“It’s Only Change”

“It’s Only Change”

When I read those words in one of my daily inspirational guides, I went ballistic. “Only change?!” I ranted and raved for about a minute letting my pent-up emotions spew out. “I’m an Executive Coach and Motivational Speaker, I am not to supposed to have these feelings. I’m a fraud.” Then I laughed out loud at my hysterics. I am human. There is a lot going on and it’s okay to express the emotions. Amazing once the emotions were out, I could breathe, smile and regain my perspective. Yes, it is only change. Perhaps change on steroids, nonetheless, only change. This too shall pass. There is always a dawn. I’m still standing and so are you!

The villain in Skyfall:
James, what is your hobby?
James Bond:
Resurrection.

If your response to the subject line was similar to my initial response, hopefully sharing my hard-earned wisdom regarding change can help you breathe easier and keep the faith. If you did not have a reaction to the subject line – good for you. I welcome your wisdom.

What I Know for Certain about Change:

We have to want to change.

Though I walk through the valley of death, I don’t have to build a home there. – Louise Hay

Changing our thoughts, changes our world. A change in perspective changes everything.

Men are not disturbed by things that happen, but their opinion of the things that happen. – Epictetus

Our self-talk matters.

We either make ourselves miserable, or we can make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.– Carlos Castaneda

Endings are new beginnings if we choose.

The secret of change is to focus your energy, not on fighting the old, but building on the new. – Socrates

There are no wasted experiences. Each experience is preparation for a bigger life.

Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it a seed of equal or greater benefit. – Napoleon Hill

Change or the proverbial curve ball helps us become more creative, more resilient and more powerful.

We gain strength and courage and confidence with each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face … We must do that which we think we cannot. – Eleanor Roosevelt

Everything always works out for good, eventually, if you hang in there and do the right thing.

All misfortune is but a stepping stone to fortune. – Henry David Thoreau

Accepting the change is simpler and more productive than fighting it, resisting it or being frustrated by it which leads to feeling stuck in-a-spin and powerless.

Serenity comes when you trade expectations for acceptance. – The Buddha

We are stronger than anything that might happen to us – promise.

I know God will not give me anything I cannot handle. I just wish that He did not trust me so much. – Mother Teresa

By reflecting on the changes and what they are here to teach us, we can take constructive, positive actions which builds self-confidence and self-esteem.

The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react. – George Bernard Shaw

We’re only stuck if we think we are.

Whether you think you can or you can’t – you’re right. – Henry Ford

Maintaining a sense of humor helps us keep moving forward.

Don’t take life too seriously, you’ll never get out of it alive. – Señor Frog T-Shirt

We can breathe deeply, smile, repeat five to seven times to regain our composure and perspective.

Every breath you take is a gift to you from the universe. – Thich Nhat Hanh

Life is a series of coachable moments. During these curious times – I prefer the word “curious” over the anxiety-provoking “uncertain” – self-leadership is required. We have the power to make the changes. We set the tone.

Stay anchored in hope. The resilience of the human spirit is awe-inspiring, miraculous and heroic.

Please take care of you to take care of us.

You are not alone. We’re in this together. Here for you.

Sending much health and happiness your way! Ellen

Are you willing to learn and grow from what life is teaching us? Breathe. Smile. Repeat.