Often in life we’re faced with unexpected change which can be challenging to assimilate into our lives. It could be the passing of a loved one (both expected and unexpected), a health diagnosis, job change, or change that impacts our society on a larger scale.
Darryl R. Conner writes in his book Managing at the Speed of Change, “How well we absorb the implications of change dramatically affects the rate at which we successfully manage the challenges we face, both individually and collectively.”
“One of the most devastating things you can experience is being surprised at life’s surprises.”
Bragg Creek has recently lost some significant contributors to their community. This was a forced and unexpected change which is difficult to process. In one sense, it’s hard to know how to move forward. No person can replace another person’s uniqueness. Part of the grieving process is not just remembering all the good they did, but recognizing the values they held which influenced their behaviour and in turn how they can then influence ours.
I have read that our resilience to managing change comes from three things:
Our capacity, our capability, and the network of support we have around us. Of the three, I think building support networks are probably the most difficult. This requires us to be vulnerable, and, if we’re going to be a support, we need to learn to be looking beyond ourselves and into the needs of others. We need to become good listeners, not advice givers. People need a place to unload what they carry.
In the face of the change we experience both personally and beyond, we need to find the supports that can enable us not just to cope, but thrive.
Election
A reminder that there’s a federal election on the 28th of April. If you’re unsure on where or how to vote, please visit www.elections.ca. Before voting, take the time to understand your local candidates and who you feel will best represent your riding. Also consider the record, values, and platform of the political party they represent.
From my family to yours,
Lowell Harder
