Recently, our neighbors, Libby and Kemp, who lived right across the street moved away after 24 years. We shared our kids growing up and holidays, traveled to their places in Rocky Point, Mexico, and Greer in the Northeastern Arizona mountains. I found myself still checking each day to see if they were home. It was a bit depressing, even though I know they are still in town, it was the old habit of looking over to their driveway to see if their car was there.
Old habits are hard to break because humans like the ease of not having to think about every step or decision. As author H. G. Wells said, "Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative."* He was relating to change being inevitable, something that we have to accept. Yet I have a different spin on his quote - instead of "perish," we can "pivot!"
Try this: When Change Happens, Adapt or Pivot
When something suddenly shifts or a change throws you a curve ball, here are some questions to adapt or pivot, not perish. Ask yourself:
- What can I be grateful for with this change to let go of anxiety or turmoil?
- Are there new paths open to me as a pivot because of the change?
- Is there a ritual to let go of the angst of the change to make it easier to adapt?
This week when a small change pops up, try using these questions to help adapt or pivot. Soon you'll find what makes it easier for you to cope with change.
*H.G. Wells quote, https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/h_g_wells_121062