How do you think of the world around you? Do you view the world as fixed or as something changing?

For reasons of stability, we all need some kind of sameness in our lives. The same routines, the same job, the same neighbors, and the same relationships all work together to give us a sense of stability and security.

At the same time, we all recognize that change is inevitable. In fact the pace of change has gotten faster because of technological advance. In this rapidly changing world, our quality of life and our ability to cope very much depend on how we relate to this changing world.

Ever since I married my husband almost 27 years ago, I have relocated to various cities throughout the country, and I have changed roles many times - corporate executive, stay-at-home mom, pastor, homeschooling mom and now professional life coach. Having gone through these transitions, I reflect a great deal on an effective way of relating to the world so I can find more satisfaction out of life.

1.Expect change. When I view change as inevitable and purposeful, I welcome it rather than being afraid of it.

2.Know the anchors in my life. Some things will remain constant no matter where I live or what hats I wear. For me, the God I love, the family I care about, and the Christian community are the anchors that will always stay with me no matter where I go or what I do.

3.Seek out resources that enhance the continuity. Since I moved to the Pacific Northwest, I have felt a need to re-connect with my cultural heritage. I have made special effort to seek out Asian groups that will help me connect with those roots. What might be a part of you that is crying out for a new or renewed connection?

4.Reach out with hospitality. A friend of mine used to say, “If you always play the role of the host and hostess, you will never be lonely.” Every time we move to a new city, we intentionally invite people to our home for dinner and we have made great friends through hospitality.

5.Develop an explorer’s perspective. When we are in the new environment, there is so much to learn and so much to explore. If we go about our adjustment period with the attitude of an explorer, this adjustment is an adventure, not a trauma. Any discovery and learning will give us a sense of accomplishment.

6.Permit yourself to grieve. Change, no matter how welcome, brings grief. By practicing some self awareness and mindfulness, we take note of the emotional changes inside and we find constructive ways to deal with them. This may be an occasion to seek the help of a therapist or counselor.

7.Search for opportunities to grow. Change is the fertile soil for growth. The new environment opens up tremendous opportunities for learning. Yesterday I talked to some high school students who moved into their brand-new campus six months ago. This new campus is only 2 miles away from the old one. Nonetheless the students have to adjust. They are seizing new opportunities such as managing the student store, running a catering service, and hanging out in the open atrium called Agora. What are some growth opportunities in your environment?

How do you see the world around you? How do you relate to change? What strategies have you found to be helpful for guiding your life journey?

I help people figure out what to do with their lives, discover their purpose in calling, identify their strengths, and more effectively navigate life – something called Life Coaching. Please visit me at www.theresaipfroehlich.com