I worked as a web developer from 1995 to 2015. In 2013, I started this blog (11 years to the date). In 2014, I published my first book, and by 2019, I had switched to being a full-time writer. Meanwhile, I got married, moved from Edinburgh to Athens, lost loved ones, and had my daughter born…
I guess what I’m saying is that I know first-hand how life is full of transitions, surprises, and navigating the unexpected. And I sure know that these changes may be a natural part of life, but they often come with their fair share of challenges and uncertainties.
Here are some things I’ve learned about handling change with confidence and embracing the new chapters they bring. I hope they help anyone struggling with change!
Moving to a New Place: A New Start, a New Space
When we moved from Edinburgh to Athens, I lost a few kilos simply due to the stress of moving places. I then lost a few more when moving to a new house, a couple of years later (it helped that my beloved slave driver wife didn’t let me leave the house until all boxes were unpacked—which took over 72 hours of constant work).
One of the most significant changes many people face is moving house. Whether you’re relocating to a new city or simply upgrading to a bigger space, moving can be both exciting and overwhelming. To navigate this transition smoothly, start by creating a detailed plan. Begin with decluttering your current home, packing essentials, and hiring a reliable moving service like Shiply shipping services to ensure your belongings are handled with care.
Planning ahead also gives you the opportunity to explore your new neighborhood, get acquainted with local amenities, and start building a sense of community before you even move in. Instead of viewing the move as a stressful event, consider it a fresh start—an opportunity to design a living space that reflects your current life stage and aspirations.
Starting a New Job: Embrace Growth and Opportunity
Losing a job is enough to give you an ulcer. Landing a new job is only slightly less stressful. Sure, it’s an exciting life change, but it often comes with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. However, the uncertainty of a new work environment, meeting new colleagues, and adjusting to different responsibilities can be intimidating. Thankfully, approaching the situation with confidence and an open mind can transform it into a rewarding experience.
To ease the transition, take the time to familiarize yourself with your new role, company culture, and team dynamics. Ask questions and seek out mentorship to help you settle into your position more comfortably. Every new job is a chance to grow professionally, learn new skills, and broaden your network. Instead of focusing on the unknown, embrace the opportunity to challenge yourself and advance your career.
Getting Married: Building a Life Together
Marriage is one of the most profound life changes a person can experience. While it marks the beginning of a lifelong partnership, it also requires a shift in mindset as you build a life together with your spouse. Navigating this change with confidence means prioritizing communication, mutual respect, and shared goals.
In the lead-up to the big day, it’s easy to get caught up in the details of wedding planning, but it’s equally important to focus on preparing for life after the ceremony. Discuss your future plans, financial expectations, and personal aspirations to ensure you’re on the same page. Building a strong foundation of trust and understanding will help you move through such a big life change with excitement and certainty, knowing that you and your partner are facing the future as a united team.
Welcoming a New Addition to the Family: Adapt with Joy
Whether you’re having your first child or expanding your family, welcoming a new addition brings immense joy and life changes. Along with the happiness, there’s a new set of responsibilities and adjustments to be made. To move through this change with confidence, preparation is key.
Establish routines that support your new family dynamic, while also making time for self-care and maintaining a healthy balance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends, and remember that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. Parenthood is a learning journey, as my daughter reminds me daily, and by approaching it with patience and flexibility, you can embrace the experience with confidence and joy.
Retiring: Embracing New Freedoms
I’m about 10 years from retirement, so I’m increasingly thinking about it. Retirement represents a major life transition that often comes with mixed emotions. While it offers the freedom to enjoy hobbies, travel, and spend more time with loved ones, it can also feel like a loss of identity for those who have spent decades in the workforce. To move into retirement with confidence, we must first redefine our sense of purpose.
Start by planning how you want to spend your newfound free time. Whether it’s pursuing a passion project, volunteering, or learning a new skill, staying active and engaged will keep you motivated and fulfilled. Additionally, having a solid financial plan in place will allow you to enjoy retirement without worrying about money, helping you fully embrace this exciting new chapter in life.
Navigating Unexpected Changes: Stay Resilient
Not all life changes are planned, and sometimes we are thrown into transitions without warning—such as health challenges, relationship changes, or the loss of a loved one. These unexpected shifts can be some of the most difficult to face, but resilience and self-compassion can help you navigate them with strength.
Take time to process your emotions, seek support from loved ones, and practice self-care as you adjust to your new circumstances. While these changes can feel overwhelming, they also offer opportunities for growth and reflection. Trust that you have the inner strength to adapt and move forward, even in the face of the unknown.
As for us writers, all I can suggest is to keep writing. If you’re anything like me, it helps us deal with everything life throws at us and keep our wits about us no matter what life throws at us!
I can certainly relate…my life has been like an escalator constantly on the move with the ups and downs that come with it. Being a naval brat living in three different countries before the age of 12, then 17 house moves in the last 44 years including six different countries. I would agree adabtability is key along with treating each change as an opportunity. The ups certainly far outweigh the downs and the main up is the people you meet on the way. xx
Well said, Sally! I love that thought – that the main up is the people we meet along the way 🙂
A wonderful post on life and all its situations Nicholas. It’s all in the way we handle things, one step at a time. Congrats to you for all your accomplishments in life. 🙂
One step at a time – that’s the secret! Thank you so much, Debbie 🙂
Absolute! 🙂
Well said and very timely considering the upheaval that’s going on in our country right now.
i. e. dream-protecting author. I like it!;)
Sandra
Thank you, Sandra! The idea behind my tag line was that writers can find here helpful writing and book marketing tips, thus protecting their dream of making a living writing 🙂
A thoughtful post, Nicholas. Now that I’m an Octogenarian I can identify with all of the life processes you have listed plus a few more. Your advice is solid and the younger folks ought to takes it to heart.
Thank you, John! I’m pleased that it all still rings true down the line 🙂
It does although most of the angst has been dissipated.
All excellent advice, Nicholas. We moved from our home of 37 years to a smaller place right in the middle of Covid. We spent the Covid confinement months cleaning out and packing up. I had a map of where everything we were keeping would go in the new house. Our moving company (my husband delivered the owner’s babies) kept our stuff while we had to stay in a hotel for 10 days before the new house was ready (our buyer wouldn’t give us any leeway) and even kept our refrigerators plugged in! Moving in day took about one hour. Everything in its place except for the stuff in the boxes. I was reminded of the seven Ps before we started the move!
Oh, wow – that has to be the best-organized move I’ve ever heard of!
A timely post, Nicholas, after the election in the US. Half of the Americans are traumatized and face a very scary future under a despotic fascist. The other half is elated, and will continue to feel righteous until they find out that his plans will effect for ALL of us, not just the people they hate. This is like living in a dystopian book. So your last bit of advice regarding staying resilient is especially important. 🙂
I know what you mean, believe me…
Everything you say is true, Nicholas. Change is a part of life and should be embraced.
I’ve done all the things you talk about above. I’ve moved 11 times if you count three moves as a student. Many of these were to a different part of the country, albeit with my husband, and later, family. I found it exciting to get to know a different part of the country and new people.
Changing jobs was more difficult as everyone knew each other, and greeted each other as friends, whereas I knew no one.
Retirement, I think is the biggest challenge for some people. They’ve worked hard all their lives and haven’t spent time finding something they enjoy doing, so they’re lost with nothing to do.
My dad was like that. Without a job, he was rudderless. He did find other things to occupy him, thank God, but it was a struggle at first.
Nice to see a new post from you, Nicholas. I can certainly relate to the stresses of marriage amd moving house. I have been married three times, and moved house more times than I care to remember. But as far as retirement is concerned, I really recommend it. Definitely the best thing I ever decided to do!
Best wishes as always, Pete.
Ay, caramba! You’ve been busy alright 😀