Adjusting to Change

The temperature in western Maryland changed very quickly last week. Last week, the temperature was in the 80’s one day, and it seems like the temperature dropped to the high 60’s/low 70’s the very next day. Although I like fall weather, I’m saddened to see summer leave as it’s my favorite season. Summer brings warmer weather and longer days. Fall, on the other hand, brings crisp weather and shorter daylight hours. I’m happier in the summer. Because of the drop in temperature, I had to adjust by putting away my shorts and t-shirts and bringing out sweaters and boots. 

I’ve also been thinking about another change: My children aren’t children anymore. 

This change wasn’t as sudden as the change in the temperature last week, but just like I had to adjust to the temperature, I must also adjust and adapt to this change as well. Last week, I posted on social media that parenting little children is easier than parenting adult children. For instance, you can grab little children by the hand when you cross the street and help them with their homework. When our children become adults, some parents are at a loss on how to deal with them.  

We have to adjust. 

Whether we’re adjusting to changes in temperature, the family dynamic, or any other change, we must adjust accordingly. Staying stuck – doing the same things, wearing the same things, or behaving as we did – isn’t going to cut it. We have to adjust and make concessions because if we don’t, we’ll be frustrated, sad, or left out in the cold (pun intended). 

As I stated in my previous post, change is inevitable, so it’s prudent for us to make necessary adjustments.  What kind of adjustments can we make? I’m glad you asked. 

Face reality 

Simply put, things may never return to how they were before the change. My children are grown. They won’t go back to being infants or adolescents. I must learn how to deal with them where they are now. 

Using fall weather as another example, if you live in Maryland, you know winter follows fall. Face the reality that change is here, and there’s nothing you can do about it but ride it out. 

Enjoy the present

I miss my children being little, but I also love my relationship with them as adults. I like talking with them and hearing their opinions/perspectives. I’m enjoying them where they are right now. I’m still their parent, but I hope I’m also their friend. 

Going back to my example about summer vs. fall. I can walk around in shorts and t-shirts or embrace the fall weather and enjoy my sweaters, thick socks, and flannel sheets. The choice is mine. 

Change your attitude

This adjustment ties into being present, but I wanted to ensure we briefly discuss the importance of having the right attitude. We can adjust to the changes with a bad or good attitude. Navigating change with a bad attitude will make the change seem to drag on, and you’ll be frustrated. However, we’ll see, feel, and expect good when we have a good attitude about change. So, no matter what change you’re experiencing, check your attitude. 

As I type this post, I was curious about the 10-day weather forecast:

Yep, pulling out my sweaters, boots, and jeans was a good idea. I don’t think I’ll see 80° or 90° weather until next year. Until then, I will have a good attitude about the fall and winter.

Maybe I’ll have a pumpkin spice latte!

 

 

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