The only thing that is constant in life

Many of us must have come face to face with many challenging moments or situations in our lives those we never really. In addition, at the same time, we wonder if ever we can overcome such moments or situations. As they say ‘the only constant thing in life is change’. Changes are bound to happen in our lives but how do we cope with such changes if they eventually happen to us, that it does not in one way or the other affect us negatively. Some changes that happen are not only desirable, but we yearn for it, while others are for the worse, but then no matter the circumstances, there are effective ways of managing and coping with any eventual change in our lives.

Life, by its nature, determines that we will have to face change in our lives. It does not matter whether we planned it or not. Of course, some changes are far more dramatic than others are and some people cope better with changes than others. To many people, accepting the inevitability of change induces stress, physical and emotional symptoms. Most people see change as a beast threatening their status quo, their sense of security, and need for control.

Change demands that we let go of the security blankets of our past ways of doing things in order to embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth, which sometimes come with risks and the unknown.

We have the illusion that we can manage change by controlling our environment, however, change can truly only be managed from within ourselves.

Gandhi said you must be the change you wish to see in the world. Striving to develop an open mind and flexibility in the face of change is the most effective way of dealing with change. By relaxing your hold on the past, you can learn new ways as most of us feel that we can hardly survive once there is a slight change in our lives.

Alexander Graham Bell wrote: “when one door closes, another door opens”, but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which are open for us. Coming to terms with change requires looking at life through new lenses, adjusting your frame of reference. In managing change effectively, what is most vital is having a right attitude with a positive outlook. This would provide the flexibility factor in the face of change. “Many times I have been faced with changes in different situations and I just gave up on the whole situation. I was not patient enough to think things over, maybe if I had been more calm and enduring, I would have been able to see better things ahead that came through that change. For I now believe for every change God allows to happen in your life, there is a purpose it is just left for you to find the door that has opened up for you,” says Biodun Jaye.

For many, it seems like the end of the world. “There have been times when I felt that I could not carry on with life, because I was finding it difficult to adjust to change. The change came so suddenly. I was used to the good things of life and never had any compassion for those who were struggling with life, but things changed and I was placed in the shoes of those who had to beg to survive. Only then did I realized how insensitive and inhumane I have been in life. I believe there was a reason for the change in my life and I am glad that it has a made a positive impact on me. Change always has something in stalk no matter what, all we need is to take a drastic look at the whole situation and you will be able to adjust almost immediately,” says Jafar Abdul.

“A life without change is one that is doomed. I have come to realise that life is all about change, there is nothing constant in life no matter what. Life is really a never ending spiral of change, if I can borrow the words. Change in our lives only makes us stronger and wiser. Facing changes wisely rather than running away from them is the best thing you can do for yourself if you ever find yourself in such a situation” says Binta Ahmed.

To be comfortable with change we need some fixed unchangeable points of reference. In our world where virtually everything is changing, we are bound to feel insecure and anxious about what the future has in stock for us. Coping with change follows the same process and steps as grieving. If we live in total ignorance of any potential change in our lives, shock is likely the result if eventually change creeps into or occurs in our lives. We must understand that life is full of transitions as we age, our lives and roles change too.

There are many things in our lives that change and not always in the way we want it to be. Change and transition do not always have to be bad, it could be difficult to cope with at first but with flexibility, wisdom and tolerance we can always find a way in every change. Believe that in every change there is always a door for a second chance in our lives.

When you think you cannot survive the change look back at your life and you will be surprised the changes that you have been able to cope with without paying very keen attention to it. We can survive and strive through change with ease and comfort. Your wisdom on how to handle it is the one constant thing in a world of constant change and transformation.