It is impossible to lead a life without some challenges. It’s a simple fact, but when faced with the inevitable hurdles that have been thrown at us, it can be difficult to trust that we will be able to get over them to the other side.
Dr Melissa Marot from The Mind Room explained that this fear of the unknown, of the best way to navigate change, is actually incredible common.
“Life is changing constantly, however, some changes are bigger than others. Some we look forward to, others we don’t, and some take us by surprise! Many changes are daunting, whether expected or unexpected, and the skill is meeting them where we let go of the old and usher in the new.”
Importantly, Melissa reminds us that these hurdles may be great or small, seemingly significant or insignificant. At their core however, they all embody a life change or transition that can often open the door to immeasurable possibility.
“Life transitions require us to change internally, to develop a new psychological mindset or approach. We may not be able to change the circumstances, but we can change our response to them, which then opens the door to possibilities.”
In case there was any doubt of this, there have been many notable people who have overcome huge life changes and have emerged stronger and more successful than before.
Ellen DeGeneres
Prior to her successful career as an actress, host and comedian, Ellen DeGeneres was an oyster shucker, waitress, painter and paralegal. She performed stand up routines shortly after graduating High School, but her career catapulted her into stardom in more than a decade after when she wrote and starred in the sitcom Ellen.
“It’s our challenges and obstacles that give us layers of depth and make us interesting. Are they fun when they happen? No. But they are what make us unique. And that’s what I know for sure… I think”. – Ellen Degeneres
Julia Child
Julia Child was a CIA intelligence officer before moving to Paris with her husband at the age of 36. It was here that she faced an enormous environmental and social change, and decided to pick up cooking.
“I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate.” – Julia Childs
Leonard Cohen
It is no secret that Leonard Cohen had a rich and varied life. He faced numerous career changes over time, earning him the titles of poet, singer, songwriter, painter and novelist.
“I had the title poet, and maybe I was one for a little while. Also, the title singer was kindly accorded to me, even though I could barely carry a tune.” – Leonard Cohen
Walt Disney
Prior to contributing to the happiness of millions of children worldwide, Walt Disney was fired from his job drawing commercial illustrations for advertising. It was after this that he became interested in animation, and some years later the Walt Disney empire was born.
“You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” – Walt Disney
J.K Rowling
Many are familiar with the personal changes and transitions J.K Rowling undertook before the success of Harry Potter. Rowling was in the midst of writing the first book in the series when her marriage failed and she was forced to sign up for welfare benefits as a single parent.
It was only two years after this that Rowling finished her manuscript for the book, which was eventually published a year later.
“What’s coming will come and we’ll just have to meet it when it does.” – J.K Rowling
To learn how you can navigate through life changes, book into our Life Transitions One Day Workshop on the 19th August with Dr Melissa Marot. In this workshop, you’ll learn to explore the nature of transition and change, learn to successfully navigate through life transitions and understand and manage your own psychology behind transitions.