How do you handle changes in your life?

Have you ever had a day like this? It was nice and sunny and we were going to plant some flowers. We got the bags of dirt outside, together with the pots of flowers and planting tools. Then suddenly, the storm clouds came out and it started to pour. We quickly brought the plants and planting tools back inside. This cycle happened several times during the day. Just when we were ready to give up on our planting plans, the weather calmed down, the sun came out and we were able to go ahead with our project.

That got us thinking that the changes in the weather are kind of like a metaphor for life. In both weather and life, the best laid plans can go awry by unexpected changes that happen. When it’s been nice and sunny and then the storm clouds of life come up, what do you do? We thought about resiliency, the ability to rebound from changes and possible adversity.

Here are some ways we have found useful to become more resilient in handling sudden life changes. It’s good to have a Plan B, a contingency plan, for when things don’t go as you wanted them to go. It’s also helpful to be surrounded by friends and family who love and support you. When important decisions need to be made, you may want to consult with an expert. In addition, it’s beneficial to look to your higher power for that strength beyond your own strength.

Epictetus, a wise philosopher, had a quote that we like, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” We recognize that is not always easy to do. We also know that how you react can determine how your life goes on after the changes have happened. We recently saw a graphic that said, “When something goes wrong in your life, just yell ‘Plot Twist!’ and move on.” Wouldn’t authors love that (plot twists). If we think about it, we are all authors of our own lives.

We decided to go out and ask some people what they do when they have ”plot twists” so they can be resilient. We met Charu Chadha and her dog, Snowy. We asked her how she keeps going and stays resilient when tough things happen. She responded, “I have two kids and they make me run around all the time. I pick them up after school. We have a bunch of activities in the evening. That keeps me distracted and their running around makes me keep going.” She admits that Snowy also keeps her busy. Today she was watching her child play baseball at the park. She is a very busy mother who keeps resilient through caring for her family.

Then we met Phil Pogge. When asked how he remains resilient when things are not going the best, he answered, “I think it is just practice. It’s always going to happen in life. It’s happened in the past so the key is just to plow forward and get it done.” Then he shared, “I have a little one and I own a business. There are things that happen at home and at work that are challenges. You just have to keep going, figure out what you want and go make it happen.”

Both people we talked to have children and they shared that keeping busy helps them to be resilient. What about you? What do you do to be resilient and handle the changes in your life?

Here’s a challenge: Take time to look at how you react when faced with changes, especially unexpected ones. What could you do to be more resilient? What is your Plan B? Who can you trust among friends and family to be there to support you? How do you keep in touch with the strength from your higher power? What activities help you to make it through the tough times into the better times? We wish you happiness in the fair weather times and much resiliency when the storm clouds of life appear. We would enjoy hearing how you handle the “plot twists” in your life.

Chanhassen residents Doug and Lynn Nodland are owners of The Balance Center. They can be contacted at WeCare@SharingLifesLessons.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2017 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.