A New Journey Begins: Anxious? Overwhelmed? Stressed? Don't Give
Up!
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A New Journey Begins: Anxious? Overwhelmed? Stressed? Don't Give
Up!
September: the month of change. Kids start a new grade or embark
on their university or college careers while new graduates seek
their first full-time job and adults start a new job or project.
Emotions run high during this time of year and if you find
yourself overwhelmed, good. You're normal!
It sure must feel lonely to think that you're embarking on a
brand new chapter of your life all by yourself. The truth is,
you're not, and that's exactly why you're normal.
Every year around this time you'll find families shuffling about
collecting a new wardrobe or the latest gadgets for a fresh
start to a new school year or career. Even the roads feel your
pain as your formerly quiet commute now gives you a pounding
headache since thousands more people pound the pavement
(seemingly all at once, too!).
I know how you feel, let's face it, you don't need anyone to add
any further stress to your life. You have enough! If anything,
the goal of this article is to help reassure and encourage you
to keep on going. It's okay to be flustered or nervous about
starting something new.
Learn and Grow from Change
Change is one of the hardest things for people to accept. Ask
yourself honestly, if you could remain the same forever, would
you do it? It sure would be convenient to stay within your
comfort zone.
I remember an old teacher telling a story of his daughter
wanting to remain a young girl forever. She loved playing with
her friends all day and living her life through the eyes of a
child. She couldn't understand why she couldn't remain a young
girl forever. Her father said: "If you were to stay the same,
your friends would grow up and when they do, they wouldn't want
to play with you anymore because you'll be too young for them."
She said: "Oh. Okay, then fine. I want grow up!"
When you put it this way, it sure sounds silly to completely
avoid change. Life would pass us by and so, too, would the
triumphs and trials of daily life. And while we may think we can
do without any challenges, it's those very lessons that we learn
from the most.
Let me repeat that: we learn from our failures and mistakes the
most. While we strive to be perfect and give others a great
first impression of our abilities and ourselves, we lose sight
of the fact that it's okay to make mistakes. That's how we learn!
Now what about the challenges ahead? They sure seem daunting,
don't they? A new place brings a whole new set of mysteries. A
whole new set of mysteries brings feelings of uncertainty and
uneasiness.
Questions of whether you will fit in or like the new environment
will always be on your mind. These questions can make you
nervous because your natural reaction is to spot the uncertain
then dwell on it. But by accepting the fact that you cannot
predict the future, you will empower yourself to make the best
of today.
"Will I Fit In?"
We've all heard many times before to "be yourself" when meeting
others for the first time. But it's more than simply being
yourself; it's about being your positive self. Make it easy for
others to enjoy your company. Take the time out to brighten the
day of others by smiling as you wish them good morning. Focus on
the positive and try your best to avoid complaining. Remember
that others enjoy spending time with those who raise them up,
not bring them down.
Also, people will enjoy your company if you enjoy theirs. Take
an interest in them, their families, passions and work. Then
listen to the answers! When you listen, listen actively and
attentively.
"Will I Like the New Place?"
Leaving your comfort zone can make you feel vulnerable, but try
to cling onto one thing that makes you feel comfortable. It
could be as simple as a picture of a loved one or a handwritten
note of your end goal.
While it's true that no one can force you to like anything, it's
probably a good idea to be flexible at the outset. Remember that
you will be more likely to feel at home when you don't criticize
every little detail and instead try to make the best of every
situation. At worst you will learn what you dislike, at best you
will see past the negative and fit right in!
A Final Recap:
1. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, but it's not okay to paralyze
yourself in fear. Keep moving. Keep putting one foot in front of
the other. Inch by inch, you will get closer to success.
2. Understand that you're not perfect; you can (and will) make
mistakes. Just know that someone else has been in the same
position as you and they, too, have made mistakes. Pick up
yourself and move on.
3. Be your positive self and take an interest in others. People
are attracted to positive people. Besides, you'll find yourself
in a better state of mind too.
4. Open your eyes, heart and mind to the new environment. You
may not instantly love the new experience, but at least you will
learn a few lessons along the way. Best of luck to you on your
journey!