By Stefanie Nguyen
Sometimes change is not easy, but with the right mindset, it can be a catalyst for growth
Change is inevitable. It occurs at any given moment, redirecting life in unpredictable ways, both positive and negative. Due to these aspects, our feelings are likely to vary depending on the magnitude of the shift. Some people thrive with change while others reject it. The key to change is taking control of your reaction to it and having the power to make it work for you.
Everyday, most people around the world have similar realities – they just look different based on culture and geography. Many likely eat, sleep, work, or go to school in many countries. I realized these sentiments as an American expat when I relocated to the Netherlands in July 2019 due to my partner’s job. Suddenly, everything I knew in life changed as far as my reality.
I first welcomed the idea with excitement due to so many possibilities, such as traveling to neighboring countries with new cultures. At some point, reality set in that I would be leaving all traces of familiarity. I began to feel moments of sadness – worried about leaving loved ones behind or what the future would look like abroad. Aversion to change is natural since it can create uncertainty. Security is often found in having a routine with predictability. Once I arrived in my new home, I had no choice but to accept it as my new reality and I was subsequently forced to explore my new surroundings. The only aspect I could control was my willingness to discover, which was ultimately based on my attitude.
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Moving abroad, I knew there would be obvious changes, but I never knew how I would feel about the unexpected. There were unforeseen frustrations in varying degrees that opened negative feelings, such as attempting to use appliances in a foreign language or not knowing where I could find everyday essentials. I have realized it’s healthy to feel your emotions, but it is most important to be aware of where they will lead. The act of change has the capacity to motivate you as well as to take it away. I had days where it was difficult to propel myself to embrace my new life, but I also knew I had the power to create my experience as an expat.
Time can be on your side or against you with change, but you need to know how to make it work to your advantage. At some point, I knew that rejecting my new reality would not make it any less real. For example, actively choosing not to learn the country’s native language would only cause more difficulty in adjusting to the new culture I was surrounded by. Ten months later, I am sure my continual learning of the language has significantly improved my quality of life. Being versatile and acclimating to change is an advantage to your well-being if you can figure out how to make it work in your favor.
Once change is acknowledged and accepted, maintaining a rhythm is the next challenge. It’s the part where you ask yourself why you should continue embracing it. What can I learn from this? How does this help me? What is the bigger picture for myself or others? I am a big believer in the notion that you create your own reality. All changes begin as new, but evolve to normalcy in time. Not all changes are easy to accommodate and will have obstacles, but practicing resilience will also create routine. Making the choice to continue anything is an active effort. Find what incentivizes you to keep going since all change is a form of transformation!
The year 2020 has proved to be challenging worldwide. It has continually raised questions and created many changing scenarios. Each person processes change differently so it is important to note you’re doing your best, instead of comparing with the pace of acceptance others may have. The future cannot be predicted, but it can be guided through gradual action and choices made each day. Learning to be present is such an important reminder in acknowledging things as they are when it comes to change, especially when it is unexpected. Once this is absorbed, real change can begin from within.
I often try to imagine the future 5 or 10 years from now and it seems impossible to predict. Then I think 5 or 10 years back and see what has transpired from then to now – years of constant adaptation to whatever has happened! Facing change does not mean disorganization, fear or negativity, it can be empowering with the right perspective and mindset as a catalyst for growth. Just know, you will get through anything if you keep powering through, no matter what your pace is.
Stefanie Nguyen is a freelance writer and explores life as an expat on her blog, Stefa Strolls. https://www.stefastrolls.com/
