Let’s face it—change is about as subtle as a toddler with a tambourine at 6 AM. It barges in, rearranges everything, and leaves us wondering if we’re supposed to cry, dance, or both. Whether it’s a new job, a relationship ending, a move across town (or across the country), or just the slow burn of life evolving, change is inevitable. But here’s the thing: how we handle change is not one-size-fits-all—and that’s more than okay.

There’s No “Right” Way to Navigate Change

Some people charge into change like they’ve just been cast in an inspirational Nike commercial—running shoes on, playlist blaring, ready to crush it. Others tiptoe in, slowly testing the waters, feeling unsure or even resistant. And then there are those who freeze, needing time to process, cry, or sit quietly with the unknown. All of these responses are valid.

What matters is that your way of navigating change doesn’t cause harm—to yourself or others. Cry in the shower? Fine. Journal like your pen is on fire? Great. Seek therapy, start meditating, binge-watch feel-good shows for a week? Do it. As long as it’s healthy (or at least not destructive), your process is your own.

When Change Feels Negative—Flip the Narrative

Not all change feels welcome. Sometimes, life rips the rug out from under you, and you’re left trying to rebuild barefoot on hardwood floors. It’s hard. And it’s okay to acknowledge that.

But here’s where the magic happens: you get to choose what the change means to you.

You don’t have to like the change right away (or ever), but reframing it gives you the power back.

Strategies to Thrive Through Change

Acknowledge the Transition
Pretending everything’s fine when it’s clearly not only prolongs the struggle. Say it out loud. Write it down. Tell a friend. Own the fact that something is shifting—and that it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling about it.

Anchor Yourself in Routines
When life gets chaotic, small, consistent routines act like life preservers. Morning coffee, evening walks, a Sunday meal prep ritual—these things ground you. Even when everything else feels like it’s spinning, your rituals remind you that you still have control over something.

Reflect on Past Changes
Look back. You’ve navigated change before—maybe not gracefully, maybe not without tears—but you did it. Remind yourself that you’ve already proven you can weather storms. This isn’t your first rodeo.

Seek Connection, Not Isolation
Change can feel isolating, especially if others don’t seem to understand what you’re going through. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Vent. Laugh. Ask for help. Or, if words are hard, just sit in quiet company. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Set Micro-Goals
Big change can feel overwhelming, like trying to eat an entire cake in one bite (tempting, sure, but messy). Break it down.
What’s one small step you can take today? Then tomorrow? Progress isn’t about leaps—it’s about tiny pivots.

Stay Curious
Treat change like an experiment. “I wonder what happens if I try this…” Curiosity replaces fear with exploration. You’re not failing—you’re learning.

Make Space for Grief (Even for Good Changes)
Yes, even positive changes can come with grief. A promotion might mean less time at home. A new baby brings joy—but also chaos and loss of sleep. Let yourself mourn what you’re leaving behind. That doesn’t make you ungrateful—it makes you human.

The truth is, change will never be easy—but it can be transformative. It can reshape you, reveal hidden strengths, and redirect your life toward something unexpectedly beautiful. And while your way of handling it might not look like someone else’s… that’s the beauty of being you.

So whether you’re holding it together with a planner, prayer, or sheer willpower—keep going. You’re growing. You’re learning. And on the other side of this change? A version of you that’s stronger, softer, and wiser than you ever imagined.