How to cope with Major Life Changes
Your life changed and you didn’t expect it… what can you do now?
Life's journey is rarely a straight path; it's filled with unexpected twists and turns that can shake us to our core, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what lies ahead. Whether it's the loss of a job, the breakdown of a relationship, a sudden illness, or the responsibility of becoming a caregiver, major life changes have a way of challenging our sense of stability and security.
However, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there are ways to make these transitions with resilience, confidence, and even find opportunities you’d never have considered before the change.
As an experienced life coach, I've had the privilege of working with individuals facing a wide range of life challenges. From guiding them through periods of doubt, anger, and resentment to helping them emerge stronger, more resilient, and empowered, I've seen first-hand the transformative power of coaching in navigating major life changes. In this comprehensive guide, I'll share insights, strategies, and practical steps to help you cope with major life changes and navigate the storm with stability and confidence.
Why me? Why now?
When faced with major life changes, it's natural to feel a whirlwind of emotions – fear, sadness, anxiety, and even anger. However, it's essential to recognise that whilst you didn’t ask for or welcome this situation, it is an inevitable part of life's journey. Rather than resisting or fearing it, embracing it can help build your resilience and adaptability. By reframing change as an opportunity for growth, you can shift your perspective and approach transitions with greater ease and confidence.
Let me share one client’s experience, as the eldest son, in an Asian family, he was dealing with his father’s dementia escalation, rivalry and family squabbles and he had a business to run and his own family needs to be met. He felt like he had no authority, yet all the responsibility. We worked on his own needs, taking not of his feelings, and then looked at his relationship with his father and siblings. There was a belief that whilst his father was alive, he was the head of the household. A decision to apply for Lasting Power of Attorney was made by the family after a family meeting. This action was possible once the belief about the fathers’ role in the family had been discussed.
Unexpected Opportunities:
While major life changes can be disruptive and challenging, they also present opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether it's exploring new career paths, pursuing long-held passions, or strengthening relationships, embracing change can lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities for fulfilment. As your life coach, I can help you identify and capitalise on these opportunities, guiding you towards a future filled with purpose, passion, and possibility.
The client had their own home and employment, when out of the blue, they needed to move across the country to be closer to a family member to give support. They were considering a ‘what next’ for themselves, yet, having the timeframe taken away from them was a shock on top of the new role as caregiver. There was a significant amount of resentment and fear preventing the client making the move. Working together, we released the resentment and changed the perspective, they were close to the person, they enjoyed spending time together – this was a step towards the move that made all the difference. There were also opportunities for working from home that they hadn’t considered previously. A positive outcome for this client and the person they are now supporting.
Self-care strategy; your priority right now:
Maintaining balance amidst life's upheavals is crucial for your overall well-being. During times of transition, it's easy to neglect self-care and become overwhelmed by the demands of change. However, prioritising your physical, emotional, and mental health is essential for building resilience and making well thought through decisions. Together, we can explore strategies for self-care, boundary-setting, and seeking support from loved ones, helping you find balance amidst the chaos of change.
I experienced a sudden and life changing situation when one of my children was diagnosed with a very rare medical condition. I went into ‘super mum’ mode, scouring the internet for information about the condition, late into the night, reading complex medical papers, reaching out to medical professionals and support groups.
My work was affected, my health too, the guilt I felt was huge and all I could think about was how do I make the condition go away. I realised I was not looking after myself or my other family members – so I quit my role in corporate life, enrolled on a coaching course and took 6 months off work, I walked the dogs, baked cakes, did some reading and slept. By doing this, I created time to just be a mum, to be there to make a toasty and watch a tv program with my child.
I also learned to accept that there was no ‘cure’ for the condition. I let go of my guilt, I also learned a huge lesson from my child, who showed me how they were dealing with the condition, it brought us closer, we had better communications and there is so much love in our relationship. I learned that self-care is essential, if a little daunting at times.
Building Resilience:
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity stronger and more empowered than before. Through personalised coaching sessions, we can work together to cultivate resilience by building self-awareness, developing positive coping strategies, and cultivating a growth mindset. By strengthening your inner resilience, you'll be better equipped to move through life's challenges with the knowledge that you are doing the best you can.
A couple of clients, unrelated, had recently separated, they both said they felt empty, that they had nothing to offer anyone. Used and invisible was how they described themselves. They were both considering ‘going solo’ being people with hobbies and a dog!
Working together, with these two clients, these options were considered, along with many others, they options were quite similar but involved meeting lots of new people, being more confident in themselves, and that far from being empty, they were full of possibilities.
The hardest step was the first one, and then watching the clients flourish was my reward as their coach. With a little dating advice and a refresh on flirting [not my normal coaching offer, but one that was really relevant to these two clients, gaining body confidence and being good enough was important] ! I’d love to say they found each other, but they didn’t – they do both have new partners and are living a very different life to the one they were planning.
Seeking Support:
You don't have to do major life changes alone. As your coach, I'm here to provide you with guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way. Whether you need a listening ear, a fresh perspective, or practical strategies for coping with change, I'm committed to helping you make these life transitions as easy as possible, and with . Together, we'll create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your fears, hopes, and dreams, empowering you to embrace change and chart a course towards a brighter future.