Well, after driving across the country, a car breakdown in the middle of the desert and unexpected delays from my moving company, I’ve had to dig deep to find my calm in times of anxiety over the past few weeks.

Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected curveballs our way, often catching us off guard and leaving us feeling uncertain and uneasy. Whether it’s a relocation, sudden job loss, a breakup or health scare, unexpected changes can be challenging to navigate.

However, it’s during these moments that you have the most opportunity for inner growth. Let’s explore five things you can do when facing unexpected change, helping you embrace the unknown and emerge stronger on the other side.

1. Acknowledge It:

The first step is acknowledging the reality of the situation and simply accepting the change. This makes it easier to process the emotions associated with it. Whether they’re fear, frustration, or sadness, give yourself permission to feel what comes up. Taking pause can help you overcome the anxiety and move forward. Acceptance doesn’t mean you have to like or condone the change, but it enables you to move forward with a clearer mindset.

2. Adapt in the Moment:

Resilience is the ability to adapt in the face of adversity. This means taking care of yourself when the feelings of anxiety or overwhelm come up. If you are in a situation that is stressful, do what you can to call a friend, watch a funny movie, sit in the sun. Whatever it takes to calm your nerves and help you gain perspective.

3. Talk to Others:

During times of uncertainty, it’s easy to get trapped in focusing on gloom and doom. Reach out to mentors, friends, or professionals who have experienced similar situations and talk through your worries or fears. Discussing it can help you reframe the situation positively and find hidden silver linings.

4. Seek Solutions:

When action is required to move forward, it’s crucial to set realistic and achievable goals to regain a sense of control and direction. This may mean making a call or request to help you get to the other side of the situation. If you feel overwhelmed, break down your actions to small, actionable steps, allowing you to make gradual progress.

Even if it feels difficult, rely on your ability to problem solve and make things happen and have faith in your ability to move through this. You can learn so much about yourself in these situations and especially once the dust settles, you will look back and see how strong you really are.

For more information on my coaching and how to navigate the challenges of change to create a life you love go to https://noellevan.com/work-with-me and let’s connect.