Are you going through a time of big change?
Maybe you can remember what it’s like?
Do you remember how it affected you? Do you remember what helped?
I know I’ve blogged on this before, but I thought it would be helpful to do so again. I’m in transition at the moment, having just started a new ministry. And it’s inevitably a bit unsettling. Actually, I’m really loving the new season! But I’m also adjusting. And having OCD means that times of change can cause anxiety to kick up. And I’ve been seeing that. Not horrendously, but it has been rearing up a bit. And I want to be careful to handle it well.
I belong to Jesus. Trusting in Him and following Him, I am secure in Him (and you can be, too, if you trust in Him as Saviour and follow Him as Lord- you can find out more here), and He wants to give abundant grace for this time of transition.
So here are some thoughts about handling a time of change, particularly when anxiety may be a problem.
-I need to remember that the Lord is with me, loving me, with abundant grace to help, guide and provide!
-Take it gently. Lean on the Lord. Give myself grace when I fail or wobble. God accepts me because of what Jesus did for me on the cross, and He’s there to forgive me when I fail.
-Don’t let Bible times and prayer slip because routines have changed.
-It’s okay to ask for prayer and support when I need it!
-Don’t expect too much of myself or over-schedule myself. Change takes extra energy! I don’t need to fill every space with extra activity!
-Have grace for myself if I have a setback and anxiety kicks up. In a time of change, it’s to be expected. Don’t overreact to it or panic. It doesn’t mean I’m back to square one!
-Remember it’s okay to take breaks, and not to skimp on them.
-Keep a nice, gentle story on the go. Keep it easy access and give myself permission to enjoy it!
-Get plenty of sleep, eat well and be careful with too much caffeine. In adjusting to new routines, it’s easy for these things to slip, but they will really help!
-Remember the things that helped before the time of change, and remember to keep going back to them!
-Listen to helpful teaching and podcasts.
-Be patient with myself. The change will become normal soon!
-Gentle films calm me and help me relax.
-Exercise and nature really help!
Those are some thoughts from me through this time of change, reminding myself how to walk gently through while I adjust. I hope they encourage you too!
I guess the truth is that is often doesn’t take long for the new to become normal. And I’m finding that change can be refreshing, and positive, too! 🙂
God bless you whatever you’re going through today!
Caroline 🙂
Caroline Abblitt 