Change is the only constant in life. However, change can be unnerving, transitions feel risky. New jobs, new relationships, new chapters – they can be exhilarating, terrifying, and everything in between.

Change is a catalyst, but change needs anchoring as well. So, how did I stay afloat amidst the many changes that life has thrown at me? Here are some tips on how to support yourself, all learned through personal ups and downs:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Allow yourself to feel the full spectrum of emotions – excitement, fear, doubt, even grief. Bottling them up only amplifies their power. Talk to a trusted friend, journal your thoughts, or take a Nature walk–do whatever helps you process your emotions in a healthy way.

I like to journal and walk. It helps me collect my thoughts and also releases pent up emotions.

2. Embrace Uncertainty: Change means letting go of the control and comfort we had over a routine. However, control means clinging on and that hinders our ability to adapt. View the unknown as an open road, full of possibilities. Accept that you won’t have all the answers, and embrace the flexibility that comes with not knowing. Learning to adapt along the way is the best way to become adept at handling change.

Make a new routine for yourself. Find something new to learn, even a simple thing like gardening helps you anchor your roots. It teaches about growth and expands your idea of the potential in the world around you.

3. Anchor Yourself in Values: When the ground beneath your feet feels shaky, find your centre. Reflect on your core values, the things that truly matter to you. They become your compass, guiding you through periods of change and uncertainty. You are strong enough to overcome challenges that life has dished out.

Pause, reflect, make a list of the values that form a stable base. Personal development and life’s transitions go hand-in-hand.

You might like to read about The Transtheoretical Model (also called the Stages of Change Model), developed by Prochaska and DiClemente in the late 1970s, which gives all the stages of change and the psychology of change.

4. Build Your Support System: No one sails through life alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, who offer understanding and encouragement. These individuals, whether friends, family, or mentors, become your safe harbour, anchoring you in times of turbulence.

5. Practice Self-Care: Transition is taxing on both mind and body. Prioritize self-care practices that nourish your well-being. Exercise, eat healthy meals, get enough sleep – these seemingly simple acts become the foundation for resilience and inner strength.

Looking good is one way of feeling good. You can make a vision board for change management.

6. Celebrate Small Victories: Change is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on the small wins, the baby steps you take each day. Celebrate these milestones, no matter how insignificant they may seem.

Acknowledging your progress keeps you motivated and reinforces your belief in your ability to adapt.

I attended a masterclass where the speaker suggested a BINGO board and then a set of rewards for yourself with each goal accomplished. I thought it to be a brilliant idea.

7. Find Meaning in the Journey: Transition isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey itself. Ask yourself: What can I learn from this experience? How can I grow from this challenge? Finding meaning in the process helps us embrace the uncertainty and navigate the ups and downs with greater understanding and resilience.

Remember, you are stronger than you think, and with the right support, you can emerge from each crossroads even more empowered.

Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to seek professional help when needed. Therapists and coaches can provide invaluable guidance and support during challenging transitions.

If you are financially strained, then let the internet be your coach. YouTube and social media have many free classes floating on them, choose your ‘mojo’ and let that become your support system.

While the change of work has been a tough journey for me, I took advantage of the many free motivational and personal growth masterclasses floating on social media. I picked up tips from these classes and learned many new things, albeit in bits and pieces. They gave me food for thought and I did not waste my time overthinking about the challenges. I changed my brain patterns by thinking about the solutions and how to emerge out of the challenge profitably.

Personally, the simplest methods that support personal growth and career changes, and work for me are journaling, nature walks, meditation, vision boards, books, masterclasses, and courses for new skills to align with a new me.

So, take a deep breath, trust your inner strength, and set sail on your journey of transformation. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change that you want to see.”

Support yourself to be able to support everything else.

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge.

This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter.