Dealing with Change as Summer Comes to an End

Summer is not only a time to recharge, but it also represents change for many people. As seasons shift, so do routines. As we near the end of summer, students are starting or returning to school, many people are entering college, parents are learning how to be empty-nesters, summer jobs are ending, and people are preparing for the future months of cooler weather and holidays. Although many of these changes are positive, they may still seem scary to some people. It takes time and patience to adjust to change, and many obstacles are unknown.

Change draws you out of your comfort zone, but you get to choose how you react to it. You can either accept change with an open mind, or you can resist it for as long as possible. But the truth is, change is inevitable, and it is better to approach it willingly. As humans grow and develop, we enter new phases of life. With each phase, we define ourselves differently. How we view ourselves will largely influence how we respond to the environment around us. Although we cannot control everything, we can control our thoughts and actions.

Change is not something to be dreaded – instead, change is an opportunity for new beginnings and experiences. However you choose to define yourself or label the world around you, remember that the seasons of change allow for growth. This does not mean that the process will be easy, but you always have a choice in how you respond to change. I challenge you to approach this next season with an open mind, and see what happens.

-Meghan Slaughter