There are those who welcome change, who seem to sail through life making the most of every new opportunity that comes along. And then there are the rest of us, who love the safety and security of routine and dig our heels in and resist the winds of change with all of our might. The bad news is that change happens, whether we look forward to it or not. It's a necessary and organic part of living. The good news is that change can create new and vibrant opportunities for us if we learn to see it as a helpful tool in our lives.

One part of making change work for you is learning to adapt rapidly. Getting out of your comfort zone and being proactive rather than reactive can make things easier for you in the long run. However, the greatest obstacle to the flow of change is fear: fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear that we won't find something better than what we have now. But with the right attitude, you can eventually have the courage to initiate change for yourself, not wait until it happens to you.

Steps To A Positive Relationship With Change:

1. Don't get bogged down with complications. Keep your life as simple as possible. The simpler your life, the fewer excuses you'll come up with for not heeding the warning signs of change. Because change WILL occur!

2. Pay attention to the rhythm of life. Acknowledge the small changes when they occur, the signs that bigger change may be on its way. Be prepared for what comes next by allowing yourself to examine your options beforehand.

3. Don't entertain fearful beliefs on a regular basis. Acknowledge the fears you have, long enough to examine why you feel that way. Then breathe deep and let them go.

4. Practice adapting to change faster. Instead of isolating yourself after a change you may be unhappy about, consider your options. Move out into an active mode - the mode necessary for change to be beneficial and less upsetting.

5. Dwell in possibility! Recognize that there is always another opportunity out there for you. Step fearlessly into the future and recognize the potential that lies on the other side of your self-defined "disaster."

6. Live with flexibility. After a change occurs, we tend to breathe a sigh of relief and settle right back down into our comfort zone. But always be ready to tackle the process again and again. Since change is the way of life, you'll get better and better at seeking change for yourself at the most optimal times.

--Suzonne Stirling