How To Mindfully Embrace Change

WE USA Presents May's From the Experts Column - 2021















Betsy Cerulo
By Betsy Cerulo, founder of AdNet/AccountNet, Inc.

We know that change in and of itself can be difficult. Yet, there are times when a situation causes an inordinate amount of emotional or physical pain to the point where "change” is our only option for relief. We will explore how to shift our relationship to change as a more joyful occurrence versus a stressful event.

I am here to suggest that mindful change is the path of least resistance. When we resist change, the situation seems to get worse presenting the feeling of walking through quicksand. Surrendering to change often opens up possibility and often lifts the weight of the world off our shoulders. "Doing” our life, the way we have always done it offers a level of comfort because it is what we know. Yet, once we learn a new way to ride the bike of our life, a sense of freedom can occur because it now feels easier. To achieve the feeling of ease takes practice and that is where "mindful” change comes into play. The concept of mindful change moves us from "doing our life” to "being our life”.

Get up from your chair right now and walk across the room. It seems easy because you have done it billions of times. Go back to chair, sit down, and mindfully stand up and feel your heel touch the floor, followed by the base of your foot and now your toe as you walk across the room. Did you notice anything? What I typically notice is that my mind is focused on the act of taking a step rather than being in automatic and having so many thoughts race across my mind that I have no idea how I got to the other side of the room. I admit that there were plenty of times that I didn’t recall portions of a drive from point A to point B, because I am thinking of everything else versus the road. That is dangerous and there were a few times where the brake lights on the car in front of me came up so fast that I found myself thanking God that I didn’t have an accident. Wake up and be present is what said to myself.

What area in your life is in urgent need of change? We all have something needing a tune up!! If you say all is perfect, you are not being honest with yourself. Here are some easy steps to mindful change:
  • Make a list of 3 specific things in your life that would make you happier if you made those changes. Rank the 3 items in order of importance. Tackle the #1 item first. Once you practice mindful change, it will be easier to take the steps. Ask yourself, what would my life look like if I made these changes? Write down the observations and associated feelings by make the change. 
  • What small action can you take with the most important item that would give you a ray of hope? Give yourself a "by-when” date to take the action.
  • Either share this change with someone you trust and ask them to support you to make the change OR write it on the sticky note and post it on your mirror, so you see it every day until the change is made.
After you make the change, celebrate and take yourself out for a treat. Do something for yourself that makes you smile. Once you get in the groove of making changes, the next one on the list may feel a little easier. Along the way, always take time to notice what your life looks like now that you set your mind to making the change.

Congratulations on your mindful journey.

About Betsy Cerulo

Betsy is Co-Founder and Past President of the Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Betsy is spearheading the 2021 launch of the Maryland LGBT Foundation. Betsy served on the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Women’s Presidents’ Educational Organization Certification Committees; Betsy serves on the Development Committee for Chase Brexton Health Services. Betsy is an author having published a children’s book titled Miss Crabapple and Her Magical Violin and will release Shake It Off Leadership in Summer of 2021. Betsy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Catholic University and a Master’s Degree in Integrative Health Science from Capital University of Integrative Medicine. Betsy is a certified Executive Coach.

About AdNet/AccountNet, Inc.

Betsy Cerulo is the founder of AdNet/AccountNet, Inc. - Advocates for Workplace Excellence & Equality which is 8(a), LGBTE & WBE certified. AdNet is a management consulting firm focused on Human Capital Management. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, serving government and corporate clients throughout the US, AdNet’s places SME’s with Accounting/Finance, Human Resources and Legal expertise. To learn more about AdNet/AccountNet, Inc., please click here
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