work). Anything else along these lines? Or what about just basic stress coping tips? I generally take a lot of baths when I'm stressed

[Calicatt]

curious that there have been no replies. People are usually quick to offer advice here. Maybe I focused too much on my own situation, which would help me, but not the group. so I guess here's a more "open" question.

In making major life changes, what techniques, attitudes, exercises, tools, etc have you used (or that you wished you had used) that have been helpful in staying on track and healthy and happy?

[Angela]

Change is something you can count on. You can resist it, or you can surf it. Why not take on 100% responsibility, choose a way of being that inspires you in the waves of change, rather than considering that change is something frightening or stressful or painful that can make you be a particular way.

In that case, what way of being would inspire you?

[relyonhim7]

The idea is to Reprogram your subconscious mind to Fight past these transitions. Change can be tough, I admit it, but when you have the ability to see beyond your conscious state then you have something. Here is a technique: Before going to BED at night, start to speak in the Positive on what you are wanting to accomplish. This will began to reprogram your subconscious... Hope this helps

[Akemi]

Calicatt,

Sounds like you have the great opportunity to face yourself! So many people go from day to day without really thinking what they want in life or who they really are. You have the whole summer to work on this -- consider yourself lucky!

I'm not concerned about your finance. I have the feeling that you will figure that out as needed. What I would do if I were you is to think what I want to accomplish this summer by having this much of time for myself. Change of setting -- new people, etc. -- can bring the awareness of yourself that feels new to you. Don't be scared if you find the new aspects of yourself.

Blessings,

[awakentransform]

Well, everyone is different, but things that help me during transitions:

-jounaling - why not keep a journal just for the summer and reflect on your experience?
-meditation and being out in nature keeps you centered and grounded
-spending time with people who are positive and supportive of your transition
-reading positive inspirational books
-regular exercise - clears the mind

[DayInTheLife]

The best advice I have is learn to make peace with uncertainty. Realistically, there is no certainty about the future. We all desire absolute security (financially, emotionally, physically) but this is just a fantasy that can never be realized.

People try so hard to force this certainty into life by never changing jobs, never trying new things, wearing the same clothes for years, never opening their heart to someone else, but it's all for naught; total security is not possible, not even close.

Like Angela said, if you commit to taking 100% responsibility for your life, whatever form it takes, there is no reason to worry about the future.

Also, learn to identify compulsive thinking about the future, and let go of it whenever you notice you are doing it. Bring your attention back to the present moment, and remind yourself you can only act NOW, and do the most sensible thing. Worrisome thoughts will keep popping up; don't let them snowball, they serve no purpose.

Thoughts are not facts; we have thousands of them everyday... they're just the brain's conditioned opinions and are most often unreliable. It is not perilous to take them with a grain of salt. In fact, it is quite dangerous to trust them fully. Trust your physical senses over your thoughts, they give you better quality information.

The future is just another thought; you can't know it by thinking about it, only by watching it unfold. Enjoy the process! Life is nothing but this process.

[Calicatt]

Wow, thanks! I just told my boss today that I would be leaving, so it was nice to come home to such good advice and inspiration, both concrete things to do and general shifts in mindset. I suppose I do worry too much about the future. I read Susan Jeffers (jeffreys?) book "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway," which in general I found a little disappointing (someone had really talked it up to me) but I like her mantra of "I'll handle it"
what if I run out of money- I'll handle it
what if I get depressed- I'll handle it
what if I get writer's block- I'll handle it!!

Thanks also for reminding me to be *grateful* for this amazing opportunity to connect with myself & grow!