Is change something to celebrate? Often times when we think of change, fear is our first emotion. Most people do not like to think of change, because it feels like something out of our control. When you think of change what feelings come to mind; fear, doubt, anxiety, terror, dread, the unknown, unexpected, anger? Or do you look at change with feelings of; excitement, enthusiasm, anticipation, hopefulness, eagerness or even joy?



You have probably heard the saying, ?Change is the only constant in life.? Since change is constantly occurring, then we must learn how to accept it, and even learn to celebrate the changes.

Understanding change will be your first step to celebrating change. Change has several faces. One face is Reactionary Change. This is the type of change that occurs suddenly, and therefore we must react. An example of this type of change could be an accident, a death, a sudden loss of a job, illness or a divorce. The change requires us to react and realign our life.

Another face of change is Anticipatory Change. With this type of change you have advance warning, so you are able to anticipate the change. An example could be retirement, getting married, moving to a new city, or having a baby. This type of change allows us to plan for the effects on our life.

And then there is the face of the Unknown Feeling Change. With this type of change, you may not know exactly why you want a change, you just know you want something different. An example of this type of change maybe choosing a new place to live, trying a new route instead of the normal route, or trying something new at your favorite restaurant. This type of change allows you to explore choices and options.

The last face of change is Not Quite Right Change. With this type of change you feel that something is not quite right and that there could be something better. An example of this type of change may be deciding to redecorate the house, get a new car, or just make an improvement in your life. With this type of change you are seeking a change for the better.

As we come face to face with change we will realize the impact on our life. Regardless of your emotional state surrounding the change, there will be an effect on your life. You may feel a fundamental change, which truly changes who you are at your core, your essence. Or you may encounter a revelatory change, an epiphany that gives you that ?a-ha? or "light bulb moment" type of change. Or you may experience a habitual change, where you change a habit.

With all change there is a process that occurs. The process doesn't necessarily happen in a specific order, but as you progress through the change you will typically experience each aspect. First you will realize that the change is occurring, although this may take some time to recognize. Once you recognize the change is occurring, you will have to factually disengage from the past. To do this you will need to see what the current state is, see there is a new way and accept that change is occurring. The most difficult process in change is emotionally disengaging from the past. You may realize there is a change but may not be accepting the change, and be yearning for ?how it used to be.? If you can see the anticipated end you will begin to process through the change and be on your way to the learning curve. This is where the opportunity begins. With each change there is the opportunity to learn and grow. Once you are completely through the change and on the other side you will internalize the lesson, and therein lies the true blessing of change.

There is a goal oriented way of getting through the process of change which may help you move from fear of change to acceptance and celebration.

The steps are: 1. Identify and define the change. 2. Communicate the results of the change. 3. Recognize what is NOT changing. 4. Remember your own greatness, strengths and qualities. 5. Identify the positive feeling the change will bring. 6. Make a new plan around the change. 7. Find a support network.

If you focus on the positive aspects change can bring to your life, you may find the blessing and celebrate change. Even a difficult change offers us the opportunity to grow spiritually, and may open new paths that we could have never anticipated. Change is a blessing (sometimes in disguise.) Life is in a constant state of change. Learning to follow the steps outlined above will help make change easier and even enrich the process. The next time you face change, celebrate; a new you will be emerging!