Adjusting to the Challenges of Life

Adjusting to the challenges of life can be difficult.  Change is hard on everyone.  Although there are many things in your life you can get ready for (marriage, pregnancy, empty nest, retirement), no events are really predictable. Many unforeseen challenges and hurdles will be thrust upon you and you have to adjust to each the best that you can.

Challenges of Life

How can you do that? The first thing that you can do is face the facts. Are you a grandparent raising your grandkids? Have you been through a divorce? Are you in –between jobs, and painfully disappointed in your available options?  Is it you that’s responsible for the care of your elderly parent with cancer?

These are the facts that need to be accepted and dealt with. One thing you can do is research your situation to gain as much information as possible. Knowledge is wealth and the more knowledge you have, the better equipped you’ll be to handle the challenge, using effective and efficient coping skills.

Next, elicit help. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Get the guidance and support you need from friends, relatives or professionals who can encourage and empower you during the most difficult times.

Last, stop resisting change. We all know that change is inevitable and that no matter how much we plan, things are not always going to go our way. Prepare yourself for the unexpected so there will be no surprises.

When faced with approaching changes, you need to remind yourself of how well you’ve done before handling previous crises. You may think you don’t have the strength or the endurance to deal with things this time, but you do. Part of the universal lesson in all this, is knowing that you CAN handle most anything and that things will get easier as time goes on. Shakespeare said, “This, too, shall pass” and it will.

Written by: Amy Sherman, Author, Dating & Relationship Coach, Therapist, Baby Boomers’ Network

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About the Author:

Amy Sherman is the founder of the Baby Boomers’ Network and a Dating & Relationship Coach. She is co-author of “99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before Dating After 40, 50, and Yes, 60!” and the Dating Rescue 10-week eCourse for women.