3 Ways to Deal with Major Life Change

posted on October 21, 2013 | by Amanda Holstein

Whether you’ve just broken up with your boyfriend, moved to a new city, lost a best friend, or started on a new career path, change can be overwhelming. We deal with a lot of rapid change throughout our twenties especially – it really is a decade of in between as we try to figure out where we want our lives to go and who we want to be. While of course everyone deals with major life changes differently, there are a few things I think are important to keep in mind.

1. Let yourself wallow

While many of you may be the “tough love” kind, I strongly believe in letting yourself just be in your sadness. Change is difficult and you are more than allowed to feel that difficulty, whether it’s in the form of anxiety, tears, or watching America’s Next Top Model reruns in your PJs with a carton of Oreos. Do what you need to do because pushing down those feelings will only make it worse. Allowing yourself to wallow for a bit can actually help you gain the strength to move on and push forward.

2. Ask for help

I absolutely hate asking for help. I love being able to help others, but getting up the courage to ask someone else for something has always been more difficult for me. This may be a quality of many twenty somethings, since we’re finally starting to feel independent and that feeling is quite invigorating. But if you’re going through a rough patch, this is the time to rely on your support system. They want to help you, and reaching out will only bring you closer to them. You don’t have to do this alone, so don’t!

3. Oh, the possibilities!

When your life takes a drastic turn, your future becomes somewhat of a blank canvas. This can be the most terrifying yet motivating thing at the same time. Knowing that there are tons of possibilities ahead can be exhilarating and can give you that sliver of hope needed to get your ass moving. This is a time to take control of your own life, think about what truly makes you happy, and do whatever it takes to make your life what you want it to be. Let your mind really wander and open up to possibilities you’ve never thought about before. Enjoy that feeling of regaining control of your life.

Are any of you going through a major life change? What’s some of your advice?

image by me

4 Comments

Faith Says

As I prepare to graduate and college and start the next chapter of my life, I am expecting many life changes in the very near future. It’s comforting to know that I am not alone and it is OK to wallow for a little if needed. Once graduating from UGA in Athens, GA, I plan to move out west to California. My advice to any one wanting to move to a new place is to go ahead and do it! Why not? Those of us that are young and have nothing tying us down have nothing to lose! And, there is plenty of time to explore the possibilities of a new place and then move back to your home town whenever you may be ready to settle down!

Deana Says

Such good timing on this post! I just graduated college and earned my BBA on October 5. For the first week I felt completely depressed; empty, ambition less, and depressed. I was grouchy for no reason, would cry about absolutely everything and was miserable in general. After one week, I felt myself starting to feel better. I found that busying my schedule with friend dates, job searching and odd jobs around work and the house really helped; plus I’ve had way more time for the gym! My advice is to wallow, for a limited period of time, then be happy, celebrate and allow yourself to have a solo moment of pride for all that you’ve accomplished, then get busy having fun!

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