Human beings are so interesting!

Although change is one constant in all living things, all around me I’m hearing people talking about the stress, anxiety, fear, and worry they are feeling because they are challenged by all the changes that the current pandemic has made them face. The most popular question, apparently, is – When are things going back to normal?

If change is inevitable for all living things, why do humans resist change?

Essentially, it boils down to fear of the unknown.

One reason is that our reptilian brain evolved to protect us from danger – especially unknown dangers. This was critical to survival in ancient times. It was much safer to stay with the known and familiar.

Humans, as a result, often prefer to remain in a situation that causes pain or that doesn’t make sense because it is familiar and known.

This pattern of behaviour is deeply imbedded in your subconscious.
Oh! You thought your behaviour was driven by logic, right? LOL! Fortunately, it sometimes is – especially if you are aware of your thoughts/ beliefs/ patterns of behaviour.

So what does all this have to do with the photo of the chrysalis turning into a butterfly?

I think that butterflies are a great example of how the natural world handles change. For a caterpillar to become a butterfly, it first has to become a pupa. In this state it basically dissolves inside the chrysalis. Formless, unrecognisable as either a caterpillar or a butterfly. Then, when the time is right, it seems to be forced out of the chrysalis as a beautiful butterfly. The caterpillar has to let go completely of it’s original identity.

What do you suppose would happen if the caterpillar decided – I don’t want to change! This is the world as I know it! This is my normal!!

The point I’m making here is that the embracing of change as natural often leads to a beautiful outcome.

Some suggestions on how you could overcome your fear of change:
• First calm yourself. Use breathing, EFT, hypnosis, or whatever else will calm you.
• The first question I ask when facing fear is: What is the worst thing that could happen? How likely is that? Is there anything that I can do to make the odds better?
• What are the possible benefits of this change?
• What could I learn from this? What new skills or character traits?
• Would my awareness and perception of the possible widen?
• In what way could I expand and grow from embracing this change?
• When it comes to worry and anxiety, the question is: What is within my control? Whatever is in my control, I deal with that as best as I can. Whatever is out of my control, I let go. Makes no sense holding on to something I can’t control.

Here’s hoping that you learn to embrace change, in fact become excited by it, and become as a result the beautiful butterfly that you were designed to be!

Look at change differently! Be Free! Spread your wings!

If you would like a hand in dealing with stress, anxiety or worry around change get in touch for a free coaching session. All sessions are online. Email: cheryl@thinkittalkit.com

© Think It Talk It – Sept. 2020