Dealing with Fear of Change
April 30, 2018
Change is scary.
Sometimes it is outright terrifying. But what’s underneath all that blood pumping anxiety? And what triggers it?
Change (regardless if we label it good or bad) requires a dance of adjustment. Adjustments that keep us on our toes and induce stress. Some adjustments are small. Some adjustments reconfigure our entire life.
Consider our comfort zone like the grooved rock carved by running water. Our brains learn to evaluate the world around us early on and develop core beliefs. We become comfortable with how we believe things are or should be. Routine, relationships, identity...
Further, when change does arrive, our past experiences with change often informs how we interpret what change means (good, bad, painful or positive).
We like what we know.
Add new information into the equation and suddenly our familiar system is disrupted as an UNKNOWN element is introduced. Disrupted reality, stress, and fear of the unknown opens the door to vulnerability.
Fear often dances intimately with other emotions and expressions (sometimes paradoxically) like excitement, as well as doubt and grief. Rarely is fear alone.
So how do we lean into fear and embrace ourselves through the process of change?
Consider these suggestions:
Allow yourself to process the change. I.e. Freak out if and when you need to. (Safely).
Love yourself fiercely through the process.
Find and focus on the silver lining. What is the positive, empowering aspect of this change?
Practice embracing your fear and the unknown. They are life companions, here for the ride.
Lean in, and move forward. There is power in movement and commitment.
Seek support from a positive and supportive person or activity in your life.
Consider, how are you experiencing change in your life right now?
Thank you for taking the time to journey with me today!
From my heart center to yours,
NOEMI
