We don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up. (2 Corinthians 4:8 TLB)
Change and stress are both inevitable, but here are some steps you can take to help you cope with them better.
1) Choose your battles. Do you instinctively give in to fear and oppose change, even when it might benefit you? Do you think no issue is too small to be ignored? Do you keep throwing yourself across the tracks, hoping to stop the freight train of reality? Waging war on too many fronts results in battle-fatigue, so only choose battles big enough to matter.
2) Work at becoming more adaptable. What is your most common response to change? Dragging your feet? Assuming a “have to” attitude? Doing only what’s necessary? Once you stop caring, life loses its sparkle and ironically, you become even more stressed. Become resilient! Paul said, “I have learned (and you don’t learn overnight), in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil 4:11)
3) Welcome new experiences. If you’re moving forward your surroundings should be constantly changing. Clinging to the familiar just buys you comfort today at tomorrow’s expense. Don’t do it! Plunge in and take the bull by the horns!
4) Learn to live with uncertainty. Always struggling to stabilize in a constantly changing world is like sweeping water uphill–as soon as you stop, you lose it. Learn to live with uncertainty; “wing it” a little more, instead of struggling to make sure that life always happens on your terms.
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