As I watched Barack Obama’s victory speech on TV, I felt my eyes moisten and the hairs on the back of my neck prickle. I’m not an avid follower of politics. I paid only scant attention to the Presidential campaign stateside, so my reaction was a surprise to me. What touched me was his compassion, thoughtfulness and his burning passion to change things. All politicians come into power wanting to change what has gone before – but this feels different. He talks of wanting to ‘heal’ the nation, of seizing the future, and listening to everyone, especially to those with whom he disagrees. And his slogan, “Yes, We Can” is the most incredibly powerful affirmation. Perhaps then in Obama there is finally a world leader who will help guide people through the massive changes that I believe we are all going to see in the next few years. A man who welcomes big changes – so his country and the world may reach a much better place than it’s in just now.
Change – when you haven’t chosen it
Today I want to revisit change and responsibility. I know I have written about this topic quite a lot this year, but mostly it’s been from the view of helping you change things to improve your life. This time I’d like to look at change when you haven’t chosen it—when it’s been thrust upon you—as it is just now for many people. I’d like to share with you some ideas on how to shine during moments like this, and how not to get caught up in the doom, gloom and fear-mongering that is rampant. Let me begin by sharing why change happens and its process.
The process of change
Change happens when an old way no longer works or is no longer good enough. Often the old way, on both personal and global fronts, has to go way past its sell-by-date, before change can begin to happen. Change requires energy and the bigger the change the more energy it requires. The old way has to be really not working, really getting in the way of progress – for then enough pressure is built up for change to take place. Change requires creativity, passion and determination to find new ways and solutions – that can’t happen in a tranquility state.
On a personal level, change simply can’t happen whilst you’re sitting comfortably in your armchair: you have to get up, step out of your comfort zone, do new stuff, try-out different ways and think about things from a new perspective. Sometimes you also have to rewrite your personal stories. When you chose to change something in your life, you get through any painful bits by focusing on the new better future you are striving to achieve. In a perverse way, the harder it is to ‘get there’, the more worthwhile and appreciative you are when you reach your new destination.
On a global level, the same processes are gone through too. I’m sure no one had the thought or decided: “I know, lets have a Credit Crunch!” At least not consciously. Yet I think collectively (mostly at a subconscious level) we all knew that we have been living in Never-Never Land for sometime (in other words: past the sell-by-date). The pretence that everything was OK couldn’t last forever. Like the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes – there comes a day when you see the naked truth. Banks, Building Societies and Credit Card companies have, over the last few years, offered us ridiculous amounts of credit. Most of us were only too happy to take advantage of it—to have the houses and material processions we dreamt of owning. We often didn’t fully check whether or not we could really afford to own them, or when we could pay for them, or what would really happen if our circumstances changed. The banks own lending to each other appears to have been folly too.
So, this change is something that needed to happen – even if it will be uncomfortable for lots of us. There is lots of energy in the air: just look at the volatility of the Stock Markets. And in a way, this is good. Trying to put a lid on it – rather than create a new system – simply won’t work. Governments, banks and businesses will have to find new ways to operate. And they will! Periods of upheaval only stay until a new way has bedded in: they don’t last forever.
Shining during the change period
In times like these you have a choice: you can float in the river of life, being swept away and getting stuck in the log-jams; or you can build yourself a boat. The latter is often more challenging, but always more successful. In coaching we call this, “Staying in your own power”. I wish this for you for I want for all of you to do well in these ‘interesting times’. Despite the change that is going on, you can still prosper in all areas of your life.
Focusing on the good
All clouds have a silver lining. No matter how dire the situation, if you look carefully, you can find some good. For example, if you have lost or are about to lose your job, see it as a new opportunity to explore your career path, a time to retrain, or work in a different way. If you’re in debt, see this as a chance to lift your head out of the sand. There are many agencies and organizations that can offer you advice and guidance on how get back in control of your finances. If your mortgage is worrying you, again seek advice. Although the banks and building societies are being more careful, it doesn’t mean they have zero lending or re-mortgaging. If you are trying to sell, check out the deals with the more proactive Estate Agents – they are creating lots of new ways to enable people to buy and sell.
Avoid watching the late night TV News
During sleep, your subconscious sifts through the day’s events, feelings and emotions in order to make sense of your world. If the last thing you do before sleep if to fill your head with stories and pictures of doom, gloom, war and horrible events (which makes up the vast majority of the News on TV) then your subconscious has to make sense of this too – most of which has nothing to do with you personally. I’m not suggesting that you lose touch with what is happening in the world – just become more conscious about how and when you receive the news and how much horror you wish to take on board.
Staying in your own power
Many people subconsciously give away their power. They wait for others to make decisions or allow others to make decisions that impact on them. Know that you always have a choice. If you lose your job, money or your home, how you deal with it, changes everything. If you choose to blame others, then you will stay stuck for much longer than if you accept what has happened, has happened. Blaming others doesn’t change this fact. Staying in your own power means choosing to deal with it, actively finding new solutions and different ways to move you forward no matter who you perceive to be at fault.
Watch your own self-talk
If you talk (aloud or in your own thoughts) about how bad things are, about everything that is going wrong, you are far more likely to attract more doom into your life. Your self-talk guides your beliefs. If you believe that everything is going down the pan, then you begin to attract events and people that make this far more likely to happen. The reverse is also true. Focusing on the good and positive brings more opportunities into your life.
Money
Most of the global changes are to do with money. Now is a good time to put your own house in order. Consider creating a personal budget. Have a good look at your income and your expenses. How can you both cut expenses, increase your income and start saving? It may seem crazy to begin saving if you have debt problems, but doing so helps restore your balance.
If you are in serious debt – get help. There are lots of organizations and companies who can help you. Not knowing how to resolve things is stressful in it’s own right, sometimes even more so than dealing with it.
Looking after yourself
In challenging times, burning the candle at both ends doesn’t help you in the long run. Look after your body and mind by eating good food, having ample sleep, doing some exercise, sharing time with friends, receiving and giving affection, and taking time-out to just ‘be’. Looking after yourself is like filing up your personal petrol tank. No one can put his or her foot to the floor for long if their petrol gage is already in the red. Looking after yourself and forgiving yourself is a vital part of shining.
…and finally
Some Tips almost write themselves: and they ‘feel’ right. This Tip I wrestled with because I know my views go largely against the grain of popular thought. After consideration, I believe that for some readers this might encourage them to let go of the fear. And if that happens for just one reader, then my wrestling will be worthwhile! I write these Tips for you. Feedback (the good, bad and ugly) helps me serve you better. If you wish to share your thoughts with me, I would be delighted to hear from you.
If you would like me to help you on a more personal level with coaching or EFT, please call me on 01305 821799 or lo-call rate 0845 83 86 733 or email me – jennie@reddandelion.co.uk to find out more and/or to book a trial session.