Change is a true constant in our lives.  It begins the moment we’re born and ends when we take our last breath.  While change can bring such joy, it can also bring fear and pain. How we respond to change is the key to thriving and growth.

Situations fall upon us by choices.  And it’s not always our choice that causes the problem.  What is solely your  decision, is your personal reaction to the change.  Somehow when you stop fighting it, you begin your journey of growth.  Easy?  Hardly ever.  Scary?  You bet.  You’ve got to accept it and look for the good, the blessings, the opportunities.  But, you also have to look for the lessons.

I am the master of my fate and the captain of my destiny.   Nelson Mandela

You get to choose when you become the captain of your destiny.  You may opt to stay in your pity party, eyes closed to the reality of the world, but I tell you – open your eyes, open your heart, open your mind to the blessings that the change can bring.

Ask yourself how you can benefit from the change.  Write it down, share it with a trusted friend.  Once you can see the benefits, the growth has begun and the process slowly transforms you.

Our role as captain of our own destiny becomes firmly cemented when we choose to make change work in our favor. But how?  How do I manage to get to the benefits of change?  Try taking a look at your situation from the 10,000 foot view.  Don’t take sides or use a negative judgement, just observe and see the situation for what it is.  Acknowledge where you are and choose whether to stay frozen in your very situation or to take a deep breath and step into a different life.

Now it’s time to adapt to the change.  Once you see things clearly,  make a plan.  Set some short term goals and determine your new path.  There’s no time like the present to be excited about something different!  Carry your glass half full and discover a newness of life.  Visualize where you want to be.

“What’s in your mind rules your world.”

Finally, you enter your new normal, never to be what it once was but with opportunity to be the BEST LIFE you can imagine.  Change can be so challenging but once you look at it in a positive way, you will be the captain of your destiny.

PS Be the change you wish to see in the world.