One of the greatest blessings when I’m out walking locally is the joy and gratitude I feel for living in a seasonal country. As September rolls into October, the leaves on the trees are changing, the light changes, the day shortens, and whilst we might not always welcome the dark nights and closing our curtains at 4:30, there is a wonderful nesting element to the autumn and winter.
As I look out of my window at the leaves on the trees beginning to change, I recognise that change is something that is inevitable; all around us, yet isn’t something that everybody finds easy. Even the word itself can make us uncomfortable. If we talk about ‘growth’, that might feel safer – more positive. ‘Change’ often triggers feelings of nervousness, uncertainty and fear of what lies ahead.
This is a very natural response. Change suggests a difference to our everyday experiences, so the centres in our brain involved in protecting us from harm (super useful) become activated to keep us alert and safe, but sadly can also go into overdrive!
Many children in the month of September experience change with the new school year. Maybe a new setting or year group brings new friends, new subjects, new teachers, new challenges. Some of this is exciting, but even still there’s a natural sense of trepidation. What will still feel familiar and comfortable? If your young person can’t identify anything familiar in this scenario, maybe the mornings in your house have been really challenging around this transition time.
In my world where I support people with their many, varied wellbeing needs, we talk a lot about response to change. If you are struggling with your current situation, whatever that may be, perhaps the thought of never changing anything or staying trapped in that situation is far more alarming that whatever unknown may lie ahead. For some, ‘It’s gotta be better than this right?!’
But what if you don’t know how to change your current situation? At Tip the Balance, working with people to understand where they are right here, right now, is probably the most important first step.
Change begins with awareness. What is it that doesn’t feel right? What is it that doesn’t look right? What is it that doesn’t sound right? Once we’ve established this, we can then begin to look at what our options really are. It’s only when these are clearly laid out in front of us that we can make the decisions we need by choosing whether we stay where we are or make that change. Having someone by your side and in your corner to navigate this and hold you accountable can then the key to real and lasting change. We all need someone to remind us to keep our head and heart in the game beyond the point where we would have quit if we were doing it alone!
If you know that something in your life needs to change, make this your own ‘Autumn’. Why not choose now to reach out and get in touch?