All about that change.

This past year I have experienced major change in my life. As I reflect on it all, I honestly can't believe I made it through. Even though the change has been a major positive change for my family and I, it has come with all these mini challenges and micro decisions to create this overall positive change.

Firstly, leaving my job after ten years, was difficult and exciting. Not only did I leave a job, I left my profession altogether. I walked away from my "team lead, junior management" role to be a housewife/mom full time. This was a difficult transition, I love my family, but I was so used to being a career woman too. People are quick to think, "You're so lucky to be at home." Luck has nothing to do with it really. We live by the choices we make, right? So, why did I leave then? Simple, I was not going to spend my time writing years- worth of board exams to practice in a new place, and I was definitely moving to the new place! . My life did not have balance. It was time for some balance.

Then came the big move- country change. This was like a vacation at first. The thrill of a new place, new city, new people, and energy. After about two weeks reality started to set in. Where will we live permanently? Will we get jobs? Where will the kids go to school? What do we want for our future here? Was it worth leaving everything we know behind?

So, how does one manage the changes? From my experience, talking certainly helps. I connected with my family and friends and expressed my feelings on the regular. I would also brainstorm the next possible steps with them. The Harvard Business Review describes this as," talk about problems more than feelings." Other strategies they discuss are to find humor in the situation, to not stress out about stressing out and to focus on your values more than your fears. Personally, what helped was to focus on one problem at a time and look at viable options and solutions. Given the changes certain things could be solved this way like finding a home, school, and job. But what about the ones where the impact lingers?

The' re-inventing myself' has by far been the greatest challenge and biggest delight. Going from working mom/wife to mom/wife is an ongoing process of acceptance. It is my hat of choice, but it is not always easy to wear. It's that hat that looks really good and makes you look young and fresh, but sometimes makes your head itch! What gets me through is living in gratitude. To see my kids happy and know that I am not missing a thing with them keeps me going. The delightful part has been tapping into my hobbies. I finally have the time to paint and blog! However, "just mom/wife" also brought me to divi therapy. This change led me to a life I could have only imagined. A life with real balance. In the empty space after change, I found my passion in counseling and therapy! I have slowly started to sew my own hat.

I want to focus on the change of immigration. Many people immigrate, especially from a developing country to first world, thinking the grass is greener. It can be, but that also depends on the individual's mindset. My advice would be to do your research, a lot of research. Find out if you can practice or work in that country or what needs to be done beforehand. Understand the property market in that place, the tax system, education system, transportation, cost of living and culture. These are factors that we took into consideration. The mindset- take an inventory of what is important to you in life and what you want from life. What is your dream? If you decide to move, always remind yourself of those dreams and values as this is the motivation to keep you moving forward.

Change can be both good and bad. It can happen gradually or instantly. It can rock your world or give a slight tremor. Change is inevitable and as humans sometimes we think we can't cope but we are so adaptable. Even when we don't realize it. Change can change us and maybe that is the point. One thing I have certainly learned, if you give change enough time, something in you will change enough to manage the change!

If you are going through any changes and need support email : divitherapy@gmail.com