Coping with change
June 2010
What do you do when change occurs, especially negative change?
I become aware of the change, positive or negative, only after the change has occurred. Since I can’t change it, I try to face it with a smile because I know that the positivity and negativity factor is only my perception, and not permanent. I carry on doing my karma and maintaining equanimity. This may appear to be very philosophical but this is the only way as I have to take responsibility for my karma.
Chitra Vashisht, New Delhi
Change is the only constant in life. In fact, I fail to recall a period in my life when a negative change did not obstruct my path. How did I cope with it? As an amateur student of life I sulked, cried and hated myself and the cause of the change. But now, I have learnt to surrender, and trust the Creator’s plan in my life. Now, I accept and believe in the saying written in mega size font on the display board of my study table: “This too shall pass”.
BenVenuta Mittal, New Delhi
I have tremendous faith in our ability to adapt to situations. I tell myself that it’s going to hurt for a few days or weeks, but this will pass. Good times don’t last, neither do bad times. I also reflect on why this has happened to me. What am I supposed to learn from this change? What is causing me pain or discomfort? When I bring my attention on the issue, it usually becomes less painful. Answers do come to me and I also begin to empathise with people who went through similar experiences.
Uma Garimella, Hyderabad
I believe that whatever happens, does so for my own good. I may not be able to see it at that point, but some time later I will see it. I understand that all things in my life may not go as planned and it’s up to me to learn to work my way around that, to see something bigger at play here.
Ritika Verma , Mumbai
I reflect on my life and the change, how it has affected me. I see what I did right, in spite of which the outcome was negative, and think of what I can learn from this experience. Earlier, I made the mistake of feeling like a victim, but not anymore. Take charge of the situation to come out on top of it. And above all, I believe that everything happens for a reason.
Yuvika Sharma, Canada