Then there are those of us who don't like change, avoid it at all costs and do all we can to maintain the status quo. In fact we haven't even made resolutions because we like our life just the way it is. Whether you're actively seeking change or not, there will be some change in your life in 2011, it's unavoidable. “The only thing constant in life is change" so it only makes sense that we learn to accept it and embrace the new. With that in mind the question is, how do we learn to embrace change rather than resist it?

One of the foundations for embracing change is first altering our outlook. Our attitude defines how we perceive the landscape of our lives. This means we must commit to maintaining a positive mindset whatever occurs. One tool that's helpful in doing this is using positive affirmations; the act of declaring repeated positive statements in response to a current need or goal. Whether it is speaking to yourself or writing on post-it notes that you refer to during the day. Just try to focus on an empowering thought and your affirmations will influence your attitude for the better.

Admittedly maintaining a positive mindset is easier in theory than in practice. It's not easy to automatically have a positive attitude when dealing with changes that are traumatic, such as losing a loved one or a lengthy period of unemployment. It would be patronising to suggest that cloaking yourself in positivity or using affirmations will be able to numb the pain in such cases.

If the change is painful I advocate focusing on what you do have, rather than what you have lost. It won't necessarily make the change easier to accept or embrace, however it will mean you don't exclusively focus on the sadness.

Another facet of embracing change is learning to enjoy the journey and not become focused on our future destination.A lot of us have been spoiled by how quick and fast-paced everything is, but patience is always necessary. Ask yourself why you’re in a hurry? You shouldn’t expect to accomplish something or achieve success immediately. You’ll almost always have to work harder at the things you want and some of the hardest things are easier to achieve with patience.

Finally, learn to accept the challenge of embracing the newness around you, if simply for the fact that it allows growth and maturity. You’ll have a sort of personal empowerment knowing that you were able to accept and
deal with new beginnings, as it will definitely make you a stronger woman knowing you were able to live
and learn through it. So, no matter what changes are going on your life right now, play a part in making
them positive ones. Enjoy the excitement of all the possibilities coming your way. It’s out with the old, in
with the new!

With that said, I leave you with this quote by the late English poet Rainer Maria Rilke: “And now let us
welcome the New Year, full of things that have never been.”