Tips and Stories on Coping With Change from Rachel's Reflections Readers

1. Time - allow yourself time.
   When facing significant change in your life, your first response is often not the best representation of how you will feel eventually about the change. Give yourself the luxury of days, weeks and even months to come to terms with the change and don't expect too much of yourself in the short term. Certainly be aware of your feelings but don't be hard on yourself if at first you respond negatively.
   

2. When change is the result of a decision.
   Try not to invest too much weight in a decision that leads to change - very little in life is permanent and we are very adaptable creatures. Realise that you can change your mind back again if things become too uncomfortable but also realise that putting yourself in an uncomfortable position often leads to the best personal growth opportunities.

Rebecca Kellam, Surpac Software International, WA

When I went back to work after having my three children, I'd had a break from the workforce of 10 years and in that time technology had taken off and the manual typewriter I'd learnt my skills on, had been replaced by the electric typewriter and computers. In the interview for my first part time job I stretched the truth and declared I was a confident user of an electric typewriter - I was sure I could manage the transition.

Well, after getting the job and sitting down in front of a very flash machine with my first tasks, I realised I had no idea of how to turn the thing on! Of course I was too embarrassed to admit this, so I spent a few nervous minutes feeling the sides and back of the machine, searching for an on button. With that hurdle overcome, my confidence was looking up, only to be shattered again by the fact that there was no carriage return handle to take me to the next line! Being a button pusher from way back, I managed to master the confounded machine by the end of the first day and have never looked back.

I think my ability to accept change, maintain a sense of humour and roll with the punches has helped me many times in my life. I accept change as a new challenge that will undoubtedly lead to improvement.

Kerry Maher, Alcoa, WA

Climbing the Mount-Changing out of my comfort zone.

We have a mountain in our area (Mt Raggard) that is quite a talking point! It seems that all the adventurous tourists(you know the ones with backpacks and beautiful foreighn accents) have climbed it and a few locals as well. My husband takes our trainees(Swiss and French) there to climb it and they always come home in wonderment at the vast view from the top and it goes down as a major highlight of their Australian trip.

I had convieniently been unable to go every time because of young children, or too much bookwork or a load of washing to hang on the line-that sort of excuse. But inside I was more than happy to pack them up a sumptuous lunch bid them farwell and stay home where I would be safely in my comfort zone. There was only an inkling of dissapointment inside me when they would come home excited to share what they had found at the top!

So one fatefull day some other members of our family announced that the next day they would be making the climb and there would be space in the vehicle for me. Thanks I said but I couldnt possibily drag the kids that far. My ever supportive husband piped up and said the kids would be fine with him for the day and I was stuck for a reasonable excuse after that. So thrown in boots and all I had to go.

I didnt sleep much the night before and helpful husband commented on how highly strung I was. By morning I was visualising myself on top of the mountain bold as brass.

My adrenalin level was so high by the time we got to the spot, that I was up there like a shot. It wasnt hard at all. I was with people I cared about. I knew no-one would laugh if I didnt make it so I felt like I was set up to succeed. And the view from the top is breath taking. But more breath taking for me was the thrill It gave me to face my fear and conquer it!

Since that day I have tried some more things that have moved me from my comfort zone and have got a lot out of it.

Im not advocating huge risks just do something you wouldnt ordinarily do!!

Lesley Schlink- Condingup, WA

Thanks to all the above Rachel's Reflections readers.

Best wishes,
Rachel Green
PO Box 344, Kelmscott, Western Australia 6991.
Phone: +61 8 9390 1188. Fax +61 8 9390 1199
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