Is it Time for a Change?

There is usually some catalyst or trigger event that sparks us to consider that
 it is time for a change.  Rarely does it come from our happy place, rather it comes from a place of pain.  We feel anxious, irritable, discontent or even bitter. Most of us ignore these signs until they become impossible to maneuver around.  


Here are some signs that it is time for a change

• You wake up with a sense of dread- this is a sure sign that something is not right.  While most of us don't leap out of bed doing the happy dance, dreading the day to come gives you information that it is time to develop a plan to change how your days are spent.
• You wake up tired-Happy isn't tired.  Waking up tired is a sign of feeling discontent. (When not associated with a sleep problem.) 
• You are chronically anxious-low levels of anxiety that do not seem to dissipate may plague you.  You may be waiting for "the other shoe to drop". 
• You compare yourself to others-comparison or even jealousy at how other people seem to have it together can be a sign that you feel stuck and discontent with your own life.  
• You are more irritable and easily annoyed-when the road you travel suddenly becomes filled with idiots who don't know how to drive, or the person you are having lunch with chews too loud it is time to pay attention.  What is this really about? 
• You are tired, but can't sleep-it is time to sleep and the switch goes off in your head speeding up your thoughts and running though lists of pending doom, resentments, mistakes and worry.  This can be a sign that something has to change.
• You are living in the past or the future-you may be hanging on waiting for better days or wishing days gone by could be again.  We all dream and reminisce; however, when the past or future take the place of living in now, it may be time to consider that something needs to change.
• You are bored by everything- this can be a sign of a pervasive discontent with your life. You may feel restless and antsy, but everything you think about doing seems like it is too much.
• You are more impulsive and less satisfied-your locus of control has shifted from internal to external.  You await your package from Amazon only to be let down. 

It is helpful to learn to check in with yourself.  Notice what parts of your life may need a change.  Change can be something major like a new career or something small like adding five minute meditation to your morning routine.  We tend to move toward change, past fear into something better when we recognize that we have choices and embrace the possibilities.

"The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance."  Nathaniel Branden

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