Embracing Change in Troubled Times

In a world where uncertainty often feels like the only constant, our ability to adapt and thrive amid challenges determines not just our survival, but our growth. Change, whether thrust upon us or chosen, tests our resilience and reveals our capacity for transformation. A firm practice in mental wellness, flexibility, and self-trust forms the foundation of positive resilience…even in our most troubled times.

Change during difficult periods carries a unique weight. Unlike changes we choose, changes forced by crisis arrive uninvited, demanding immediate adaptation. Whether facing global upheaval, personal loss, or professional disruption, these moments challenge our sense of control and stability. Yet within this challenge lies opportunity. I was recently faced with an ultimatum that rocked the foundation of my security, but had I capitulated, would have misaligned with my values and so I chose to step into the unknown. It was the greatest gift I’ve been given in recent years. The reason though that I was able to stay in sovereignty was because I have a deep trust in the knowledge that I have survived 100% of my most challenging times.

Those who develop healthy relationships with change and discomfort - viewing this as a natural cycle in life rather than an enemy to be resisted - recover more quickly from setbacks and discover unexpected strengths. People who flourish make mental flexibility an anchor from which resilience grows.

In order to do this we need to get better at acknowledging difficult emotions rather than suppressing them. Practicing self-compassion when adaptation feels difficult is key. It’s ok to say, fuck this is shit, but don’t dwell in that place. Establish routines that provide structure amid uncertainty - this can be diary scheduling for action and rest. Rest and brain space are the most important ingredients at these times because that’s when your thinking can get creative. Most importantly opening yourself up to seek connection rather than isolation. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your network. Go back a year in your inbox and create a list of people to get in touch with, get used to zooming for a catch up or wandering around your business district. You never know who you might bump into. Make yourself available for the Universe to pour into the space that has been created.

Mental wellness and resilience aren’t about feeling happy all the time - it's about developing the emotional agility to experience the full range of human emotion while maintaining your core stability.

Psychological flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations while staying aligned with your values may be our most underrated superpower during troubled times. Really developing boundaries and focus at these times is invaluable. Do a vision board. What do you want next what can you manifest in your future. Don’t fall back for safety forge forward for innovation and the life that you want to live.

Flipping the script is so important for outlook and perspective and to inform the physiological experience, so that it energises you rather than depletes… try and remember that events happen for you, not to you. They are opportunities for growth and reinvention and that’s not to say the experience is ever easy, the gold often comes at the end of the stretchiest stretch, but this flexibility means developing the ability to find new paths when old routes are blocked.

Perhaps nothing builds resilience more powerfully than cultivated self-trust - the deep knowing that you have the resources to meet life's challenges. This trust develops through experience when we reflect on the past challenges we've overcome (100% baby) learn to recognise and relish your capacity to learn and grow. This is where the magic happens. When we trust ourselves, uncertainty becomes less threatening. We know that whatever comes, we'll find a way through - not because the path will be easy, but because we've developed the inner resources to navigate it.

Building resilience isn't abstract theory - it's daily muscle memory. Practice intentional adaptation by regularly trying new things in low-stakes situations (this can be as simple as taking a different route on a familiar journey - unbelievably this creates masses of new neural pathways which creates new ways of thinking).

Cultivate relationships that support your growth rather than keeping you fixed in outdated patterns, so step outside your comfort zone at every opportunity. The greatest paradox of resilience is that it requires both strength and surrender. We need the strength to face difficult realities and the willingness to surrender our attachment to how things 'should' be. This balance - holding on and letting go - creates the dynamic tension from which true resilience emerges. Not as brittle resistance, but as supple strength that bends without breaking, and adapts without losing its essence.

In embracing change rather than merely enduring it, we discover not just how to survive troubled times, but how to be transformed by them - finding deeper purpose, unexpected joy, and a renewed sense of our own capacity to shape our lives, even amid circumstances we didn't choose.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Lastly and perhaps the most profound when it comes to calming your nervous system - lots of hand on heart deep breathing repeating the mantra ‘I am safe’

The Universe has your back buddy. You’re going to be ok. ♥️